 Dear friends, I wanted to give you an update on where the Minnesota House stands. This week, as negotiations between DFL and Republican leaders over control of the Minnesota House continue, I have been focused on work in our district. I have been meeting with local officials, talking with constituents, and drafting legislation. I am hoping, however, that the current standoff will soon come to an end so that committee work can begin in earnest at the Capitol. As a reminder, the Minnesota House is currently paralyzed due to disputes over an election in Shakopee and how the House should function when there is an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. The Republican Leader, Lisa Demuth, has said she would overturn the election of Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) despite the fact that he received more votes than his opponent and a court found that he won his election and should be seated. Demuth has also taken the position that Republicans should have complete control of the Minnesota House for the next two years, even if an upcoming special election results in an equal number of Democrats and Republicans in the House. For the first two weeks of session, Democrats blocked proceedings in the House in order to prevent Demuth and her colleagues from overturning Rep. Tabke’s election. Demuth attempted to work around Democrats by unilaterally seizing power. Last week, The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Demuth’s actions were unconstitutional. Since that ruling, DeMuth and DFL Leader Melissa Hortman have been attempting to reach a negotiated solution. I have been speaking with my colleagues, both Republican and DFL, in an attempt to encourage compromise and resolution. To this point, however, Demuth has been unwilling to commit to respecting the will of the voters in Shakopee (affirmed by a court decision). Until that happens, any additional progress in the House is not possible. We cannot allow any election to be overturned simply to allow one party to seize power. DFL Leader Hortman has made an offer to Republican Leader Demuth that I think is very reasonable. Under the terms of this offer, Rep. Tabke’s election would not be overturned. Republicans would control the House for the next several weeks as we await a special election in Roseville to fill a vacant seat. Should a Democrat win that election (which would cause the House to be tied 67-67), the two parties would co-govern. You can read the full offer from Leader Hortman here, and you can read the letter she sent along with the offer here. I know that many of you are frustrated by the stalemate at the Legislature. I am also frustrated. But there is still plenty of time for the parties to work together and have a successful 2025 session. I remain committed to working with anyone to find reasonable solutions to the problems facing Minnesota. Other UpdatesThis week, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a settlement with Novo Nordisk, securing insulin products for $35 per month for the next five years from the manufacturer - regardless of whether the Minnesotan has insurance. We’ve been seeing a lot of troubling headlines recently, but this is great news and builds on our work like the new law capping co-pays on insulin and the cost of supplies, as well as the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act and Minnesota’s Insulin Safety Net Program. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5513. It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Anoka families in St. Paul. Sincerely, Rep. Zack Stephenson Minnesota House of Representatives |