Dear Neighbors, A “coup d'état” as defined by Webster’s dictionary as “a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics and especially the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a small group” Last Friday the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the Republicans in the Minnesota House were acting unconstitutionally. At the beginning of the legislative session, Democrats decided to deny quorum because Republicans walked away from a negotiated deal and refused to seat a duly elected legislator. Republicans then took the unprecedented step of attempting to seize control of the Minnesota House and pass their agenda through illegal means. This included defunding literacy programs for our schools, repealing the clean energy by 2040 plan, and reducing healthcare access. While the judicial branch was able to stop them, it doesn’t negate the fact that this was an attack on our democracy. The Supreme Court’s decision does not address attempts to remove a duly elected member of the House or resolve the power sharing negotiations. Republicans continue to threaten to remove Representative Brad Tabke (Shakopee) from the legislature. Representative Tabke was elected in November, won the recount, and a judge ruled in Representative Tabke’s favor stating he had the most votes and there is no legal reason for a special election. Yet, House Republicans continue to threaten to remove him to trigger a special election in the hopes of flipping the district. This brazen authoritarian threat is another attack on our democracy. When it comes to control of the Minnesota House, it makes sense that while the Republicans have a 1-seat advantage that they should have control of the chamber and committees. After the special election in March, if Democrats get equal voting strength, then control of the House should be shared equally. However, House Republicans assert that if Democrats show up, they will take control of the chamber for the next two years regardless of the outcome of the special election. Without shared power, the votes of half the people of Minnesota are being ignored. Reducing the power of a vote is another attack on our democracy. Prior to the start of this year's legislative session, House Republicans discussed how they were going to change the definition of quorum. Since the beginning of the Minnesota Legislature, quorum has been determined by the constitution and state law to be the majority of total members. Republicans decided that quorum is just the majority of members currently elected. They were told by lawyers, nonpartisan staff, and the Secretary of State that they do not have the power to just change how quorum is interpreted. Regardless, they charged ahead and tried to seize control of the chamber. This disregard for precedent is another attack on our democracy. With the Supreme Court ruling declaring Republican actions as unconstitutional, House Republicans are gas-lighting all of Minnesota by saying they did not know it was wrong and they just wanted to work on behalf of their districts. If we call a spade a spade, we need to call a coup, a coup. I will continue to stand for democracy and the rights of all Minnesotans. I encourage you to join me and let your voices be heard. Until House Republicans agree to seat Rep. Tabke, and until a power-sharing agreement is reached, I will continue as I have for the last few weeks - working for our community, from our community. |