Dear Neighbors, You may have heard about a tumultuous start to the year as the House prepares for session to begin next week. I wanted to take the time to explain the situation and why my DFL colleagues and I are working to protect the integrity of our institution, and ensure our district has effective representation. This past election, Minnesotans voted for equal numbers of Democratic and Republican state representatives. A 67-67 tie in the 134-member Minnesota House of Representatives is extremely rare, but I see it as a golden opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to show Minnesotans that we can govern together on a bipartisan basis. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have walked away from power-sharing negotiations and are now attempting to engage in an illegitimate power grab. If Republicans succeed, they will attempt to repeal much of the progress we made over the past two years, including programs that benefit working families, reproductive rights and healthcare, environmental protections, and more. During a January 6 press conference, Republicans confirmed they plan to try to use a two-week, one-seat advantage to seize control of the House for the next two years. That would mean that voters who elected DFLers like myself would not have equal representation, despite having equal numbers of DFL and Republican state representatives. Our district deserves to have our voices and values heard in this tied House. Republicans also made clear that they would use their temporary one-vote advantage to unseat our neighboring district Shakopee of their duly elected DFL state representative, Rep. Brad Tabke, and order a special election regardless of the fact he won, in effect disenfranchising 21,980 voters who cast their ballots in the November election. That is outrageous and has never been done in Minnesota history. I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to abandon their illegitimate power grab, honor the election results, and sign a power-sharing agreement. A majority in the Minnesota House is 68 members, Republicans have only 67 members, and it takes 68 votes to pass a bill, which means we must work together on a bipartisan basis to get things done. Democrats are ready to get work, together. I am hopeful that a power-sharing agreement can be adopted before the new legislative session begins on January 14. At this time, my focus is on doing everything within my power to make that happen. I have no interest in denying quorum by not attending floor sessions. I want to get to work with my Republican colleagues on January 14 and govern under shared power. I’m asking you to join me in the call and ask our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to show up to the negotiating table so we can work for Minnesota, together. Sincerely, Jess Hanson
State Representative |