The House and Senate offices were closed yesterday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

While many committees are focused on department and stakeholder overviews, as can be expected in the first month of the biennium, legislators have jumped in quickly to begin addressing major legislative issues in the first two weeks. Governor Dayton has signed the federal tax conformity bill.

Meanwhile, the Senate passed their version of a health care premium relief and reform bill on Thursday with the House expected to follow this week. With the urgent issues of tax conformity and premium relief now beyond initial committee process, we can expect both bodies to turn their attention toward developing the state’s two year budget. Despite the shortened week, several committees will also be tackling high-profile issues like the teacher licensure process, Sunday liquor sales, REAL ID, and the governor’s bonding proposal.