Neighbors, You may have heard about the complexities surrounding the start to the year, as the House prepares for session to begin. I wanted to take this opportunity to explain the gravity of the situation and why my DFL colleagues and I are working to protect the integrity of our institution. 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 is extremely rare, but I see it as a golden opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to show Minnesotans that we can govern together on a bipartisan basis. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have walked away from power sharing negotiations and are now attempting to engage in an illegitimate power grab. During a January 6 press conference, Republicans confirmed they plan to try to use a two-week, one-vote advantage to unseat Brad Tabke of Shakopee, a duly elected DFL state representative, and order a special election regardless of the fact he won, in effect disenfranchising 21,980 voters who cast their ballots in the November election. That is outrageous and has never been done in Minnesota history. I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to abandon their illegitimate power grab, honor the election results, and sign a power-sharing agreement. A majority in the Minnesota House is 68 members, Republicans have only 67 members, and it takes 68 votes to pass a bill, which means we have to work together on a bipartisan basis to get things done. 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 and I am excited to work on bipartisan bills. I want to get to work with my Republican colleagues on January 14 and govern under shared power. This situation can be resolved, but first Republicans need to return to the negotiating table. Sincerely, Bianca Virnig State Representative |