Dear Neighbors,
As you may know, the house is in a historic conflict that is quite complicated and involves various rules and statutes that are convoluted. Put simply, the House Republicans are using a temporary one vote advantage (not a majority) to try to unseat a fairly elected DFL Representative, despite a district court ruling that he won unequivocally. This is an unacceptable attempt to grab power and overturn the will of the voters. That is why I – along with my DFL colleagues – have chosen to deny quorum (a term which means the amount of legislators needed to govern legitimately,) until the GOP agrees to seat our duly elected colleague and govern with equal power, as is right in a soon to be tied House after the special election in 40B.
The Minnesota Supreme Court will make a conclusive decision on this situation next week, setting the record straight and clearing the way for a fair, legal, and binding power-sharing agreement between the two parties. I look forward to getting to work with an equal power-sharing agreement as I’ve worked well with my GOP Co-Chair Rep. Joe Schomacker in the past. When all of this is said and done I know we’ll be able to work with one another to craft a Human Services budget that benefits Minnesotans.
In the meantime, I am hard at work representing you and our community. The work of a legislator goes beyond the bounds of the Capitol and it is my job to represent you no matter the circumstances.
Last week, the first building within the Seward Towers announced the complete installation of fire sprinklers using funds allocated by a bill I authored. The residents of Seward Towers can now rest easier knowing they have necessary protection against fires. This legislation will save lives and prevent future tragedies. I would like to give a special thank you to the late Senator Kari Dziedzic. She played a critical role in passing this life saving legislation. This is just one more example of her selfless career which has improved the lives of so many.
This action was spurred by the tragic fire at a Minneapolis public housing location, 25-story Cedar-Riverside in November 2019 where five residents died. According to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the five people who died in the fire could have been saved if the high-rise building had fire sprinklers installed.
I Had a productive meeting with Senate, House, and Governor staff and legislators to discuss the Governor's proposed budget. I'll continue to work on this to ensure we have a budget which prioritizes working Minnesotans.
It was great to meet with the DFL portion of the Human Services Committee. I am eager to get to work this session to ensure all Minnesotans receive the quality services they need to thrive.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions or comments on our work, now is a great time to touch base! Please feel free to contact my office at (651) 296-4257 or rep.mohamud.noor@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mohamud Noor
State Representative
District 60