If you'd like to contact Rep. Gander, please do NOT reply to this email. Rep. Gander can be reached at rep.steve.gander@house.mn.govFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMEDIA CONTACT:
Dominica Bernstein, 651.297.8150 (desk)
Dominica.Bernstein@house.mn.gov
News Release
Minnesota GOP Takes Control of the House After Dems Weekslong Boycott ST. PAUL – Thursday afternoon, House Democrats ended their weeks-long shutdown of state government and returned to work, following a negotiated agreement with House Republicans. Under this agreement, Republican Leader Lisa Demuth will serve as Speaker of the House for the next two years, marking the first Republican Speaker in six years. Republicans will also lead a new Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee to address waste, fraud, and abuse in state government. "This outcome brings us together, is incredibly good for the cause of commonsense, and aligns well with the preferences of the people. It's a clear sign that Minnesotans value cooperation, and I'm excited to begin this work and deliver meaningful results for families across our great state." - Representative Steve Gander, District 1B
For the next five weeks, Republicans will have full control of committee hearings and chairmanships until a special election on March 11th to fill a vacancy in House District 40B. If the election results in a 67-67 tie, committee structures will shift back to the co-chair model, with equal representation from both parties, except for the new Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee, which will remain under Republican leadership. Regardless of the election outcome, Speaker Demuth will continue in her role for the next two years. Committees are set to begin meeting on Monday, February 10th. ### |