Dear Neighbors,
We are entering the final weeks of the 2024 legislative session, and as is the case most years, activity in St. Paul will begin to pick up beginning next week. I expect several omnibus supplemental budget bills to start making their way to the House Floor early next week for debate and votes.
Remember, last year, Democrats spent the entire $18 billion budget surplus, raised taxes by nearly $10 billion, and grew overall spending by 40%.
State government is already fully funded, at levels we have never seen before. We do not need to be spending even MORE money this year. That’s why I plan to vote “no” on these supplemental budget bills.
I will have more information about these proposals as they make their way to the House Floor for votes next week.
Senator Mitchell Situation
Many of you have reached out to me this week to share your thoughts and concerns regarding the recent news of Woodbury Senator, Nicole Mitchell, being charged with 1st Degree Burglary.
If you’d like to read about the situation, I encourage you to click here for the background information.
With Senator Mitchell’s availability to participate in the final month of session unknown, the Senate is now evenly split 33-33 between Republican and Democrat members.
Here are a few thoughts on the situation from myself:
- Senator Mitchell has betrayed the trust of the public and her constituents and should resign from the Minnesota Senate.
- Allowing Senator Mitchell to participate in legislative business while facing felony burglary charges would damage the legislature as an institution, and I hope that she will not be permitted to participate remotely or in person until these charges have been resolved.
- Given that the Senate will be deadlocked for the foreseeable future, Democrat leaders should immediately begin four-caucus negotiations to determine bipartisan bills that can pass both chambers before we adjourn for the year. We cannot have someone with outstanding felony burglary charges voting on legislation that will shape our state for generations to come.
- Senate Democrats must put the reputation and trust of the institution ahead of their short-term political goals and hold their members to the standards outlined in Senate rules.
Stay tuned to this as it is likely to have several more twists and turns before it is resolved.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share any thoughts or concerns you may have about state government or the job I'm doing as your representative. It would be great to talk with you. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or via email at rep.brian.daniels@house.mn.
Have a good weekend,
Brian