Dear Neighbors, I'm pleased to share that we've successfully negotiated a co-governance agreement that upholds democratic principles. DFLers remained unified throughout this process, working diligently to secure an agreement that allows Representative Brad Tabke to serve the term to which he was democratically elected and ensure the will of Minnesota voters is honored. The agreement outlines that while Republicans hold a slim 67-66 advantage, they will have temporary control of the House of Representatives, including committee leadership. However, should the special election in Roseville on March 11th return the House to a 67-67 split as we expect it to, our agreement then turns to a co-governance structure. Each committee will be co-chaired by a Democrat and a Republican, with equal representation of the caucuses on each committee. Advancing any bill will require a bipartisan vote, as will passing bills off the House floor. This structure fundamentally requires collaboration and compromise, and as the co-chair of the Elections Committee, I’m looking forward to collaborating with my co-chair and colleagues across the aisle. I want to be crystal clear: a tied House means we must work together. My commitment is to collaborate constructively with my Republican colleagues. Our shared goal is to make meaningful progress for Minnesota and its residents. During a time where bipartisanship on the national stage is absent, I’m relieved to see it is alive and well here in Minnesota. While we're proud of this achievement, we remain aware of the challenges ahead. Should anyone – whether it’s Donald Trump or Minnesota Republicans – attempt to overturn our democracy, we stand ready to defend them. That's not just a promise; it's a fundamental responsibility. As I head to Saint Paul, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the community leaders, advocates, and constituents who took time to meet with me and share their priorities for this legislative session. Your perspectives shape my work every day, and I'm excited to continue advancing our shared values through legislation.  |