Dear Neighbors,
I hope that you’re doing well, as winter is turning to spring.
In many ways, the legislative session is beginning in earnest this week. Republicans and Democrats are now sharing power, following a recent special election in Roseville that returned the House to a tie. More detail below. But first, an opportunity to gather and discuss the legislative session – and issues in Washington, DC too – is coming up this Saturday.
Chat with Dave – Saturday at 1:00pm
The next monthly “Chat with Dave” will occur this coming Saturday, March 22, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at Gloria Dei Church on Snelling. This is an informal chance for constituents to discuss the issues important to them. Please join us!
Power-Sharing in the House
For the first month of the session, Republicans held a 67-66 plurality in the Minnesota House. During this time, they pushed a series of divisive bills for floor votes. Among other bills (see two more below), these included attacks on reproductive rights and an attempt to relitigate Minnesota’s COVID response (and make it harder to respond to future pandemics). I’m glad to report that, with at least 68 votes required for final passage, each of these bills went down to defeat.
Even better, yesterday the new representative from Roseville was sworn in, and the House entered a 67-67 tie. The previously negotiated power-sharing agreement will now be in effect for the remainder of the 2025-2026 term. Among other things, this means that almost all House committees are now co-chaired by Democrats and Republicans, with an equal number of members from both parties. The only exception is the Fraud Prevention and Agency Oversight Committee, which will continue to have a Republican chair and majority. Bipartisan support will be required both to bring bills to the House floor and on all conference committees.
Under the agreement, I now serve as co-chair of the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development committee, as well as DFL lead on the Fraud Prevention committee mentioned above. I also continue to serve on the Public Safety and Ways & Means committees. More information on committee membership and schedules is at www.house.mn.gov/committees.
De-Escalating “Shoot First” Violence
Current law on self-defense requires people to avoid danger before using force if it’s reasonable to do so. One of the bills advanced by the temporary Republican plurality was one which would have eliminated this requirement – encouraging the dangerous escalation of violence. I spoke against this bill in committee, at a press conference, and on the House floor; you can see excerpts of my remarks here and read a press release on the bill here.
By contrast with the “Shoot First” bill, note that last term, Democrats took significant action on gun violence, including the law that I wrote to require criminal background checks, as well as the creation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These policies are already making a difference.
Photo credit: House Photography
Letting Kids Play Sports
A second bill which the temporary Republican plurality brought to the House floor would have taken away the authority of the Minnesota State High School League to oversee youth sports – in particular requiring the League to block kids from playing on the team that matches their gender identity. All young people deserve to live as their authentic selves, free from bullying and discrimination - including a chance to play the sports they love. I’m glad to report that this bullying of kids also went down to defeat. I share more thoughts in a video here.
Holding Strong for Dignity in Work
No one should have to choose between their job and their health, or between their job and bonding with a newborn, taking care of a loved one, or taking time to recover from a major illness. As co-lead for the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee, I’m playing an especially big role defending Earned Sick & Safe Time and Paid Family & Medical Leave, two programs that passed last term and represent major steps forward for workers in our state. A variety of Republican bills would gut, delay, or even repeal these programs. In recent weeks, I’ve spoken in a variety of settings about them, including in committee, at after hearings, at a press conference and in an extended interview on MPR.
Photo credit: House Photography
Federal Update & Local Impacts
Like so many constituents, I remain deeply concerned by the chaos and cruelty coming from the Trump administration. Instead of addressing economic concerns, Trump and Republicans in Congress are on the verge of enacting a sweeping tax cut for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, paid for by slashing federal investments in health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
All of this will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget. As of late last year, the state budget forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus over the current two-year budget, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming biennium, and our highest budget reserve fund ever–all due to responsible DFL governance. But a new state economic forecast shows a smaller projected balance. This budget session, we will need to be laser-focused on a state budget on helping working and middle-class Minnesotans.
Several weeks ago, I spoke at the State Capitol before a rally against what we are seeing in Washington. It was a cold day but a fired-up crowd that will continue to demand action.
One of the many consequences of the Trump administration has been the layoff of many federal workers and the loss of the critical services they provide. In Minnesota, these services include work in agriculture, veterans services, health, and so much more. The state Department of Employment & Economic Development – which I oversee in my committee cochair role – recently released a new resource for federal workers who may be looking for jobs in state government. Check it out here.
Price Transparency
A constituent wrote in with frustration about hidden and costly fees on restaurant orders and at other businesses. I was glad to let him know that last term, the DFL House and Senate and Governor Walz passed a law for that! The Price Transparency Act took effect on January 1. Click here for a terrific guide on the new law from the office of Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Pre-Weatherization Assistance
The change of seasons is a good reminder to check out an opportunity to save energy and money too. The Home Energy Squad – available to CenterPoint or Xcel Energy customers – offers home visits where you’ll get low-cost energy-saving solutions. During the visit (about two hours), the Squad will perform various energy-saving tests, inspect your insulation, heating and cooling systems, and water heater. Learn more here.
REAL ID Starting in May
A heads-up that, beginning May 7, Minnesota aged 18 and older will not be able to use a standard driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights of enter certain federal facilities. Instead, they’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, Enhanced license or ID, or other federally-approved form of ID (such as a passport). Full information is at the Driver Vehicle Services’ website here.
Events this session are moving especially quickly. The best way to reach me is generally via email. You can also contact my legislative assistant Carl, at carl.kaase@house.mn.gov or (651) 297-8387.
Thank you for the honor of serving our community,
Legislative website:
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b
Follow on Facebook:
facebook.com/repdavepinto
Email updates:
Click to subscribe