Legislative Update – February 7, 2025

Legislative Update – February 7, 2025

Neighbors,

This week, Minnesota Democrats successfully negotiated a co-governing agreement that protects the will of the voters. It’s a big win for our district, as it ensures Republicans can’t silence our voices through an overreaching power grab, including overturning a lawful election and declaring themselves to be a majority even though they didn’t win in November.

Minnesota Republicans have been forced to abandon their illegitimate and illegal attempts to commandeer the House, including their undemocratic efforts to unseat DFL Rep. Brad Tabke after he won on election night, in a recount, and in a court case. Today’s agreement means Republicans won’t have the unilateral ability to roll back all the important progress Democrats delivered in 2023 and 2024 like free school meals for kids, reproductive freedoms, Paid Family Leave for workers, and so much more.

Democrats got pretty much exactly what we’ve been asking for since January—once the House is back to a 67-67 tie, Republicans and Democrats will co-chair committees with equal membership from both parties. The agreement also has guardrails to prevent future abuses of power by Republicans on the House floor.

I look forward to beginning official committee work next week and serving as the co-vice chair of the Children and Families Committee, as well as working on the Taxes Committee and the Higher Education Committee.

Right now, the daily barrage of unprecedented overreach by President Trump, JD Vance, Elon Musk, and his billionaire cabinet is designed to wear us down and undermine our faith in democratic institutions and the rule of law. But here in Minnesota, DFLers stood united and strong to resist MAGA extremism, and we won. Voters, not politicians, should decide who wins elections.

But here’s the important thing, this co-governing agreement ensures that my DFL colleagues and I will continue to have the ability to fight for a better Minnesota. A Minnesota that prioritizes workers, families, and our neighbors over corporate interests. A Minnesota that makes progress on important issues like increasing affordable housing, bringing down the cost of healthcare, supporting working families, and protecting Minnesotan’s fundamental rights.

With a tied House, we need bipartisan action to pass bills and move our state forward. As we have said since November, Democrats are ready to work with Republicans and govern responsibly while not compromising on our core values.

As I prepare for committee hearings to begin next week, I want to thank the constituents, community leaders, advocates, and everyone who met with me to share their priorities in these past few weeks. Your input directly shapes my legislative agenda, and I’m looking forward to continuing to advance our shared values here at the Capitol.

Stay in Touch

If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at rep.jessica.hanson@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-4212. For more regular updates, you can subscribe to these regular legislative updates if you haven’t already, here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Jess Hanson

State Representative