Dear Neighbors, On Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that House Republicans’ 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 must also 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. 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. 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. In this tumultuous time, I will continue the work in whatever way I need to protect representative democracy and ensure that everyone has access to reproductive rights, dignified social services, the ability to build wealth for their families, and a welcoming state for all. I will continue to join my DFL colleagues in a pledge to deny quorum by not attending floor sessions to prevent them from throwing out an election and moving forward with a MAGA agenda that will harm our community. Until House Republicans return to the negotiating table to commit to a power sharing agreement and to honor the will of the Shakopee voters, I will be continuing the same work that I do in our community -- meeting with constituents and community leaders in the work of moving forward my legislative agenda that shifts power, agency and economic opportunity to Minnesota families. To state the obvious, this is a unique and unprecedented situation. Please reach out to me with any questions you have – I would be happy to connect about this or anything else that is important to you. It is an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House and I am deeply grateful and committed to be doing this work with you to build a future together where all Minnesotans can thrive. Last week, while House Republicans held sham committee hearings and unconstitutional Floor sessions, my DFL colleagues and I were out in communities across the state amplifying the valuable voices of our districts, listening to how we can support local leaders and advocates at the state level. Below are some highlights. Visit to St. Paul’s Planned Parenthood Clinic Right before the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I joined members of the St. Paul delegation to tour a Planned Parenthood site in St. Paul. Trump and the Supreme Court justices he appointed worked to overturn Roe v. Wade and push us closer to a national abortion ban. It has never been more important to fight to defend the protections that Republicans have tried to take away in other states.  Ramsey Washington Recycling & Energy Center tour Last week, I learned about how the State funds are using cutting-edge technology to take the trash from our 2 counties and turn it into energy that powers our homes and businesses! Stay tuned for food scrap pick-up in St. Paul! Food waste pick-up is coming soon for our area of Ramsey County!  St. Paul Delegation Meeting with Mayor Carter The St. Paul Delegation met with Mayor Melvin Carter and his team for a briefing of city priorities this session. We discussed public safety, bonding, housing, and downtown revitalization. A strong state requires a strong Capital city. We look forward to continued dialogue and partnership to move priorities forward.  Stay ConnectedAs a reminder, legislators will be working in the Centennial Office Building ahead of the new year. I deeply value your partnership in building a better future. Please continue to share your perspectives on the issues that impact our community. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out here. For meetings: Please email my legislative assistant, Boon Xiong, at Boon.Xiong@house.mn.gov or call 651-296-2585. If you were forwarded this email and would like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these updates, please feel free to forward this email and encourage them to subscribe. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page and Twitter. Zoo siab, Rep. Liz Lee District (67A) Minnesota House of Representatives |