 Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well and staying warm.
I’m writing with an update on what’s been happening in the Minnesota House.
When the November election delivered an equal amount of DFL and GOP representation, shortly afterward, House Democrats and Republicans compromised and agreed on a power-sharing structure.
However, during a January 6 press conference, Republicans chose to ignore the compromise and confirmed they plan to use their temporary one-vote advantage to unseat a duly elected DFL state representative, Brad Tabke of Shakopee, and order a special election regardless of the fact he won. A court decision yesterday was issued and confirmed his victory. Despite the ruling declaring that the DFL representative "remains the candidate with the most votes legally cast in the 2024 General Election", my colleagues on the other side of the aisle moved forward with an invalid election of a House Speaker, and a host of other inapplicable actions under Minnesota’s Constitution.
You can read my statement on the illegal proceedings that took place yesterday here.
I’m no stranger to working with Republicans. As a state representative elected during an era of divided state government in 2018, I served my first two terms in a GOP-led Senate and a DFL-led House. In those years, we were able pass a state budget with targeted tax cuts, create an emergency insulin access program, build the Treetop Trail and invest in overdue improvements to the Minnesota Zoo, ban holding cell phones while driving, and deliver emergency COVID aid to schools, businesses, first responders, and more.
I’m focused on what truly matters: building on the progress of 2023-2024 and helping Minnesotans thrive. As the DFL co-chair of the House Health Finance Committee, I am continuing my daily work to meet the pressing needs of mental health care, lowering prescription drug costs, addressing hospital shortages and service cuts, and improving reimbursement rates for providers. This work will continue in the weeks ahead by preparing bills, research with agencies, touring facilities and meeting constituents.
Let's work together to build a stronger, more prosperous and healthier future for all. I look forward to continuing rolling up my sleeves and delivering bipartisan results for the people of Apple Valley.
To that end, I'm hosting a Community Coffee Hour this Saturday, January 18th at 9:30 a.m. at the Galaxie Public Library in Apple Valley (14955 Galaxie Ave). As always, these are nonpartisan, free, and encourage a respectful, productive dialogue in a casual setting.
 Even if you can't make it on Saturday, please contact me anytime at [email protected]; I always welcome input and ideas on legislation.
Thank you for the honor of representing you in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Sincerely,
Robert Bierman
State Representative
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