Dear Neighbors, As we prepare for the coming legislative session, I want to give you an update about the important work ahead. You may have heard about the potential for a bumpy start to the 2025 legislative session. I wanted to take the time to explain the situation and why my DFL colleagues and I are working to protect our democracy, the will of the voters, and work to build a future where everyone can get ahead – not just the wealthy and powerful. This past election, Minnesotans voted for equal numbers of Democratic and Republican state representatives. While I would prefer we continued to be in the majority, this is an opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to show Minnesotans that we can govern together and make progress to improve the lives of Minnesotans. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have walked away from negotiations about how we can co-govern and are now attempting an illegitimate power grab that could have significant consequences – for our democracy and for Minnesota families. During a January 6 press conference, Republicans confirmed they plan to use a two-week, one-seat advantage to seize control of the House for the next two years. They would remove Democrats from committees and use this force to push an agenda that rolls back progress we’ve made for working families and our community. They are attempting to take away our voice and our ability to advocate together for our values. Republicans also made clear that they would take power outside of the democratic process and use their temporary one-vote advantage to unseat Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee, a duly elected DFL state representative, and order a special election regardless of the fact he won. This would, in effect, disenfranchise 21,980 voters who cast their ballots in the November election. This is a brazen attack on our democracy, one that has never been done in Minnesota history. It's not lost on me that this power grab is occurring just as Donald Trump is about to assume the Presidency. We must be resolute in our efforts to push back against the forces that seek to hoard control for the wealthy and powerful while demonizing and harming working families, especially our immigrant, LGBTQ+, and disability community. I hope we can reach an agreement to co-govern equally with Republicans – as voters delivered this election. However, if Republicans attempt their power grab, I will join my DFL colleagues in a pledge to deny quorum by not attending floor sessions. I’m not encouraging DFL-majority rule - that also wasn’t the will of the people. Rather, I am calling on my Republican colleagues to join us and govern together. It's time to stand together with Minnesota voters, for the rule of law, and for a better future for all of us. To state the obvious, this is a unique and unprecedented start to our session. Please reach out to me with any questions you have – I would be happy to connect. It is an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House. I remain hopeful and committed to the kind of future we can build together. Taking On Price FixingThe sooner Republicans come back to the negotiating table, the sooner we can get to the work of delivering for Minnesotans - top of mind for me is legislation to ban price fixing by algorithm. Minnesotans are already paying too much in rent, yet the largest landlords in the country, including here in Minnesota, are illegally conspiring by using price fixing algorithms to jack up your rent even further. This is unfettered corporate greed and must be stopped. I am glad that the DOJ and our Attorney General is taking action, but we can't stop there.
I spoke with Fox 9 about my plans to address the issue this session, which you can watch here. |