ST. PAUL – For weeks, Minnesota House Democrats have failed to show up to work in St. Paul while still collecting their legislative paychecks. Because of this, the Minnesota Supreme Court has said the Minnesota House of Representatives cannot conduct legislative business, meaning the state is dealing with a Democrat shutdown.
State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) said the people deserve better.
“It’s unfortunate that half of Minnesota does not currently have representation in the Minnesota House,” Davids said. “I strongly encourage House Democrats to come to work.”
Davids said he and all other House Republicans have, as the public expects, showed up for work since session began on January 14.
House Democrats have boycotted the House, as they refuse to operate under a Republican majority. The Minnesota Supreme Court recently ruled 68 members must be present in order to officially hold session and committee hearings, and Republicans only have 67 members. With this Democrat shutdown, all floor sessions, committee hearings, and even bill introductions cannot happen.
Davids said House Republicans will continue showing up every day for work, and hopes his Democrat colleagues will soon follow suit.
“This is a budget year, and we need every day possible to ensure Minnesotans can keep more of their hard-earned money and are stopping the rampant fraud taking place within state government,” Davids said. “It would be nice if the Democrats showed up, as we have plenty to do.”
House Democrats have indicated they could continue their shutdown of the Minnesota House until mid-March.
Rep. Davids invites constituents to subscribe to his email update, where he will periodically share updates on the situation at the State Capitol. To sign up, visit www.house.mn.gov/members/list, click on Greg Davids, and then click on the “Email Updates” section.