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Neighbors,

In my last email, I wrote about a breakdown in power-sharing negotiations in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Republicans had walked away from the negotiating table and appeared poised to kick out a duly elected DFL state representative regardless of the outcome of their lawsuit challenging the election result.

Well, on the morning of January 14th, a district court judge ruled [ [link removed] ] that my colleague Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee won by a slim margin, but Republicans have still not committed to seating him. When an election result is upheld on election night, in a public recount, and in a court ruling, it’s time for the losing side to concede and move on. That is how democracy works.

Instead Republicans are actively trying to seize power that voters did not give them. It’s an unprecedented and illegitimate power grab. I swore an oath to the MN and US Constitutions, and respecting elections and the will of the voters is fundamental to that oath. That is why I have joined my DFL colleagues in staying away from the Capitol and denying quorum (a majority - or 68 folks), until we can negotiate a power sharing agreement that includes not removing Rep. Tabke from office. 

Republicans ploughed ahead anyway as if they have a quorum (they’re arguing 67 is sufficient for quorum) and are pretending to be conducting business. We’re confident that the MN Constitution and our laws are clear that they do not have quorum. House DFL leadership is petitioning the Minnesota Supreme Court to determine everything they are doing now is unlawful and must stop. Thankfully the Supreme Court is taking up this case quickly and will hear arguments on Thursday, January 23rd. 

You may have heard that there was another Supreme Court opinion that came on Friday, January 17th. This one said that the Governor erred in setting too early a date for a special election in District 40B. I certainly respect that ruling, but I am disappointed because I think the citizens of 40B should have representation as soon as possible. While it’s unclear, at this point, when the special election will happen, and for a variety of reasons the timing of it is now somewhat related to the Supreme Court case that will be heard on January 23rd, it doesn’t change the issues at the core of why we have stayed away from the Capitol.

This is not fun. I wish it were not happening. But when the choice is to show up and allow the results of an election to be ignored, I’m confident we’re doing the right thing. Also, I want you all to know that our leadership stands ready to meet with Republicans and has made many reasonable (my opinion of course) offers. 

I have received emails criticizing me for not showing up for work. I understand some of you may feel that way, and you are entitled to that opinion. I appreciate receiving all constituent communications, whether positive or not (I’ll take passionate objections vs apathy any day of the week!) But I do continue to work for our district regardless of whether I’m at the Capitol. 

An example (and there’s a lot more below), is my meeting with Methodist Hospital leadership to discuss Minnesota’s DWI policies. Tragically, one of their employees was a victim in the crash at Park Tavern on September 1st, and several of their employees were injured, some seriously. This is one of my legislative priorities for this session - you’ll hear more about this in the coming weeks.

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A Day in the Life of a Legislator

The Star Tribune joined me last week for a busy, but fairly typical, day of working on constituent issues, connecting with local leaders, and turning policy priorities into legislation. My cat, Jenny, made a surprise appearance during a zoom meeting.

You can read about the day here [ [link removed] ].

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In the Community & Beyond

I joined my colleagues at the Mental Health Legislative Network Breakfast. The MHLN is a broad coalition that advocates for funding for a quality, accessible statewide mental health system.

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I had a meeting with BNSF Railroad to discuss safety and vegetation management issues raised by constituents. I also heard about their sustainability plans.

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I joined my District 46 partner Rep. Cheryl Youakim for a tour of some incredible newly completed space at the St Louis Park High School. Thanks to Principal LaNisha Paddock, Board Chair Colin Cox and Vice-Chair Virginia Mancini!

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Transportation is our #1 source of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota and electric vehicles will be a key part of the solution (plus, by the way, they’re great to drive!) I met with Xcel Energy to talk about how to get more EV charging stations in multi-family buildings. 

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Also had a great meeting (organized by a constituent) with Allina Family Health physicians and residents to discuss how best to interact with legislators.

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Stay in Touch

If you have questions, ideas, or feedback  you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at [email protected] or call (651) 296-7026. For more regular updates, you can “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page [ [link removed] ].

Sincerely,

 

Larry Kraft

State Representative

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Representative Larry Kraft

5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-7026
Email: [email protected] "(replies to this newsletter are not monitored)"
Website: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]
Legislative Assistant: Caleb Rohrer 651-297-7025







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