Dear Neighbors,
It was a busy and productive week attending policy briefings, preparing legislation for the session and corresponding with constituents. While I am focused on work in the district, I hope to be working collaboratively with Republicans soon in St. Paul. Unfortunately, there is no indication we are closer to an agreement to get the House organized, and I am disappointed Republicans are now refusing to meet with the DFL negotiating team to move us all forward.
I want to take a moment to explain important facts, and why I continue to take a stand. When I ran for this office, I talked a lot about the value I place on democracy, and how, if elected, I would work to protect it. It is not a partisan issue, and through many conversations at doors, I know our district is aligned with that same belief.
While Republicans have a temporary 67-66 advantage, they should control the house. Designate-Speaker DeMuth should be running things right now, and leading all committee work. That’s fair. This offer has been on the table since before Jan 14 (the first day of session).
And if the balance of power shifts back to a tie after the 40B special election, the power-sharing agreement (already negotiated) should be adopted. If the Republicans win the 40B special election, they remain in control. There is no justification that one party should retain control of the House if the balance of power shifts to a tie by the voters of Minnesota.
This mirrors what’s happened in the Minnesota State Senate this session. Both parties have been operating in a power-sharing agreement since January 14, and now that the DFL once again holds a one-seat majority with the win of Doran Clark who won the special election to replace the late Kari Dziedzic, the DFL is in control of the chamber.
What is also deeply concerning to me, and a threat to democracy, is the notion that Republicans have every intent to unseat a duly-elected member of the House if given the chance. Rep. Brad Tabke was elected to the House as a state representative (on election night, in a recount and in a judge’s ruling), and I won’t look away while the will of 22,000 voters are dismissed.
I am ready to head to the Capitol on a day’s notice. In the meantime, I continue to work on behalf of you and our district:
- Served as a judge at Edina Public Schools for National History Day in Minnesota.
- Met with staff at Ridgedale Hennepin County Government Service Center.
- Went 'home' to the Edina Public Schools Legislative Action Committee breakfast to hear from students and their legislative priorities.
- Met with Rep. Fue Lee and the City of Edina on a bonding bill to invest in our community.
- Spoke with Cathy Heying, founder of The Lift Garage, she shared how barriers to reliable transportation have every day, life-altering impact for so many.
- Discussed disability waivers, and what we can do to protect this essential support for Minnesotans.
- Drafted legislation for bills with House research.
- Had a conversation with ARRM, a nonprofit association of nearly 200 organizations, businesses and advocates dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives. Community inclusion is a good thing; how we protect critical funding needs to be a priority.
- Toured the International Spanish Language Academy with a pack of 5th graders leading the way.
- Met with ICU Minnesota Nurses Association nurses in my district to learn more about how we can support the important work they do.
Joined State Representative Alex Falconer to meet with more than 100 Minnesota Governmental Relations Council (MGRC) members.
Federal Funding Freeze
Last week, President Trump attempted to freeze billions in federal funding to state programs that would harm our state’s healthcare and childcare systems and threaten to hinder our work supporting law enforcement, schools, veterans, cancer patients, and more. I am grateful for our Attorney General Keith Ellison who quickly pledged to fight this action, and the federal judge who listened and temporarily paused the freeze.
It now seems that President Trump may have rescinded some or all of the order, but it's unclear exactly where it stands. No matter what happens with this specific executive order, I am aware of the threat the Trump Administration is to government programs Minnesotans rely on. I will work with our federal representatives to combat these destructive actions and do all I can at the state level to protect us. If you are negatively impacted by any of Trump’s executive orders, please reach out and I will work to connect you to information and resources.
VEAP Food Shelf
Join volunteers with SD50 DFL to support our local food shelf, VEAP, and help raise 1,500 LBS of their most needed items by the end of March. This is a great way to get involved in our community to help out your neighbors! Sign up here.
Stay Connected
I can be reached by email at rep.julie.greene@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4363 with any questions. If you’d like to receive legislative updates, please subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here.
As always, it’s an honor to represent our communities.
Sincerely,
Julie Greene, District 50A
5th Floor Centennial Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155