The Leaders cite concerns for constitutionality, process, and precedent
Today, House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth (R- Cold Spring) and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R- East Grand Forks) wrote to Governor Tim Walz to veto HF5247, the 1432-page tax conference committee report jammed through the legislature in the final minutes of session.
The letter expressly opposes the bill on the constitutional requirement for single-subject bills and highlights the title page alone is six pages long. The bill contains provisions related to taxes, health care, agriculture, energy, straw gun purchases, and more.
Additionally, the Leaders state that approval of the bill is an approval of the tactics used to pass it. The leaders write, “signing this bill would signal to Minnesotans that you explicitly endorse the outrageous and unprecedented breach of process that put the bill on your desk.”
Thirdly, the Joint Rules of the legislature require conference committee reports “must be limited to provisions that are germane to the bill and amendments that were referred to the Conference Committee. A provision is not germane if it relates to a substantially different subject or is intended to accomplish a substantially different purpose from that of the bill.” The mix of topics covered in the bill are a clear violation of the joint rules.
Finally, the letter reminds Gov. Walz of his “One Minnesota” slogan. “You still have a chance to demonstrate that in Minnesota we are better than this, and that you still believe in the ‘One Minnesota’ spirit upon which you campaigned,” the letter reads.
“Signing this bill will be an endorsement of a process that will have serious consequences for both chambers for years to come. Creating a legislative environment where rules, transparency, and process are second to the whims of partisanship is unhealthy for our state and for the legislature as an institution.
“We urge you to do what is right – not just what is politically expedient for you and your party – and veto HF5247.”
Since the bill was passed within three days of the sine die adjournment, the Governor has 14 days to determine whether he will sign the bill. He also has the option to pocket veto the bill without his signature and it does not require an explanation.