Minnesota's newest state lawmaker is looking forward to jumping into a legislative session that has been anything but normal.
DFL policy analyst David Gottfried's victory in the Roseville/Shoreview 40B House district once again alters the balance of power in the Minnesota House, putting it back into a 67-67 tie, at a time he says is ripe for renewal.
"We really need to turn a new leaf, and what I mean by that is that we are going to be entering, once I swear in, that tied environment," Gottfried said Wednesday. "And that is procedurally going to force us to act in a bipartisan way, if we really do want to fulfill the expectations of Minnesotans to provide legislation that helps them out."
The biggest assignment awaiting Gottfried now that the makeup of the House is morphing once again? Work on a two-year budget that must be agreed to by the end of May in order to avoid a special session.
Gottfried tells WCCO that he's ready to hit the ground running and help facilitate meaningful legislation.
"I think I have a skill set from my my policy analyst training, as well as a drive towards public service, that fits very well in this role," he said. "And that's really why it's all about, it's about trying to utilize my skill set to serve the community in whatever capacity I have."
Gottfried says it's time for all in the House to commit to working toward bipartisan solutions that truly help people.
Beginning next week, DFL and Republicans will co-chair all House committees except the body’s fraud prevention panel. Bills will also need to have bipartisan support to be approved by committees and move to the House floor where 68 votes are needed for passage.
House Speaker Emerita and DFL Leader Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) said she had a “good conversation” on Wednesday with House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and hopes there’ll be a shift from bills favored by only Republicans to more bipartisan bills next week.
“I think we’re both ready to turn the page and start working together,” Hortman said.