Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R- East Grand Forks) responded to the “Blue Dog Caucus” announcement by nine Democrats this morning with the following statement:

“Every single one of these democrats voted for a progressive, partisan agenda that included $10 billion in new taxes and fees, spent the entire $18 billion surplus, and leads to a projected $5.1 billion deficit.

“They all voted for the failed marijuana equity license lottery, free healthcare, college, and drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, delivery fees for online purchases, dozens of mandates on schools, and a last minute, massive 1,400-page bill that destroyed the trust and reputation of the Senate.

“And, every one of these democrats voted to put their partisan agenda ahead of the trust of Minnesotans by supporting Nicole Mitchell and rejecting efforts to hold her accountable for her actions.

“There was nothing careful about people’s tax dollars, and zero collaboration to solve problems last year. Arguably, the spending spree and regulations are making people’s lives even more difficult than they were before. They all put their party’s activist base before Minnesotans in the last session. This is the kind of political stunt voters will see right through.”

Notably, Sen. Rest was the author of the 1,400-page bill that led to chaos at the end of session.