Legislative Update – January 17, 2025
In my last email, I alerted our community about a breakdown in power-sharing negotiations in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Republicans had walked away from the negotiating table and appeared poised to kick out a duly elected DFL state representative regardless of the outcome of their lawsuit challenging the election result.
Well, on the morning of January 14, a district court judge ruled that my colleague Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee won by a slim margin, but Republicans have still not committed to seating him. When an election result is upheld on election night, in a public recount, and a court ruling, it’s time for the losing side to concede and move on. That is how democracy works.
I will not legitimize this unprecedented power grab. That’s why I’m standing with my colleagues and Minnesotans around the state to protect the will of the voters, deny the Republicans’ illegitimate power grab, and get back to building a future in Minnesota that works better for everyone.
Until the state Supreme Court rules on the Republicans’ illegitimate actions, or they come back to the negotiating table, I will continue working for our district outside Capitol grounds, meeting with community and local leaders to ensure our district receives continued and fair representation.
If you want to hear more of my thoughts, you can listen to my latest appearance on KYMN radio here.
Working for our District
I’m already working in our district and for our district. As a representative from Greater Minnesota, who has to drive hours to get back and forth from our District to the Capitol, I am excited for the opportunity to spend more time with the folks on the ground who know our district best.
Since Tuesday, I’ve already had a packed schedule, including:
- Attending Northfield’s Council Work Group Session, where the topic of effective governance seemed even more appropriate given the current situation in Saint Paul.
- Had a productive call with OutFront Minnesota on how legislators can support our LGBTQ+ neighbors during an incoming Trump Administration.
- Learned more about the future of antitrust on a webinar with Attorney General Ellison. I’m looking forward to again pushing for Right to Repair legislation for Ag Equipment this year to save our farmers time and money!
- Met with our newly sworn-in school board member Maggie Epstein to talk about public schools. Shout out to Bread People for being an amazing place to meet with constituents!
- Had great meetings with organizations like ISAIAH, Unidos, SEIU Healthcare, and the Minnesota Farmer’s Union about their priorities for this upcoming session.
- I visited the Minnesota Nurses Association, to talk listen to nurses' stories and needs, and how we can improve rural health care.
- I met with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) staff to discuss priorities for our district in the upcoming construction seasons.
As your state representative, it’s my job to listen to our community and bring those voices to the legislature. I’m looking forward to continuing meetings with local officials, community organizations, and constituents in the coming days.
I hope Republicans abandon their illegitimate power grab, come back to the negotiating table, and respect the reality of a tied House, but until they do, I will be focused on the work ahead for our district. If you don’t already, I’d encourage you to follow my official Facebook page where I will be posting more frequently during these unprecedented times.
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.kristi.pursell@house.mn.gov or 651-296-0171, and I will be happy to help.
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Sincerely,
Kristi Pursell
State Representative