Greetings,
There is significant news to report from the Capitol, as all House lawmakers showed up for the first time this year.
HOUSE DEMOCRATS END THEIR BOYCOTT
Following a 24-day standoff, we welcomed House Democrats back to work yesterday as the House officially organized. A compromise was reached on how the 2025 and 2026 sessions will operate, and all litigation involving House Republicans and Democrats has been resolved.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA’S SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
As part of the negotiation, our own area’s representative, Lisa Demuth, officially became Speaker of the House yesterday. She will hold the position for both years of the biennium.
NEW FRAUD COMMITTEE NOW IN PLACE
The agreement also includes the creation of a House committee that will investigate fraud and hold people accountable. Republicans will hold a majority on this committee for the next two years and will have subpoena power which will require individuals to testify. It will also be the first House committee to hold a hearing this year, an important and symbolic measure that hopefully shows the taxpayers how committed we are to holding fraudsters accountable for their actions.
MOVING FORWARD
It’s disappointing that we lost more than three weeks of precious legislative time. That said, I am committed to doing the work of the people, and we are moving forward. Bills will now be rapidly introduced in the House, and our committees will soon be in full swing. A state budget must be set by mid-May. It’s time to get to work.
LOCAL VISITORS
While in St. Paul this week, I had the opportunity to meet with the following people and groups:
- Greg Gack, CEO of the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA
- Minnesota Secure Choice Retirement Board
- Alliance of Automotive Service Providers
- Coalition of Greater MN Cities
- DailyPay
- Dairy farmers
- Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers
- State Auditor’s Office
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
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