From the outset, my DFL colleagues and I stood firm on two immovable positions: - DFL State Rep. Brad Tabke must be allowed to serve. He had won a very close election in Shakopee that was upheld in a recount and by the courts. House Republicans wanted to kick him out just because it’d give them a better shot at winning that seat.
- In the likely event that the March special election in Roseville returns the House to a tie, then we should govern the House as such - with co-chairs and balanced membership on our committees.
I’m excited to share that both of these positions were adopted in our power-sharing agreement. As part of the deal, Republican Lisa Demuth will serve as Speaker of the House for the next two years, with checks and balances on her power put in place. Republicans will also chair committees until the tie is reached - though DFL support is still required to pass any bill. This also means that for the next few weeks, I will serve as the DFL Lead on the House Capital Investment Committee. I will become the DFL Co-Chair once we are back to a tie. As is the case with any compromise, no side is completely happy, but this is a good deal that will turn the page on the last few weeks and move us forward in working for our community, and our state. I want to thank the community leaders, advocates, and organizations that worked with me in Minneapolis and around the state these last few weeks to ensure that we can hit the ground running in the Minnesota House. Also, a quick reminder about next week’s Town Hall on Tuesday! |