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Column
A Fresh Start: Moving Minnesota Forward After Delays After nearly four weeks of delays, I’m pleased to announce that the Minnesota House has reached an organizational agreement that will allow us to move forward with the work that Minnesotans expect and deserve. It’s been a challenging start to the session, but this agreement ensures that we can conduct official business, pass a state budget, and address the key issues facing our great state. What This Agreement Means for MinnesotaAs many of you know, the legislative session was delayed due to a lack of quorum—the minimum number of members needed 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 holding 66, the absence of Democratic legislators left us in a standstill. The new agreement creates a framework that ensures both parties have a seat at the table. Here’s what you can expect moving forward: - Republican Leadership for the Biennium: Rep. Lisa Demuth will continue to serve as Speaker of the House throughout the 2025-26 legislative biennium, providing continuity in leadership and allowing us to get back to work.
- Committee Structure and Control: For the first five weeks, Republicans will chair all committees and hold a one-vote majority. This temporary structure will help us make up for lost time and advance legislative priorities.
- Bipartisan Committee Co-Chairs (If Needed): If the special election in Roseville results in a 67-67 tie in the House, committees will shift to a co-chair system, with equal membership from both parties. This ensures that decisions are made collaboratively and with input from both sides.
- Oversight and Accountability: The agreement also establishes a House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee, which will have a permanent Republican chair and a 5-3 Republican majority throughout the biennium. This committee will investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in state programs, reinforcing the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Why This MattersThis agreement was crucial to getting the Minnesota House back on track. With a state budget that needs to be passed and many important issues to address, it was vital that we find a solution to resume governance. While there’s no doubt the road ahead will require some cooperation and, at times, creative problem-solving, I’m optimistic about what we can achieve. This agreement sets the stage for us to make meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our communities. I look forward to continuing to serve you and work toward solutions that strengthen our state. Together, we’ll make sure Minnesota moves forward—stronger than ever. Sincerely, Rep. Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |