SAINT PAUL – The 2024 legislative session came to a rocky and unprecedented finish in the Minnesota House of Representatives Sunday evening as House Democrats rolled dozens of unrelated bills into a massive 1,400+ page omnibus bill, used procedural motions to shut down debate, and forced a vote just minutes before the midnight deadline.
State Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Dave Baker, R-Willmar, said that the end of session was unlike anything he’s ever seen during his time in the legislature:
“Last night, after two years of complete control of state government and months to get their work done on time, Democrats plunged the House into chaos and jammed through a 1,400-page omnibus bill with minutes to go before the midnight deadline,” said Baker. “At no point did anyone have time to review the bill and understand what we were even voting on. This was an embarrassing display and a total lack of leadership from Speaker Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Murphy, and Governor Walz. Minnesotans want and deserve better from their government and it’s time for balance in St. Paul.”
Former Senate Minority Leader and DFLer, Melisa Lopez-Franzen, tweeted the following in support of House Republicans and the importance of respecting the minority:
“As a former Senate Minority Leader, it saddens me to witness the erosion of this institution. The minority must always have a voice in the legislative process. May we find the courage to work together to restore the public trust and that of each other.”
Baker concluded, “It saddens me to see this institution degraded in the manner it was last night. Dysfunction and chaos should never take precedence over democracy and doing the people’s work in a respectful and honorable way.
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