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Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

I'm excited to share important news with you about our fight for democracy in Minnesota. Last week, after weeks of negotiations, House DFL and Republican leadership reached an agreement to co-govern [ [link removed](Signed).pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2hoO59LeEmXRWZpTy7F3kiStSQAbv8GcZfHic0eKvPC5hmFPnsbIPYXm8_aem_dHjgjYDkQaWGiVWEp_UJnQ&h=AT02DR0v-er3iL0nB3r0MgGKgK-cV4IAQTu9n3cIjpr-Bxaj-fSWCprW1ZMpCUUFqLyJjebbae5CGtpCbLAzz4t_Hor824-Pc3M60re_DuV95npAFEuo3u-AI2OulZSgov13&__tn__=R-R&c%5B0%5D=AT016NeildbhpsEfjJ8nDmqlMyVT8-o0YueLkrWlIXIbr3rfA_ydqojVfM26zvzo40ykE1Ld4LGahs47ahyIm-xV9OG_cw00MaNj6cRaKArXXlT4ZdQWcmxi9hmRsb8K7-lGxT2HfmNEhBom7RWdsAnS1iy1D8PGYpCL9IytVN8RzqSsoGzVFjsU3JhyEufhAK4qN5mIqtti7ZmuMA4 ] over the next two years.  

As proposed by the House DFL, the agreement stipulates that Republicans will govern as a majority until we return to a 67-67 tie, which we expect following the March 11th special election in Roseville. At that point, all committees will have equal representation from both parties with co-chairs leading – precisely what we've insisted on for weeks, and what the public understood to be fair. I’m looking forward to beginning committee work as the co-chair of the Children and Families Committee.  

As a part of the agreement, GOP Leader Lisa Demuth will serve as Speaker of the House for the full biennium. Leader Demuth and I were first elected to the Minnesota House in 2018 and she will be the first Black Speaker of the Minnesota House, which is particularly impactful as we celebrate Black History Month. It is my hope and belief that she will serve fairly and constitutionally in this role. 

Importantly, we blocked all attempts to overturn legitimate election results and will be able to operate the Minnesota House with a legitimate quorum. This is an unequivocal victory for democracy. Through this agreement, we've secured Rep. Brad Tabke's rightfully elected term – decisively countering efforts to override the will of Minnesota voters. In our state, election results aren't up for debate. They're decided by voters, not politicians. 

I remain aware of the myriad challenges ahead. Should anyone – at the state or federal level – attempt to undermine our democratic norms, we will stand firm in defense. It's our fundamental – and constitutional – obligation to you and our communities. 

In a time when bipartisanship seems absent nationally, we've demonstrated it's alive here in Minnesota. Make no mistake: this moment goes beyond typical political compromise. It’s a reiteration that in Minnesota, we respect election results and protect voters' rights. I'm glad that House Republicans finally decided to join us in this sentiment, and I look forward to doing the work of the people, together. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to meet with community leaders, advocates, and constituents who shared their priorities. This input directly shapes my legislative agenda, and I will continue to advance our shared values here at the House. I look forward to welcoming you to the Capitol over the coming weeks and months. 

EPDEL




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Keep in Touch

Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account.   

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out email at [email protected] or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my new Legislative Assistant, Caleb, at 651-297-7025 or via email at [email protected].

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.   

All my best,   

  

Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn  








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