 Dear neighbors,
On Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the House Republican attempted power grab of the last two weeks violated our state constitution. Every GOP action, including the illegitimate election of a Speaker and appointment of committees, was unlawful, null, and void.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at my recent community coffee hour when we discussed this ongoing situation in the Minnesota House.
 Our next community coffee hour will be on Saturday, February 8th from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Dunn Brothers Coffee (15265 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124).
In November, voters elected an equal number of Democrats and Republicans to represent them in the House. Now, it’s time for my GOP colleagues to join us at the table to develop a fair governing structure so we can return to the Capitol and work together as Minnesotans intended. As the previously negotiated DFL co-chair of the Health Finance Committee, I’ve been consistently in touch with my GOP co-chair, working on bipartisan solutions we can shepherd through the committee process once a 67-67 tie is resumed. Republicans need Democrats, and Democrats need Republicans to get our work done on time for Minnesotans.
In addition to honoring the will of the voters across the state, it’s absolutely critical they acknowledge and respect the results of the election in Shakopee where voters elected Brad Tabke to represent them. I’m disappointed Republicans have threatened to kick him out of the Minnesota House, which would disenfranchise 22,000 voters.
When I took the oath of office to represent Apple Valley, I took an oath to uphold the Minnesota Constitution and our democratic process that honors free and fair elections. Republicans should not be allowed to overturn an election simply because they can. Never before has a legislator been kicked out when they have done nothing wrong. Rep. Tabke won on election night, won in a recount, and won in court. I look forward to returning to the Capitol once we have an agreement with Republicans that respects the will of the voters.
Meanwhile, the good work continues meeting directly with community members, listening to students and educators, learning more from the hospital systems in Minnesota and in our communities, and more. Here’s a look at some of those meetings:
Apple Valley High School students paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday with an array of amazing speeches blending history with the ongoing struggles facing many Americans. They were poignant reminders that we have come far but the work of the Dream continues. The future is bright with student leaders Edom, Hanna, Isra, Maab, and Yonaton.
It was great to visit classrooms across various age levels at Southview Elementary School to get a first-hand look at the READ Act in operation. I was grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with teachers and listen in as they discussed strategies for elevating the abilities of individual students.
I witnessed firsthand the impact of our free school meals legislation with breakfast being served to those in need at 7:30 a.m., and I joined students at the lunch table for a meal and conversation. Always impressed with ISD #196's dedication to our students and families in Apple Valley!
I appreciated the Indian Health Board taking the time to meet with my colleagues and me serving on the House Health Finance Committee.
We discussed how the Board provides primary medical care, dental services, mental and behavioral health, and recovery services, and health and wellness education to people in a community healthcare setting.
These community-based models effectively address the social determinants of health by integrating social services with medical care, improving access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
I had a great meeting with Clinical Operations Director Rozumalski, and critical staff working in the areas of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Orthotics, Prosthetics at Gillette's Children's Hospital.
Access to quality healthcare isn't a luxury, it's a critical necessity Minnesotans rely on to live a full and healthy life. I remain committed to improving access to and delivery of quality health care for Minnesotans in clinics and hospital settings.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to be in touch by emailing me at [email protected] or by calling at 651-296-5506. You’re also welcome to follow me on my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you and our Apple Valley neighbors in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Robert Bierman
State Representative
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