Minnesota Report
Normally, the opening of the legislative session is mostly ceremonial and functional. New bills are given their first reading, in this case two new legislators, Rep-elects Sydney Jordan (DFL-60B, Minneapolis) and Paul Novotny (R-30A, Elk River) were sworn in, and Minority Leader Rep Steve Drazkowski (NR-21B, Mazeppa) called for adjournment Sine Die.
At the end of the debate Drazkowski said the following “…it would give our lobbyist legislator more time for his job.” This was a clear shot at the other Minority Leader Rep Kurt Daudt (R-31A, Crown) and his new position as Director of Public Affairs at Stateside Associates. Company does lobby at various state legislatures, but that is not a part of Daudt’s role.
Another good shot was made by House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL-46A, Golden Valley) when he said he didn’t really want to get in the middle of a squabble between the two Minority Leaders.
To hear the Drazkowski’s comments Click Here and view minute 10:03 through 15:00.