Dear Neighbors, I have a very important update regarding the ongoing developments at the Minnesota House of Representatives. On Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the House Republican attempted power grab of the last two weeks violated our state constitution. Every GOP action, including the election of a fake Speaker and appointment of fake committees, was unlawful and illegitimate. In November, voters elected an equal number of Democrats and Republicans to represent them in the House. Now, it’s time for the GOP to start working together with Democrats to develop a fair power sharing agreement so we can return to the Capitol to govern as Minnesotans intended. In addition to honoring the will of the voters across the state, Republicans also must respect the results of the election in Shakopee where voters elected DFLer Brad Tabke to represent them. Instead, Republicans are refusing to seat him, which would disenfranchise 22,000 voters. The reason they want to do this is simple: to empower them to advance their extreme agenda, including taking away reproductive freedoms, eliminating paid family leave, rolling back progress to address climate change, and ending free school meals for kids. House DFLers will not allow Republicans to overturn an election simply because they can. Never before has a legislator been kicked out when they have done nothing wrong, and to do so would gravely subvert the free and fair elections Minnesotans expect. Rep. Tabke won on election night, won in a recount, and won in court. DFLers look forward to returning to the Capitol once we have an agreement with Republicans that respects the will of the voters. Meanwhile, House Democrats continue to work directly with our constituents and in our communities. Over the last week, I had the honor of visiting the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association at the Northern Green Expo, I got to join my colleagues at the launch of Isaiah Minnesota’s United4Youth event and toured the Planned Parenthood Health Center in St. Paul.  Currently, Republicans have a temporary one-seat advantage – kind of like a power play in hockey. But they want to change the rules in the middle of the game to give them a permanent two-year advantage, even when we’re once again in a tie. Our proposal is simple: Republicans can run the House while they have an advantage, but when the House returns to a 67-67 tie, we must return to a fair, co-governing model. Minnesota voters sent a clear message on Election Night – they expect us to govern together. It’s time for Republicans to return to the negotiating table so we can move forward. While we wait for the Republicans to come back to the table, I’m working here in our district and around the metro, taking meetings with our legislative partners, local leaders, and of course, constituents. I’m also working with colleagues to prepare legislation for the biennium to ensure we can hit the ground running once a power-sharing agreement is worked out.  Please continue to be in touch. I recognize the complexity of this situation and you may have further questions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there's anything I can do to assist you in any way. |