In response, Governor Walz’s office defended the decision, stating that the hearing was politically charged and required preparation beyond routine legal counsel. His staff argued that the hearing itself did not produce new findings and characterized it as a challenging environment for state representatives.
Minnesota is not alone in navigating the costs of legal preparation for congressional hearings. Earlier this year, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu approved up to $650,000 in similar legal expenses, while Denver’s mayoral office reportedly spent around $250,000. These comparisons have fueled broader discussions about how government offices use taxpayer resources for legal support during federal proceedings.
As a result, some Minnesota lawmakers are now considering proposals that would limit the use of outside counsel in such situations, particularly when public funding is involved. The goal, they say, is to create clearer guidelines around when and how external legal services should be used in the interest of transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Governor Walz has stood by the decision, emphasizing that it was made with the intent to protect the state’s interests during a complex and high-profile hearing. As public conversation continues, the issue highlights the ongoing balance between effective governance and responsible spending.