Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Neighbors, When I was sworn in as your State Representative, I took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the constitution of Minnesota, and to perform my duties to the best of my ability and judgment. This is a responsibility I take very seriously. Last Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in boycotting the opening session of the House to stop Republicans from grabbing power that the voters did not give them. The voters sent an evenly split legislature to St. Paul, but an open seat in a safe Democratic district has given the Republicans a temporary, one-seat advantage until a special election is held soon. During their temporary one-seat advantage, Republicans are going back on a power-sharing agreement they negotiated with Democrats for two months, and are trying to grab power for two years. Disturbingly, they will use this temporary power to kick out another Democratic legislator, Rep. Brad Tabke, whose election was upheld by a court. Our boycott meant there were not the 68 votes needed to allow the House to function. When the Republicans didn’t get what they wanted, they staged a coup. I don’t use the word “coup” lightly. Last Tuesday, after Secretary of State Steve Simon, the person appointed by law to start the session, declared no quorum was present and adjourned the House, Republicans pretended they could go ahead anyway. Minnesota law and our Constitution are clear that this was not legitimate. House Democrats and Secretary Simon have filed lawsuits against House Republicans, asking the Supreme Court to confirm that all of their actions are illegal. I refuse to participate in sham proceedings that violate the Minnesota Constitution. I also refuse to allow the will of Minnesota voters to be ignored. I want to work with House Republicans under a power-sharing agreement, which is what Minnesota voters expect from us. It’s time to work together, but to do that, Republicans must return to the negotiating table. We submitted a generous power-sharing offer to House Republicans last Monday, and Republicans refused to consider it. Working for Rochester Despite Republicans’ efforts to stall legitimate House business, I continue to work hard for Rochester. While we wait for Republicans to come back to the table, I’m working here in our district, meeting with other legislators, local leaders, and constituents. This week’s visits included the Olmsted Recycling Facility as it seeks state help to build and equip a Materials Recovery Facility; P-TECH, a pioneering education reform initiative created to prepare young people with the academic, technical, and professional skills required for high-wage, high-skill, and high-need regional careers; AARP members to discuss their legislative agenda and needs for Rochester and Minnesota; Olmsted County staff, and the Rochester Community Behavioral Health Hospital.  I’m also working with colleagues to prepare legislation for the biennium to ensure we can hit the ground running once a power-sharing agreement is worked out. My main priority is always serving my community. Please reach out if you have any questions or if I can be of service. Stay Connected Unfortunately, due to technological changes, replies to this newsletter will no longer reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please email me at Rep.Tina.Liebling@house.mn.gov or leave a message at 651-296-0573. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Krysta, at 651-296-7173 or via email at Krysta.Niedernhofer@house.mn.gov. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you. Warmly, Tina Liebling, State Representative |