The Minnesota Legislature has 201 members and consists of two bodies: a Senate and a House of Representatives. The State of Minnesota is divided into 67 legislative districts; voters elect one senator from each of those districts. Each Senate district is divided into two sections. Voters elect one House member, or representative, from each section, making a total of 134 representatives. Senators are elected for four-year terms and representatives are elected for two-year terms. However, in election years ending in zero, such as 2000 or 1990, Senators serve for a two-year term in order to provide for the redistricting process. Redistricting, the changing of district boundaries, is done in conjunction with the United States Census.
The legislature is responsible for enacting and revising laws for the State of Minnesota. Legislators work on state issues, such as funding the elementary and secondary education system, setting state tax policy, and funding state human service programs.
More information:
- About the legislature - Explains the structure and function of the legislature in more depth.
Capitol Steps: From Idea to Law - A publication produced by the House of Representatives Public Information Office that explains how bills become laws.
- State lawmakers (pdf file) - Featuring information on the members of the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate and how the districts that they represent are put together .
- State legislative information (pdf file) - Featuring useful information about the Legislature -- specifically how to find information, follow legislation, and be involved in the lawmaking process. This piece includes useful tips on contacting legislators by phone or mail when people are concerned about a particular issue or bill.
- Who Represents Me? - Find your state legislators as well as Congress members.
- Minnesota House of Representatives government quiz - Take a quiz about the legislature.
- State legislative branch employment and budget - Information on legislative salaries, departments, and current appropriations, from House Research.
- Historical information about the Minnesota Legislature - Information about leadership, party control, sessions, special elections, and more, compiled by the Legislative Reference Library
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