Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, It has been a frustrating few weeks, but I’m pleased to report that we’ve finally reached an organizational agreement in the House that will allow us to get back to work! After nearly four weeks of delays, it’s a relief to have clarity and a path forward. This agreement will ensure we can move forward with critical business—passing a state budget and tackling the challenges facing Minnesotans. 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 Matters:This deal was crucial for moving the House forward. With a state budget on the line and so much work to be done, it was imperative that we reached an agreement that would allow us to get back to business. I know we’ll face challenges ahead, but I’m optimistic. This agreement sets us up to make real progress on the issues that matter most to all of us! |