Dear Friends,
In the mist of the holiday season this year, we are also preparing for the fast-approaching legislative session. Below is a brief update on special session negotiations.
Merry Christmas
Christmas is on its way! As we near the end of 2016, allow me to thank you for the privilege of serving our community in this past year. I have very much appreciated meeting with many of you and talking about your hopes for the direction of Minnesota. I’m optimistic about the 2017 Session and the opportunity for conservative reforms, especially with our expanded majority in the House and newfound Senate Republican Majority.
Emily and I would like to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you feel the joy of the season with your loved ones, and make many lasting memories.
Special Session
Governor Dayton and Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt met for the last time on December 16th, the Governor’s designated deadline, to negotiate a special session this month. Earlier in December, the Governor presented a list of new spending demands to be added to the bonding bill, with no realistic way to fund them. He has refused to pass the bipartisan tax bill, which passed overwhelmingly and bipartisanly in both the House and Senate, without a bonding bill agreement, even though he cannot decide what he actually wants in the bonding bill.
The Governor also refused to consider any of the MNsure reforms proposed by House Republicans to get relief to Minnesotans by January 1st, when some will be unable to afford coverage due to outrageous rate hikes. Instead, the only option offered by the Governor has been to write a check for premium relief that would not come into effect until April (at the earliest).
It has become abundantly clear through this negotiation process the Governor Dayton has absolutely no desire to hold a special session, and would rather cater to his union supporters who are against tax relief. This is yet another instance of Metro DFL leadership holding Greater Minnesota hostage, and it is disgraceful.
Here is a link to Speaker Kurt Daudt’s press conference on the last day of negotiations, detailing the hijinks Dayton has resorted to in order to subvert a special session: https://youtu.be/43yBLMfOyy4?t=2s
Have a blessed Christmas!
Sincerely,
Glenn and Emily Gruenhagen