Today, minutes after swearing in newly elected Democrat Sen. Doran Clark (Minneapolis), Senate Democrats introduced a resolution to end the Senate power-sharing agreement that had guided the first three weeks of session.

Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) released the following statement in response:

“When Session started, we agreed to a bipartisan power-sharing agreement that was meant to reflect varied interests from across the state in an equitable way. We truly believed this would generate the best results for Minnesota families. And for the last two weeks, it worked well – we were hearing a wide array of bills and priorities in committees, and it really felt like we were all working together in the interest of Minnesotans. I’m disappointed that came to an abrupt end today.  

“I’m so glad Republicans were able to take this time to hear important issues in committees, many of which Democrats previously brushed off: things like how education mandates are crippling schools, nuclear energy initiatives that make energy reliable and affordable, and the wide-reaching effects fraud has had throughout our state. We got a lot of good, true bipartisan work done.

“I’m disappointed that good work has come to an end. Despite the end of the agreement, I am hopeful we will still be able to work together throughout the year. Democrats agreed to that on the floor today, and we will work to hold them to that promise they made to all of Minnesota.”