Senate Republicans push back against Democrat overreach, increase their representation on key committees

Today Senate Republicans received notification they will have an additional nine spots on Senate Committees, nearly all from non-metro districts. The Committee representation has been a concern of Republicans and a priority to fix since committees were announced before the session began. 

“We all come to the Senate with different backgrounds, experiences, and interests. I’m very happy that we were able to gain more representation for Greater Minnesota on key committees that impact the entire state,” Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R- East Grand Forks) said. “Transportation is not just a metro issue, Agriculture is not just a rural issue. The committees have a better balance and we are ready to get to work on the issues Minnesotans asked us to focus on, cutting taxes, keeping people safe, and getting kids back on track.”

Senate rules require committees to have the same majority-minority balance of power as the body as a whole. With just a one-seat difference, Republicans were dismayed that Democrats ensured every committee had at least a two- and sometimes three-seat difference. With these changes, just one committee has a one-seat difference, but the additional Republicans leave most committees with a two-seat difference. 

Democrats took control of the legislature after the November elections. Committee assignments are just one way to wield their one-party rule to stifle the minority. 

The additions are as follows:

  • Senator Bruce Anderson (R- Buffalo) to Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development
  • Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R- Fergus Falls) to Capital Investment
  • Senator Eric Lucero (R- St. Michael) to Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
  • Senator Rich Draheim (R- Madison Lake) to Finance
  • Senator Andrew Mathews (R- Princeton) to Human Services
  • Senator Carla Nelson (R- Rochester) to Jobs and Economic Development
  • Senator Justin Eichorn (R- Grand Rapids) to Judiciary and Public Safety
  • Senator Andrew Lang (R- Olivia) to State and Local Government and Veterans
  • Senator Jeff Howe (R- Rockville) to Transportation