Legislative Update – January 29, 2025Neighbors, In my last newsletter (which you can read here), I expressed my concern that on the first day of the legislative session, Minnesota House Republicans attempted to give themselves full control of the House for the next two years—ignoring the law, the constitution, and the will of the voters. Lawsuits were quickly filed by the Minnesota Secretary of State and House DFL Leadership following Republicans’ actions, Since then, my DFL colleagues and I have been forced to stay away from the Capitol in protest while awaiting a court decision. These past weeks, I have been working directly with constituents in our district and am ready to bring that important work back to the Capitol. Last Friday, we received the decision: The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Republicans’ attempted power grab in the Minnesota House violated the state Constitution. That means that every GOP action, including the election of a speaker and appointment of committees, was unlawful and illegitimate. This is the correct decision, and I believe that Republicans now must stop trying to overturn an election they lost, agree to seat Rep. Brad Tabke, and agree to shared power if the House returns to a 67-67 tie. In November, voters elected an equal number of Democrats and Republicans to represent them in the House. Now, it is time for the GOP to start working with Democrats to develop a fair power-sharing agreement so we can return to the Capitol to govern as Minnesotans intended. Democrats will fight to protect the progress we have made for Minnesotans over the past two years, whether attacks come from the Minnesota GOP, or the incoming administration. Our district deserves to have our voices and values heard in this tied House. I’m looking forward to advocating for the needs of our district in the Minnesota Legislature as soon as Republicans abandon their threats to overturn an election and respect the reality of a tied legislature. Working for Our DistrictAt this time, I’m doing everything within my power to work on the priorities of our district and ensure that the voices of you, my constituents, are not ignored by the House Republicans. I’ve been meeting with local leaders, community organizations, and folks on the ground who are dedicated to making Minnesota a better place. Over the last week, I’ve had a busy schedule, including events like: - Hosting DFL Bonding Lead Rep. Fue Lee to visit Plymouth and discuss local proposals for this year’s bonding bill. We heard about proposals to improve the infrastructure at Plymouth’s City Center, add a fourth layer to our ice rink, and expand the Three Rivers Park District’s trail system. As a member of the Capital Investment Committee, I look forward to working on these local priorities this session.
- Visiting Blue Horizon Energy in Minnetonka alongside Energy Committee members to learn more about removing barriers to our clean energy transition.
- Joining Health Committee members to learn from experts on how to continue Minnesota’s work as a worldwide healthcare leader, including visiting the Children’s Dentistry Clinic, the University of Minnesota Medical School, Gillette Children’s Hospital, and meeting with the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council.
 I hope Republicans come back to the negotiating table, and respect the reality of a tied 67-67 House, but until they do, I will be focused on the work ahead for our district. If you have not already, I’d encourage you to follow my official Facebook page where I will be posting more frequently during these unprecedented times.  Hold the Line – Star Tribune CommentaryI encourage you to read this powerful commentary written by my DFL colleagues about the need to keep Minnesota as a beacon of hope. During the last biennium, my DFL colleagues accomplished a lot of good, bringing our state closer to a place where all people have the freedom to live their best life. We moved to protect the rights of the most vulnerable and improve the economy for working- and middle-class families. We fought hard to get where we are, and we won’t back down now.  Trump’s “divide-and-conquer” politics stand in stark contrast to how DFL majorities have made progress on the things that matter to Minnesotans. We must be prepared to defend the victories that Minnesota workers and families fought for years to deliver: free school meals for every child, access to paid family and medical leave for workers, protecting reproductive freedom and LGBTQ rights, expanding access to health care and making prescription drugs like insulin and asthma inhalers more affordable, bold action on climate change, and creating more opportunities for Minnesotans to buy a home. The road ahead is uncertain and rocky, and it will have consequences for every town, city, county, and state in this nation. But we are Minnesota, and Minnesota is for everyone. We will do everything in our power to keep it that way. Please continue to be in touch. It’s an honor to represent you. |