Legislative Update Minnesota House Republicans Are Hard at Work As we enter a crucial budget year, Minnesota House Republicans are already focused on the work ahead. With a passed budget essential to avoid a potential state government shutdown, it’s a busy time in the legislature. I am fully engaged in tackling key issues that matter to Minnesotans across our district, including childcare, healthcare, ambulance services, ATV and dirt bike regulations, and addressing government overspending. These are issues that affect everyone back home, and I am committed to finding solutions. The Rest of the Story: As Paul Harvey famously said, "Here's the rest of the story." - Shared Leadership and Residency Issues
The House had initially planned for shared leadership when the makeup was 67-67, under the assumption that every elected Representative would reside in the district they ran in. However, Democrats ran a candidate who did not meet this residency requirement, which all elected Representatives are expected to honor. - Court Ruling on Residency
A judge later ruled that Curtis Johnson, a Democrat, did not reside in the district he ran in and was therefore ineligible to serve as a State Representative. This situation raises a simple question: If I ran for office in a district where I didn’t live and won, Democrats would consider it cheating. The election results would be voided. According to Article IV, Section 6 of the Minnesota Constitution, legislators must reside in the state for at least one year and in the district for six months before the election. - Impact on the House Majority
As a result of this ruling, the Minnesota House started the session with Republicans holding a majority of 67, rather than a tie at 67-67. I have no doubt that if the situation were reversed, Democrats would acknowledge that 67 is greater than 66 and would operate accordingly. - Constitutional Procedures and Swearing-In
Minnesota law, in line with the state constitution, requires that we be sworn in and begin our legislative work on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in January of each odd-numbered year. It’s important to note that never before in Minnesota’s history has the entire House been sworn in through a secret ceremony conducted by a retired judge. Republicans followed the established process and reported to the Capitol House chamber on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as required. - Starting the Legislative Work
With the swearing-in complete, Republicans moved forward with electing a Speaker and began the vital work of addressing the issues that make Minnesota affordable for all its residents.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in me as your State Representative. Together, we will work towards a prosperous and thriving Minnesota for all. |