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Dear Neighbors,
Last Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court delivered a ruling that seemed obvious to most Minnesotans besides House Republicans - you can’t take power the voters didn’t give you. Since the start of the legislative session on the 14th, House Republicans elected a speaker, wrote bills, and held committee hearings, all in defiance of our state’s constitution.
The court’s ruling showed that neither party can go it alone. We’ve been saving a seat for our GOP colleagues at the negotiating table, and we’re not asking for much. First, House Republicans need to abandon their undemocratic effort to unseat DFL Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee. Rep. Tabke won his election, a recount, and a court case, all showing that he is the duly elected representative from Shakopee. Second, in the likely event the Roseville special election once again results in a tied Minnesota House, then we need to govern together.
House Republicans can operate the Minnesota House for as long as they maintain their one-seat advantage, but my DFL colleagues and I will continue using what leverage we have to protect the will of the voters in Shakopee, Minneapolis, and throughout the state. Without those assurances from our GOP colleagues, I’ll continue to work from right here in our community.
Working for our community, from our community
While power-sharing negotiations take place, I refuse to grant legitimacy to the actions of House Republicans, so I’ve been doing my normal work as a State Representative - just not from an office in St. Paul.
I’m still talking to constituents, crafting legislation with staff, working with colleagues, and meeting with leaders, organizations, and institutions throughout our district, city, and state. So far, that’s included a tour of Minneapolis’ Planned Parenthood, the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center, the Minneapolis Public Works Department, the largest housing redevelopment project in city history, and the Minneapolis Public Schools Nutrition Center, just to name a few!
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