Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Caucus (DFL)
The DFL Senate Caucus consists of elected legislative members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) Party.
Legislative Role
The Senate DFL Caucus represents Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party views on Minnesota legislative policy.
Functions and Services
The Senate DFL offices oversee daily tasks performed by internal Senate offices, including operation of the Senate parliamentary procedures during each legislative session as well as production of legislative and other documents. Research, media announcements, and communications with Senators' constituents are provided by the caucus offices.
Key Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| DFL Caucus Senators | View the list of Senators that are members of or caucus with the DFL Caucus |
| Leadership | View the list of leadership positions. |
Timeline/Calendar Highlights
| Date timeline | Description |
|---|---|
| July 1 | State fiscal year begins each year, and in odd-numbered years, state fiscal biennium begins. |
| July through December | Groundwork is laid for upcoming legislative session. Ongoing budget activity, budget-related events, trends, and issues are analyzed for their fiscal policy implications. Budget divisions, committees, and legislative commissions hold special meetings to examine pending issues. |
| End of November | Department of Finance issues November Forecast of state revenues and expenditures. |
| January or February | Legislature convenes, begins official budget hearings and committee hearings to discuss pertinent issues and bills. Staff drafts bills and amendments upon request of Senators. |
| Fourth Tuesday in January in odd-numbered years, or third Tuesday in February, if a new governor has just been elected | Governor issues detailed budget for following biennium. |
| Mid February | Governor issues detailed budget and policy bills for the next biennium. |
| End of February | Department of Finance issues February Forecast of state revenues and expenditures. |
| March through May | Legislature finishes committee and budget hearings, bills are debated and voted on in floor sessions, and conference committees meet to finalize bills. Governor signs or vetoes legislation. |
| Monday following third Saturday in May | Constitution mandates end of regular session. |