The stalemate in the Minnesota House continues, now with a new wrinkle in the power sharing dispute between Republicans and Democrats.
Monday, House GOP Leader Harry Niska of Andover tried to file a motion for Democrats to forfeit their pay while they’re absent from the Capitol, but Monday’s session was adjourned by the Secretary of State before he could present it. Niska maintains that if House DFL’ers don’t show up, they shouldn’t be paid…
“We did have a motion at the desk under that provision in which we were going to ask that absent members be compelled attend and those who remain absent would forego their legislative salary until they attend session and be ineligible to receive per diem.”
House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman says her Democratic colleagues are working…
“The work we are doing during denial of quorum is work to preserve voters’ power and the rule of law in Minnesota relating to elections. We’re also doing other work in our districts and so we are working just like everybody else does when they have a job.”
House Republicans say they will continue to attempt to hold session, with Democrats vowing to stay away until a power sharing agreement is in place.
The Secretary of State maintains there is no quorum with just Republicans in the House Chamber.
(content: courtesy MNN)
