Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
This week has brought an unprecedented situation to our state’s legislative process. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that a quorum of 68 members is required, we are currently unable to proceed with legislative sessions. As a result, we are unable to pass bills or address key issues affecting the people of Minnesota. One of the key issues I am trying to address is lowering property taxes that will rise due to the trifecta’s legislation over the past two years. Unless the Democrats come back to work, we can’t work to lower property taxes and make the changes our communities need.
The longer the House Democrats refuse to return to work, the closer we come to the risk of not passing a state budget by the June 30th deadline. At present, the legislature is effectively at a standstill, and Minnesota is facing what can only be described as a legislative shutdown. This disruption is the direct result of the decision by House Democrats to take the matter to the Supreme Court to prevent us from carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to us by Minnesotans.
Due to the ongoing Democrat shutdown, House Republicans are currently unable to collect per diem payments, which typically help cover the costs of housing, phone services, and mileage. As representatives of greater Minnesota, many of us travel long distances—often four to five hours each way—every week to be in St. Paul to serve the people of our districts and work on behalf of all Minnesotans.
While most of our colleagues in the metro area do not face the same travel or housing challenges, House Republicans continue to pay out of pocket to fulfill our legislative duties. Despite the shutdown, we remain committed to showing up, working in the Capitol, and being present for our constituents. Meanwhile, our Democrat counterparts, who do not face the same logistical burdens, continue to receive their paychecks while refusing to attend legislative sessions.
I will be on KEYL Friday at 8:35 a.m. to talk more about the Democrat shutdown. I will continue to show up to work everyday and work to make our communities and state more affordable.
|
