Key Cook County bills remain in limbo as legislature adjourns
The regular 2025 Minnesota legislative session adjourned Monday, but much of the budget remains unfinished. As the government continues to work and the state awaits a special session, the fate of crucial bills for Cook County schools, hospitals, and taxes remains uncertain.
Some of these initiatives are still alive in omnibus bills that have yet to be voted on. Senator Grant Hauschild’s seasonal recreation tax bill is currently part of the Senate Tax Omnibus bill.
Superintendent Chris Lindholm wrote a letter in support of the bill this March. If passed, it would lower residents’ property taxes by increasing state funding for the school district.
“Whether that makes it across the finish line, we will see in the special session. But I’m optimistic,” Lindholm told WTIP.
A different bill that would provide the school district with sales tax reimbursement for materials purchased to complete the bond referendum was removed during budget negotiations.
A third piece of legislation appropriated additional unemployment aid for school part-time workers for 2026 and 2027. That funding is currently in the E-12 Education Finance Budget Omnibus bill, which has not been passed.
North Shore Health is also awaiting the fate of its Swing Bed Legislation bill. CEO Kimber Wraalstad traveled to the Capitol to lobby for the bill earlier this year, appearing with Hauschild before the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee.
The legislation is currently in the Health and Human Services Budget and Policy Omnibus. Wraalstad emphasized its importance due to the uncertainty of public health funding cuts expected in the upcoming budget.
“It’s in as good of a place as it can be,” Wraalstad told WTIP. “I’m cautiously optimistic.”
Josh Hinke May 25, 2025
