Minnesota lawmakers are in the second week of their special session, trying to finalize a new two-year budget. And DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman is still miffed with last weekend’s filibusters by House Republicans.
Hortman said, in her 17 years in the House, she’s never seen such a flagrant abuse of the process and so many rule violations.
Hortman said, when she was minority leader four years ago, DFL’ers had one filibuster lasting seven hours.
“I think that’s a little bit different than 14 hours (last) Thursday, 14 hours Friday and 13 hours Saturday. I think it’s disrespectful to staff, members and the institution — and unnecessary,” Hortman told reporters on Monday.
Hortman took aim at minority leader Kurt Daudt, saying the issues he raised were already being negotiated by Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka.
“Rep. Daudt wanted us to terminate the federal $300 a week subsidy for folks getting unemployment,” Hortman said. “We’re not going to do that. If I have to be cruel to Minnesotans and damage the economy to get Kurt Daudt to shut up, I’m not interested.”
Hortman said it’s fine to debate bills, but over-personalizing and bitterness do not get things done.
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