Dear Neighbors, Last Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the House Republican attempted power grab over the last two weeks violated our state constitution. Every GOP action, including the election of Speaker and appointment of 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. Our proposal is simple: Republicans can run the House while they have a one-seat advantage, but when the House returns to a 67-67 tie, we must return to a fair, co-governing model. Meanwhile, I continue to work hard in south Maplewood and Woodbury. I am meeting with constituents and advocates online and in the community, continue to research and refine bills, and make sure I’m keeping up with communications. Here are some highlights! It was an honor to visit the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, Inc. with my colleagues. They have played a vital role in the community, and I’m dedicated to being a partner in the legislature.  The care provided at the St. Paul Planned Parenthood health center is critical in this post-Roe, Trump-administration world. My colleagues and I visited our local Planned Parenthood to discuss how we can remain vigilant in ensuring the progress we have made does not erode.  One in 10 Minnesotans are affected by rare diseases. Working together, we can ensure we are researching, diagnosing, treating, and educating. I recently visited Gillette’s Children’s Hospital to discuss caring for children with these rare diseases. I also toured the University of Minnesota’s research facilities to see up close their efforts in combating these diseases. It makes me proud that I can use my education in genetics to support and promote this vital health policy.  Hold the Line – Star Tribune CommentaryI encourage you to read this powerful commentary?written by my DFL colleagues about the need to keep Minnesota as a beacon of hope. During the last biennium, we accomplished a lot of good, bringing our state closer to a place where all people have the freedom to live their best life. We fought hard to get where we are, and we won’t back down now. The road ahead is uncertain and rocky, and it will have consequences for every town, city, county, and state in this nation. But we are Minnesotans, and Minnesota is for everyone! We will do everything in our power to keep it that way. Keep in TouchYour voice is important to me! You can contact me at rep.amanda.hemmingsen-jaeger@house.mn.gov, by phone at 651-296-7807, or follow along my Facebook page, Instagram, or BlueSky with your questions, concerns, or ideas for this session. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger State Representative |