Legislative Update - Protecting Our Progress and Respecting Our Voters

Dear Neighbors,

I’m so incredibly proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish together these last few years, whether that’s a generational investment in education, historic funding to address Minnesota’s housing crisis, or the steps we’ve taken to protect the rights of people that are too often overlooked - our Indigenous neighbors, LGBTQ+ Minnesotans, or the tireless working families that are the heartbeat of our state. These are the people I think about most in my work, and these are the folks I continue to fight for.

We’re in a unique situation in the Minnesota House right now, one where I’ve found myself in Moorhead more than I usually would this time of year. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using this time to take meetings with organizations, institutions, and leaders in Moorhead and throughout the state. So far that’s included visiting college campuses like MSUM, M State Fergus Falls, and the Red Lake Tribal College to talk to students and staff. I discussed the work we’ve done and still need to do in healthcare with Red River Women’s Clinic and the Indian health Board. I went over the needs of our city with Mayor Shelly Carlson and Downtown Moorhead Inc. I’ve gone over what budget cuts would mean for the folks in disability services at CCRI Moorhead, or how important easy access to cancer screenings is to the Moorhead Firefighters Union.

But why am I in Moorhead? Despite the fact that the voters delivered a tied Minnesota House of Representatives, a special election in Roseville resulted in House Republicans leaving the negotiating table and attempting to govern the Minnesota House on their own. In the meantime, my DFL colleagues and I are using the legislative tactic of denying quorum - essentially, we won’t be back at the State Capitol to provide legitimacy to House Republicans until a bipartisan power-sharing agreement is reached.

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that this attempt by House Republicans to govern on their own was unconstitutional, providing clarity to what many of us have known since November: We need to work together to get anything done.

An easy way for us to start working together would be for Republicans to respect the will of the voters. That includes seating Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee - who Republicans say they will kick out despite an election, recount, and court case saying he won. It’s true that Rep. Tabke won a very close election, but we’re no strangers to close elections in our community, especially for our Senate seat. I refuse to set a precedent where just because someone won a close election, politicians in St. Paul feel like they can throw out those votes and give it another go. I would do everything in my power to protect your vote, which is why I’m doing the same for Shakopee.

To say this is a frustrating situation would be an understatement. While I hold out hope for a bipartisan deal to be reached soon, I’ll continue to do my work the best I can. The unacceptable alternative is a Minnesota House of Representatives where elections don’t matter and it’s more difficult for me to effectively advocate for Moorhead. It also puts at risk all the progress we’ve made together these last few years.

On top of the situation in the Minnesota House, I know this is a very trying time for many in our community, including the confusion and chaos coming from the new presidential administration. I just want to reiterate that I’m here for you. Whether I’m in Moorhead, St. Paul, or anywhere in between. I believe there’s nothing we can’t accomplish when we work together.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m eagerly awaiting a bipartisan power-sharing agreement so I can get back to the State Capitol, but thanks to the meetings I continue to take in our community, I’ll be able to hit the ground running when we do. You can follow along on my official Facebook page for more on these meetings I’ve been having.

Also, stay tuned for events I’ll be holding in our district with Sen. Kupec - ideally once the House is constitutionally organized. 

This is an ever-changing situation, so please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you may have. You can always contact me at rep.heather.keeler@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5515.

I look forward to hearing from you!

In community, 

Heather Keeler

Minnesota House of Representatives