Dear Neighbors,
As you may know, the house is in a historic conflict that is quite complicated and involves various rules and statutes that are convoluted. Put simply, the House Republicans are using a temporary plurality to try to unseat a fairly elected DFL Representative, despite a district court ruling that he won unequivocally. This is an unacceptable attempt to grab power and overturn the will of the voters. That is why I – along with my DFL colleagues – have chosen to deny quorum (a term which means the amount of legislators needed to govern legitimately,) until the GOP agrees to seat our duly elected colleague and govern with equal power, pending the results of the 40B election.
It is disappointing that 67 members of the House have plowed ahead anyway, continuing to pretend they are governing without a quorum present, even though it violates the state constitution. Even going so far as to unilaterally enrich one of their members using public dollars. Fortunately, the Minnesota Supreme Court will make a conclusive decision next week, setting the record straight and clearing the way for a fair, legal, and binding power-sharing agreement between the two parties. None of this is fun, none of this is what you deserve as constituents, but there are certain democratic principles that must be maintained.
In the meantime, I am hard at work representing you and our community. The work of a legislator goes beyond the bounds of the Capitol and it is my job to represent you no matter the circumstances – work I have been doing since November 5, and will continue to do.
Intern for the Day
I am thrilled to offer Intern for a Day program for high school students who live or attend school in District 50A. Students will join me on February 11, March 4 and 11 at the Capitol to engage in policy discussions, conversations with legislators, and spend time in House chambers. Apply here. Applications are due January 24.
Almanac Interview
I had a great conversation with Mary Lahammer on Almanac. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss my legislative priorities. Watch here. I also joined Blois Olson on his podcast, listen here.
Representing You
I had an excellent and informative discussion (and tour!) with Chief Slama of the Edina Police & Fire Departments. I learned about our paramedic-firefighter model, fire services and ways the department is taking care of the mental health demands of their staff. Edina Fire is an invaluable asset in our community; I’m so proud of their work and look forward to supporting them at the Capitol.
I had a great conversation with 50th & France business association executive director, Rebecca Bell Sorenson, on how we can better support local businesses significantly impacted by extended road construction projects -- an issue hitting many local business districts in our state that rely on foot traffic to succeed.
I met with a few students to talk about cell phones in school, and their thoughts on the current school policy in Edina. As this discussion continues in the legislature, I will work to make sure valuable student perspectives are at the table.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.julie.greene@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4363. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Julie Greene, District 50A
5th Floor Centennial Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155