Masin voices concern over House Rules vote
Saint Paul, Minn. – Following a vote on the Permanent Rules of the House of Representatives, Rep. Sandra Masin, DFL-Eagan, released the following statement:
“I was discouraged by some of the discussion and votes taken Thursday during our floor session in the House. Despite numerous attempts made in good faith by the DFL to further good governance and accountability, those amendments were voted down by the Republican majority.
The most concerning of these involved the use of Speaker Daudt’s ‘mute’ button at his podium, which gives him the ability to cut the microphone of a member speaking on the House floor. The Speaker had the button installed without giving any notice to members and did not even tell members when the installation occurred. When DFL members were muted last session, it marked the first time such a device had been used in the Legislature.
It has not been necessary for any other Speaker to have that ability; there is no similar button in the Senate chamber. It concerns me that the Speaker felt it should be installed when members are already governed by procedural rules. The ability to electronically mute discussion is totally inappropriate, especially when its use is arbitrary and indiscriminate.”
Rep. Sandra Masin can be reached at the Capitol at 651-296-3533 or by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn.