ST. PAUL, MN—The 2019 legislative session is set to begin Tuesday, January 08, with legislators taking the oath of office and formally organizing the Minnesota House for the 2019-2020 biennium. Ahead of the start of the 2019 session, House Republican Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown issued the following statement regarding the state of session.
"Our 2019 priorities are the same priorities as Minnesota families; lowering health care costs, returning the surplus to Minnesotans by reducing taxes, and growing paychecks and good-paying jobs. We will work with Democrats when it is in the best interest of Minnesotans, but will oppose any agenda that calls for increasing health care costs or raising taxes at a time when our state has a $1.5 billion budget surplus."
Daudt, who served as Speaker from 2015-2019, was elected by his colleagues to continue as House Republican Leader for the 2019-2020 biennium.
"House Republicans are leaving our state in a strong position, and Democrats would be well-served to follow our blueprint," added Deputy Republican Leader Anne Neu, R-North Branch. "Over the past four years, the House Republican Majority reduced taxes for families, lowered health care costs, saved the individual health insurance market, and made major investments in our road and bridge infrastructure. As a result, our state has a healthy $1.5 billion surplus, and unemployment rates have fallen to near-record lows—we're proud of our record over the past four years, and will continue to fight for these priorities in 2019."
Neu was appointed by Daudt to serve as Deputy Republican Leader in November. She will serve alongside caucus whip Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, as well as Assistant Republican Leaders Rep. Tony Albright, R-Prior Lake; Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea; Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa; Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville; Rep. Jim Nash, R-Waconia; and Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover on the Republican leadership team.
New to the House Republican Caucus are first-term Representatives Rep. Greg Boe, R-Chaska; Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring; Rep. John Heinrich, R-Anoka; Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake; and Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove.
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