Dear neighbors, You may have heard about the potentially tumultuous start to the year as the House prepares for session to begin next week. I wanted to take the time to explain the situation and why my DFL colleagues and I are working to protect the integrity of our institution, and ensure our district has effective representation. This past election, Minnesotans voted for equal numbers of Democratic and Republican state representatives: a 67-67 tie in the 134-member Minnesota House of Representatives. While I would prefer my caucus to be in the majority, this is an opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to show Minnesotans that we can govern together on a bipartisan basis while not compromising on our core values. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have walked away from power-sharing negotiations and are now attempting to engage in an illegitimate power grab. They want to ignore the will of the voters and claim a majority that they do not have. What’s worse, Republicans certainly plan to wield that illegitimate power to repeal much of the progress we made over the past two years, including programs that benefit working families, reproductive rights and healthcare, environmental protections, and more. During a January 6 press conference, Republicans confirmed they plan to try to use a two-week, one-seat advantage to seize control of the House for the next two years. That would mean that voters who elected DFLers like myself would not have equal representation, despite having equal numbers of DFL and Republican state representatives. Our district deserves to have our voices and values heard in this tied House. Republicans also made clear that they would take power outside of the democratic process and use their temporary one-vote advantage to unseat Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee, a duly elected DFL state representative, and order a special election regardless of the fact he won. This would, in effect disenfranchise 21,980 voters who cast their ballots in the November election. That is outrageous and has never been done in Minnesota history, and it is our duty as elected officials to stand up against attempts to subvert the will of the people. Republicans must abandon their illegitimate power grab, honor the election results, and sign a power-sharing agreement. Republicans do not have a majority: a majority in the Minnesota House is 68 members, Republicans have only 67 members. It takes 68 votes to pass a bill, which means we must work together on a bipartisan basis to get things done. At this time, my focus is on doing everything within my power to protect the will of the voters. This can include denying the House quorum so that Republicans are unable to overturn Shakopee’s election results. Denying quorum isn’t “not showing up for work.” In fact, in this circumstance, it is the work. I’m not encouraging DFL-majority rule; that also wasn’t the will of the people. I want to get to work with my Republican colleagues on January 14 and govern under shared power, and I hope they will do the same. I’m asking you to join me in the call and ask our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to show up to the negotiating table so we can work for Minnesota, together. Warmly, Andy Smith
State Representative |