Dear neighbors, I am happy to share that we fought to protect the will of the voters, and we succeeded. Last Thursday, Democrats and Republicans reached bipartisan power-sharing agreement that allowed the Minnesota House to begin. Democrats secured the power-sharing agreement we sought, and assurances that Representative Brad Tabke will be seated and will serve the term to which he was elected. Under the agreement, Republicans will control House Committees while they have a 67-66 advantage. They will both chair the committees and have a one-seat voting advantage. If the House returns to a 67-67 tie after a special election in Roseville, committees will be co-chaired by Democrats and Republicans and there will be an equal number of Democrats and Republicans on each committee. At that point, a bipartisan vote will be required to advance a bill out of committee. As per the Minnesota Constitution, passing any bill, including the budget, will take at least 68 votes. Full details of the agreement are available here. Had Democrats previously gone to the Capitol without a power sharing agreement in place, Republicans would have kicked out Rep. Tabke, usurping the election in Shakopee. They would also have seized control of the chamber for two years, even when we return to a tie. Minnesotans delivered a tied House on Election Night, and this power sharing agreement allows us to govern in a way that reflects that outcome. We will work together on affordable housing, education, healthcare and more, as Minnesotans have guided us to do.  Many colleagues and I wore black and accessories in tribute to and to summon the virtues of justice, equity, empathy, and civility held by the much-revered late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Recently, I have been working directly in our Central Downtown, Elliot Park, Loring Park, the Wedge, Harrison, Bryn Mawr, East Isles, Lowry Hill, Kenwood, and Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhoods. Here’s a look at what I’ve been learning: It was great to meet with Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner recently with Rep. Jamie Long! I was fascinated to learn that 75% of calls they respond to are medical, not fire. They're doing incredible work to provide these essential public safety and emergency medical services to our residents in need. I can't wait to partner with them on legislative solutions at the state level to keep them well equipped and staffed.  I appreciated learning about St. David’s Center, an early childhood autism & behavior treatment facility, & how they’re growing to support their waitlist of 2000 kids in the former Downtown YWCA. Love that they’re wanting to bring critical services to our community and more vibrancy to Downtown!  As a member of the House Transportation Committee, it is important to understand up close how our systems work. I had a fantastic tour at Metro Transit, where it was great to see existing and planned bus EV charging infrastructure and to learn how our transit system (15th largest in US) is operated.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to be in touch. Due to technological constraints, email replies to this newsletter won’t reach my inbox. Please send me an email directly at rep.katie.jones@house.mn.gov. You are also welcome to follow me for more updates on my Facebook page. If you know of neighbors who may be interested in signing up to receive these updates, please feel free to share this link with them to subscribe here. It’s an honor to represent you and our Minneapolis neighbors in the Minnesota House. Sincerely, Katie Jones
State Representative |