Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, After nearly four weeks of delays, I’m happy to share that the Minnesota House has finally reached an organizational agreement that will allow legislative work to move forward. It’s about time—this agreement with ensure that the House will be able to conduct official business, pass a state budget, and tackle key issues facing the great people of Minnesota. The House Agreement: What It Means for MinnesotaAs many of you know, the legislative session was delayed due to the absence of a quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct official business. According to the Minnesota Supreme Court, at least 68 members must be present for the House to function. With Republicans holding 67 seats and Democrats at 66, the absence of Democratic legislators left us in limbo. The new agreement establishes a solid framework that allows legislative work to resume while ensuring fair representation for both parties. Here's what's in store: - Republican Leadership for the Biennium: Rep. Lisa Demuth will remain Speaker of the House for the entire 2025-26 legislative biennium, ensuring continuity in leadership and allowing the House to move forward with its work.
- Committee Structure and Control: For the first five weeks following the agreement, Republicans will chair all committees and hold a one-vote majority. This temporary structure allows legislative priorities to be advanced after weeks of delay.
- Bipartisan Committee Co-Chairs (If Necessary): If the upcoming special election in Roseville results in a 67-67 tie in the House, committees will transition to a co-chair system, with equal membership from both parties. In this case, committee control will rotate between parties, ensuring shared decision-making.
- Oversight and Accountability: The agreement also creates a new House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee, which will have a permanent Republican chair and a 5-3 Republican majority for the entire biennium. This committee will be responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in state government programs, reinforcing the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Why This Agreement MattersThis deal was absolutely essential to getting the House back in business. With a state budget that must be passed this year and many pressing issues to address, it was essential to reach a resolution that allowed for governance to resume. I know the road ahead will require cooperation and maybe a bit of creative problem-solving, but I’m optimistic! This agreement lays the groundwork for us to make meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our communities. Looking Ahead I am beyond grateful for your continued support and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent you. As always, my door is open to you. Please feel free to stop by my office for a meeting or reach out via email at rep.nathan.nelson@house.mn.gov. I’m here to listen and work together for our community's success. Warm regards,
Rep. Nathan Nelson
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 11B |