Dear Neighbors, I wanted to give you an update on where the Minnesota House stands and where we are going. Like my DFL colleagues, I have been focused on work in our district, but we hope to be working collaboratively with Republicans soon in St. Paul. Until Republicans agree to honor the will of the voters, I’ll continue working hard in Minneapolis. 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, like my Community Office Hours with Ward 12 council member Aurin Chowdhury tomorrow, January 28th from 4:30-6PM at Sisters’ Sludge (3746 23rd Ave S). We’re looking forward to seeing you!  Currently, Republicans have a temporary one-seat advantage - 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. That is why I will continue to deny quorum until we can come to an agreement. Please continue to be in touch. It’s an honor to represent you. In community, Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura Minnesota House of Representatives |