Draheim to serve as co-chair of Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee; invites constituents to stay in touch as 2025 session begins

Minnesota State Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) returned to the capitol on January 14 for the beginning of the 2025 session of the Minnesota Legislature. The Senate begins in a 33-33 tie, as leaders from the Senate Republicans and Democrats announced a power-sharing agreement that will allow the Senate to govern as long as the Senate remains tied.

“I think what I love most about being back at the Capitol is getting to work on real problems that affect real people in our district,” Senator Draheim said. “The job is pretty straightforward: put Minnesotans first by making sure your voice gets heard in everything we do. But I need your help with that. Drop me a line, send an email, give us a call. Tell me what’s working and what isn’t in your community. The more I hear from you, the better I can serve you.”

The top issue for the legislature is the construction of a new state budget. After Democrats used their one-party control in 2023 and 2024 to raise spending by 40%, spend the entirety of the $19 billion surplus, and raise another $10 billion taxes, a report issued by the office of Minnesota Management and Budget last December projected a looming $5.1 billion deficit.

Under the terms of the power-sharing agreement, Senator Draheim will serve as the co-chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee and the vice-chair of the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee. In addition, he will be a member of the Finance and Human Services Committees.

“This equal power agreement marks a fresh start for the Minnesota Senate after last session’s ugly, hyper-partisan, and chaotic ending. While I’m encouraged by this step toward bipartisanship, I still have serious concerns. Democrat Senator Nicole Mitchell’s pending felony case continues to raise questions about the integrity and legitimacy of her votes. And recent actions by House Democrats – from an illegal and unprecedented private swearing-in ceremony to the entire Democrat caucus promising to stay home while collecting paychecks – are deeply troubling. They are inching us toward a constitutional crisis.

“The Senate took an important step forward with this agreement. It shows what we can accomplish when put Minnesotans first. But rebuilding trust after the behavior we experienced last year takes time, and I hope this spirit of bipartisanship can last as we tackle Minnesota’s challenges.”

Key items in the power-sharing agreement include:

• Each caucus leader will appoint a co-presiding officer; caucus leaders will agree who will convene each day.
• Each committee has joint chairs, with gavel sharing determined by the chairs.
• Equal representation of DFL and GOP members on committees.
• No changes to Senate rules through 2025.
• Agreement is in place until there are 34 votes to end the agreement.

Contact information

Constituents are encouraged to contact Senator Draheim with any questions, concerns, or feedback:

Email: sen.rich.draheim@mnsenate.gov

Phone: 651-296-5558