In the final hour of the 2024 legislative session, legislative Democrats passed their partisan agenda by forcing through a mega omnibus bill. This legislation, which consists of nearly 1,500 pages, passed without time for the public or legislators to review and debate. Instead, Democrats broke the decorum and rules of both legislative bodies to force a vote on the bill.

When the mega omnibus was brought up in the Senate, Republican members, including Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls), fought to uphold the integrity of the Senate. Sen. Rasmusson released the following statement on the Democrats’ appalling abuse of power:

“When Minnesotans sent their elected officials to St. Paul, they expected their viewpoints to be heard and well represented. However, in the final hour of the 2024 session, legislative Democrats abused their power and silenced the voices of half of Minnesota.

“All session, Republicans worked in good faith to pass bipartisan policies. But instead of working with members of the minority, Democrats crammed every item on their partisan wish list into a single backroom-assembled bill. The resulting 1,494-page bill raises taxes, increases energy costs, and threatens constitutional rights, all while ensuring political appointees receive pay raises.

“When the mega omnibus was brought before the Senate, I spoke out and raised a point of order to uphold the rules and integrity of the Senate. Democrats ignored every attempt we made, and they forced a vote on this legislation to pass their radical agenda. It is appalling that Democrats chose to shut down debate and provide zero transparency in this process.

“With total control of all three branches of government, Democrats had every opportunity to properly pass their ‘priority bills’ the last two years. The way this session ended is a shocking display of one-party control, and the people of Minnesota deserve better.”