Special session talkPreviously, Gov. Tim Walz had floated the possibility of an Aug. 12 special session to extend the emergency, which would keep the National Guard available to help with fire suppression and emergency response. "I certainly will do everything I can to push for a special session, push for private relief, push for agency midterm support, and work on something during the regular session as well," Hauschild said. Like Hauschild, he said state agency funds could be used to aid businesses but added that the losses are big. But despite clear skies and good air in Ely, businesses say they're in a tough spot.