Greetings,
House Democrats are boycotting session because they do not want to operate under a House majority, which means we are unable to conduct any legislative business. House Republicans have been here since session began on January 14, ready and willing to work on behalf of the people. But last week the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that 68 members must be present in order to officially hold session and committee hearings, and Republicans only have 67 members.
JAN. 31, 2025: STILL NO HOUSE DEMOCRATS REPORTING FOR WORK
Weeks ago, House Democrats said they would hold out until January 28. We’re now past their announced starting point and they still have not joined us to do the people’s business. House Democrats are now saying they may hold out until mid-March until after a special election is held for the House seat where the Democrat candidate was caught cheating and eventually resigned. They believe they will win that seat and are holding out to try and grab power.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS READY TO GO
My Republican colleagues and I have been in St. Paul since “Opening Day,” January 14, ready to do the people’s business. Personally, I’ve used the time to work on local bills for Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Holdingford. As chair of the House Commerce Committee, I’m also reviewing commerce laws that need to be cleaned up this year, meeting with people, and beginning to craft bills. Once the Democrats return, we’ll be able to organize, introduce legislation, hold committee hearings and floor sessions, and take care of the people’s business.
There are high stakes with this Democrat holdout as this is a budget year, and state spending must be approved before session is constitutionally required to adjourn on May 19.
THE GROWING LIST OF GOVERNMENT FRAUD
This week, we learned that the Department of Human Services has 62 active investigations into childcare facilities in the Child Care Assistance Program across the state. Some of the violations include having no records for children. Once again, it appears tax dollars are being stolen. Over the past few years, more than $1 billion has been fraudulently taken from taxpayers in the State of Minnesota.
This is why House Republicans support the creation of a “super committee” that is tasked with rooting out fraud and holding people accountable. This committee would also have the rare ability to subpoena individuals and require them to testify.
It cannot be argued that we have a fraud problem in this state, and that means people who are likely in need of this taxpayer funding are not receiving it because fraudsters are stealing it.
LOCAL VISITORS
While in St. Paul this week, I had the opportunity to meet with the following groups:
- Minnesota Townships Association
- American Bikers for Awareness, Training and Education (ABATE)
- Metal workers
- Officials who will have business before the House Commerce Committee this year
Thanks for stopping by!
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov. or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim