Minnesota Senate
| Minnesota Senate | |
|---|---|
| 89th Minnesota Legislature | |
| Coat of arms or logo | |
| Type | |
| Type |
Upper house of the Minnesota Legislature
|
|
Term limits
|
None |
| History | |
|
New session started
|
January 6, 2015 |
| Leadership | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 67 |
 |
|
|
Political groups
|
|
|
Length of term
|
4 years when elected in years ending in 2 and 6. 2 years when elected in years ending in 0. |
| Authority | Article IV, Minnesota Constitution |
| Salary | $31,140.90/year + per diem |
| Elections | |
| First-past-the-post | |
|
Last election
|
November 6, 2012 |
|
Next election
|
November 8, 2016 |
| Redistricting | Legislative control |
| Meeting place | |
| File:Minnesota State Senate.jpg | |
| Senate chamber Minnesota State Capitol Saint Paul, Minnesota |
|
| Website | |
| www |
|
The Minnesota Senate is the upper house of the Minnesota Legislature of the U.S. state of Minnesota. There are 67 members, half as many as the Minnesota House of Representatives. In terms of membership, it is the largest upper house of any U.S. state legislature. Floor sessions are held in the west wing of the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Due to the renovation process at the State Capitol, the Minnesota Senate will be holding floor sessions in the newly constructed Minnesota Senate Building across the street from the State Capitol for 2016.
Offices of members of the majority party are located in the Capitol and those of the minority party in the State Office Building, connected by tunnel just to the west of the Capitol. Senate committee meetings are held in the Capitol.
Contents
Powers
In addition to its legislative powers, certain appointments by the governor are subject to the Senate's advice and consent. Appointees may serve without being confirmed by the Senate, unless the Senate rejects the appointment.[1]
Elections
Each Senate district includes an A and B House district (e.g. Senate district 41 contains House districts 41A and 41B). The Minnesota Constitution forbids a House district to be within more than one Senate district.[2] Before the 1960s, senators were apportioned by county, resulting in the underrepresentation of those in cities. In order to account for decennial redistricting, members run for one two-year term and two four-year terms each decade. They are elected for four-year terms in years ending in 2 and 6, and for two-year terms in years ending in 0.[3] Districts are redrawn after the decennial United States Census in time for the primary and general elections in years ending in 2. The most recent election was held on November 6, 2012.
Leadership
From statehood through 1972, the lieutenant governor served as President of the Senate. In 1972, voters approved a constitutional amendment that provided for the Senate to elect its own president beginning January 1973.[4] The majority leader is responsible for managing and scheduling the business of the Senate.
Composition
- 89th Minnesota Legislature (2015–17)
| Party
(Shading indicates majority caucus)
|
Total | Vacant | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic–Farmer–Labor | Republican | |||
| End of the 87th Legislature | 29 | 37 | 66 | 1 |
| Begin 88th–89th Legislature | 39 | 28 | 67 | 0 |
| October 31, 2015[nb 1] | 39 | 27 | 66 | 1 |
| Latest voting share | 59.1% | 40.9% | ||
Members, 2013–17
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See also
Notes
- ↑ Branden Petersen (35) resigned.[5]
References
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External links
- Minnesota Senate official website
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