Minnesota state lawmakers started their 2020 special session on Friday and are continuing this week with the Senate expected to adjourn this Friday. Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Associate Public Policy Director Josie Lonetti says on Friday, legislators approved some small business relief programs that will be helpful for farmers and ranchers as well as non agriculture interests.

She says her group is hoping legislators will follow through this week and pass tax legislation for section 179 conformity with federal legislation.

Lonetti says there’s been no tax increases proposed to deal with the state’s current $2 and a half billion dollar deficit. She’s hopeful lawmakers will approve some measures to tighten the budget going forward.

Lonetti says the House may stay in session past this Friday to deal with police reform legislation.