SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota House DFLers and Republicans announce the details of a power sharing agreement to end Democrats’ boycott of the Legislative session.
DFLers say they received assurances DFL State Representative Brad Tabke of Shakopee will be seated. He won his district by 14 votes over Republican Aaron Paul despite 21 ballots going missing. Scott County officials say they were likely thrown away and will never be recovered. Tabke won an election contest in court where a judge said he won the election and Paul said he wouldn’t appeal. Before the agreement was made, Republican Speaker Designate Lisa Demuth said the House has the ability to rule on members’ eligibility.
Under the agreement, Demuth will be allowed to be speaker for this year and next year’s legislative session. She must take up all bills on the calendar for the day set by the Rules Committee which will be co-chaired by members of both parties and have an equal number of members. Republicans and Democrats will have a say on House administrative duties and nonpartisan functions. House party leaders of both parties can allow their own members to vote remotely and add people to boards and commissions.
While Republicans hold a 67 to 66 advantage, GOP members will chair committees and have a one seat majority in those committees. If the House goes to a tie after a March election for a Roseville area seat, committees will be co-chaired by DFLers and Republicans and there will be an equal number of members.
A Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee will also be created chaired by a Republican and have five GOP members and three DFL members regardless if the House returns to a tie.
