Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Dear neighbors, On Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled, as we have been saying, that the House Republican attempted power grab of the last two weeks was illegal, illegitimate, and unconstitutional. Every action, including the election of a fake Speaker and appointment of fake committees, was unlawful and meaningless. 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 voices of voters across the state, Republicans also must respect the fact that DFLer Brad Tabke of Shakopee won the election. Instead, Republicans are refusing to seat him, which would nullify the votes of 22,000 Minnesotans. They are attempting to seize power that voters did not give them 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 be not only undemocratic, it would be insulting to voters. Rep. Tabke’s win was stated on election night, confirmed in a recount, and declared to be a fact by the judge’s ruling. 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 chance to check in with Bob at 9 Mile Brewing about what we can do to support our local craft breweries. I also toured some of the health sciences facilities at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as part of the Higher Education Committee, met with President Dietz at St. Cloud State University, and more.  Republicans’ current plan is pretty simple: they want to seize the power of a majority without the bother of winning enough elections. Our proposal is better: 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. Stay ConnectedTo stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.nathan.coulter@house.mn.govor 651-296-4218, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe. Thank you, as always, for the honor of serving you. Rep. Nathan Coulter |