On Wednesday, Governor Walz extended the peacetime state of emergency powers for another 30 days, which brought the legislature back into special session for a third time this year. No action on capital investment or tax bills was expected during the one-day session as the state is currently in a blackout period while they sell state bonds. Even though the House and Senate are at odds over peacetime emergency powers, they negotiated and passed a bill to allocate $20 million in coronavirus relief funds to disability services providers.

After passing the bill and the House adjourning, the Senate took up the confirmation of the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Commissioner Nancy Leppink and voted 34-32 along party lines to deny her confirmation. Confirming the governor's commissioner appointments is left to the Senate, but it is a rare event to deny such confirmations. Senate Republicans have expressed frustration over the governor's emergency orders and this action is largely seen as a shot across the bow. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) commented there will be informational hearings held regarding other commissioner confirmations soon. While the current situation does not help future negotiations, AGC and many other advocates remain steadfast in communicating and insisting that the legislature pass a robust bonding this year.