Dear Neighbors, Since my last newsletter, House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman announced a bipartisan power-sharing agreement that allowed the Minnesota House to begin lawfully conducting business last week. I am happy to share that we fought to protect the will of the voters, and we succeeded. Democrats secured the power-sharing agreement we sought, and assurances that Representative Brad Tabke will be seated and will serve the term to which he was elected. Under the agreement, Republicans will control House Committees while they have a 67-66 advantage. They will both chair the committees and have a one-seat voting advantage. If the House returns to a 67-67 tie after a special election in Roseville, committees will be co-chaired by Democrats and Republicans and there will be an equal number of Democrats and Republicans on each committee. At that point, a bipartisan vote will be required to advance a bill out of committee. As per the Minnesota Constitution, passing any bill, including the budget, will take at least 68 votes. Full details of the agreement are available here. Had Democrats previously gone to the Capitol without a power sharing agreement in place, Republicans would have kicked out Rep. Tabke, usurping the election in Shakopee. They would also have seized control of the chamber for two years, even when we return to a tie. Minnesotans delivered a tied House on Election Night, and this power sharing agreement allows us to govern in a way that reflects that outcome. This year, I will be serving on the Transportation Finance and Policy, Ways and Means, and the Rules and Legislative Administration Committees. Upon the chamber being tied again, I will be the DFL Chair of Transportation. I’m excited to work together to deliver on the top issues facing Minnesotans like affordable housing, education, healthcare, quality transportation, and more.  Keep in TouchYou can contact me at rep.erin.koegel@house.mn.gov or (651) 296-5369. You can follow me on Facebook as well. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Erin Koegel State Representative |