Neighbors, 

Last night, Minnesota Democrats successfully negotiated a co-governing agreement that protects the will of the voters. It’s a big win for our district, as it ensures that our voices are not silenced by a Republican power grab that would have put them in a majority they didn’t win and allow them to ignore half the state—including you and me. 

Minnesota Republicans have been forced to abandon their illegitimate and illegal attempts to commandeer the House, including their undemocratic efforts to unseat DFL Rep. Brad Tabke after he won on election night, in a recount, and in a court case. Today’s agreement means Republicans won’t have the unilateral ability to roll back all the important progress Democrats delivered in 2023 and 2024 like free school meals for kids, reproductive freedoms, Paid Family Leave for workers, and so much more. 

Democrats got pretty much exactly what we’ve been asking for since January—once the House is back to a 67-67 tie, Republicans and Democrats will co-chair committees with equal membership from both parties. The agreement also has guardrails to prevent future abuses of power by Republicans on the House floor.  

I look forward to beginning official committee work as the co-chair of the Agriculture Committee. Throughout this negotiation process, I’ve been working with nonpartisan staff, local organizations, and my Republican counterparts to ensure we can get started immediately. 

Today I’m introducing several bills that directly address the needs of our community, and protect our soil, water, air, and environment for future generations. Those bills will be available for the public to view on Monday at the “Bills Chief Authored” section of my House webpage here.  

With a tied House, we need bipartisan action to pass bills and move our state forward. As we have said since November, Democrats are ready to work with Republicans and govern responsibly while not compromising on our core values. 

Right now, the daily barrage of unprecedented overreach by President Trump, JD Vance, Elon Musk, and his billionaire cabinet is designed to wear us down and undermine our faith in democratic institutions and the rule of law. 

But here’s the important thing, this co-governing agreement ensures that my DFL colleagues and I will continue to have the ability to fight for a better Minnesota. A Minnesota that prioritizes workers, families, and our neighbors over corporate interests. A Minnesota that makes progress on important issues like increasing affordable housing, bringing down the cost of healthcare, supporting working families, and protecting Minnesotan’s fundamental rights.   

As I head to Saint Paul for today's Floor Session, I want to thank the constituents, community leaders, advocates, and everyone who met with me to share their priorities in these past few weeks. Your input directly shapes my legislative agenda, and I’m looking forward to continuing to advance our shared values here at the Capitol. 

Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. You can reach me by email at [email protected] or call my office at 651-296-6828. You can follow my official State Representative Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/MNRepRickHansen/.  

Sincerely, 

Rick Hansen
State Representative