Dear Neighbors,
I’m writing with an important update on the state of the Minnesota House of Representatives. In November, 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. Most recently, a tie occurred in 1979.
This was not the outcome I was hoping for, of course. And while a tie in the House will present challenges for many of our district’s priorities in the legislature, this is also an opportunity for Democrats to demonstrate that we can hold to our values while also working with Republicans to pass a responsible budget that moves all of Minnesotans towards a brighter future.
But before we can move to the important work of passing a budget, we must first agree to the terms of our two-year session. For the past two months, good-faith negotiations have been taking place between DFL and Republican leaders. Unfortunately, Republicans have walked away from the negotiating table, leaving all that work behind. Instead, the GOP is attempting to unseat a democratically elected member of the DFL; to illegitimately claim a majority they did not win on election day.
They have said exactly this. At a January 6 press conference, Republicans confirmed their plan to use a two-week, one-seat advantage to seize control of the House for the next two years.
Republicans also made clear that they would use their temporary one-vote advantage to unseat the democratically elected member from Shakopee, Brad Tabke. If the Republican plan unfolds, 21,980 voters who cast their ballots in the November election will be disenfranchised. A fair election will be thrown out. That is outrageous -- and has never been done in Minnesota history.
I’m calling on House Republicans to abandon their overreaching efforts to grab power they did not win through the elections. Instead, Republicans should honor the election results and sign a power-sharing agreement that recognizes that Minnesotans elected 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats.
You should also know that a majority in the Minnesota House requires 68 members. It takes 68 votes to pass any bill, which means any work that gets done this session will demand bipartisan support.
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, but we cannot allow this illegitimate power grab to occur. This situation can be resolved, but first Republicans need to return to the negotiating table.
If you share this goal, please let House Republicans know that both parties should return to the negotiating table to find a responsible, workable agreement that will benefit all Minnesotans.
Stay Connected
If you haven’t yet, you can “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page to keep up with my work. I also invite you to contact my office with any questions or comments you may have at (651) 296-3824 or rep.leigh.finke@house.mn.gov. I will be happy to assist you.
For broader legislative information, you can access the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services for nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.
It’s an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Leigh Finke
State Representative - 66A
Legislative Assistant: Robin Mercer-Taylor
Email: robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov