West Twin Cities

After nearly a month of delays, the Minnesota House has reached an organizational agreement that allows legislative business to resume. Representative Dawn Gillman (R-Hutchinson) announced the development, stating that the agreement will enable the House to conduct official business, pass a state budget, and address key issues for Minnesotans.

The session had been delayed due to the lack of a quorum. According to Rep. Gillman, “the legislative session was delayed due to the absence of a quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct official business. According to the Minnesota Supreme Court, at least 68 members must be present for the House to function.” With Republicans holding 67 seats and Democrats at 66, Democratic absences left proceedings at a standstill.

The new framework includes several measures for shared governance and oversight. “Republican Leadership for the Biennium: Rep. Lisa Demuth will remain Speaker of the House for the entire 2025-26 legislative biennium, ensuring continuity in leadership and allowing the House to move forward with its work,” Gillman explained.

For five weeks following this agreement, Republicans will chair all committees and hold a one-vote majority. If an upcoming special election in Roseville leads to an even split in House membership (67-67), committee leadership will shift to bipartisan co-chairs with equal representation from both parties and rotating control.

A new House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee has also been created under this agreement. As Gillman described: “The agreement also creates a new House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee, which will have a permanent Republican chair and a 5-3 Republican majority for the entire biennium. This committee will be responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in state government programs, reinforcing the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency.”

Gillman noted that these steps were necessary so lawmakers could proceed with their work on passing a state budget and addressing other pressing issues facing Minnesota.

She also highlighted recent events at the Capitol involving community groups such as dairy farmers and Black entrepreneurs. On Dairy Day at the Capitol with Minnesota Milk Producers Association members, she stated: “There’s nothing quite like meeting face-to-face with the folks who pour their heart and soul into feeding our communities.” She encouraged constituents interested in learning more about local dairy producers’ efforts to visit https://www.mnmilk.org/.

At Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol earlier this week, Gillman said it was “such an inspiring experience to be surrounded by so many incredible business owners, community leaders, and policymakers—all working together to shine a light [on] the vital contributions that Black entrepreneurs make to our state’s economy.” She expressed support for initiatives aimed at helping minority-owned businesses thrive.

Rep. Gillman also acknowledged her Media Writer Dominica Bernstein’s work supporting communications efforts during this period.

In closing remarks about recent political developments in St. Paul—including committee assignments following court rulings—Gillman wrote: “Yesterday, the Democrats finally showed up for work—thanks in large part to your efforts... After the Supreme Court's ruling on the quorum issue...House Republicans will now hold a majority of voting seats in all committees...we will have Minnesota’s first Black Speaker of the House for the next two years.”

She added that election integrity legislation would soon be introduced as part of ongoing conservative priorities.

Residents are invited to contact Rep. Gillman's office by phone or email regarding district concerns.