After weeks of deadlock in the Minnesota House, lawmakers have finally reached a bipartisan power-sharing agreement. Republicans will control the speakership, with assurances that Democrats won’t be blocked from being seated. The agreement will also allow for power-sharing if the chamber returns to a tie after a special election next month.
The standoff began when Democrats denied the chamber a quorum, leading to Republicans attempting to convene their own session without success. The tie in the House was the result of a residency challenge and discarded absentee ballots, which were later determined to not affect the outcome of the election.
Under the agreement, the parties will co-chair committees and have an equal number of members, requiring bipartisan votes to advance legislation. The speaker will have limitations in a tied chamber, with parties handling their own attendance and selecting members for committees.
House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman praised the agreement for protecting the will of the voters and ensuring a bipartisan session. State Rep. Lisa Demuth, expected to be elected speaker, highlighted the opportunity to push for legislative priorities and emphasized a committee to root out waste and fraud in government spending.
With Democrats narrowly controlling the state Senate and governorship, the agreement in the House provides a path for both parties to work together in delivering on their promises and addressing key issues in Minnesota.
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