2022 Legislative Opening Day + dessert bars SWEET!

Sen. Warren Limmer, right, greets Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan who brought lemon and scotcharoo bars to the Senate Chamber doorway to share a taste treat with Senators on the opening day of the 2022 legislative session. Gov. Walz and Lt Gov. Flanagan then made their way to the House Chamber where Representatives could enjoy a dessert bar.

Senate Minority Leader Melissa Lopez Franzen and members of the DFL Caucus present their roadmap of priorities for this session during a news conference on the opening day of the 2022 session.

DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin defended the party allowing ineligible voters to participate in DFL caucuses. The state appeals court ruled that the law that prohibits felons serving probation and noncitizens is not enforceable for caucuses that are organized by parties and not the state.

Jessica Cavazos wears an ERA Yes shirt as she takes part in a rally in the Capitol Rotunda for the Equal Rights Amendment.

Participants for the Equal Rights Amendment hang a copy of the Constitution from the second floor during a ERA YES rally in the Capitol Rotunda.

Sen. David Tomassoni, who suffers from ALS, is helped to his desk in the Senate Chamber by his two sons Dante, left, and Dan, right on the opening day of the 2022 legislative session.

Sen. David Tomassoni, who suffers from ALS, receives a standing ovation from members and staff after being helped to his chamber desk by his two sons Dante, left, and Dan, right, on the opening day of the 2022 legislative session.

Sen David J. Osmek is sworn in as President of the Senate by Supreme Court Justice G. Barry Anderson on the opening day of session.

Lobbyists around the rotunda reached out to Sen. David Tomassoni, who suffers from ALS, as he and his two sons Dante and Dan make their way back to his Capitol office. The rotunda held a rally and areas around the House and Senate Chambers were filled with lobbyists giving the Capitol the appearance of a normal opening day of the 2022 legislative session.

The House Chamber was mostly filled with mask wearing members during the opening day of the 2022 legislative session.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler meet the press after their floor session on the opening day of the 2022 legislative session.