It May Not Look Like It, but Bipartisanship Does Exist at the Capitol

As we move into the later stages of the legislative session, budget bills will pass, the rhetoric will ramp up, and the partisanship will appear to build and build. While Democrats and Republicans have serious policy differences on many major issues — and the media tends to focus on those fights — the overwhelming majority of legislation passes with bipartisan support. Often, bills pass with broad bipartisan support, approaching unanimous support.

Many of these bills won’t receive the attention of the House Tax bill or House Education Finance bill, but like every piece of legislation that is passed, they're important. Many fix past pieces of legislation or make seemingly minor changes that could result in major positive change in our communities.

Early in the session the House passed two major pieces of legislation with wide bipartisan margins: federal tax conformity and the expansion of Medical Assistance. These two laws will have major positive impacts for Minnesotans statewide, so support was broad in both parties.

I am a big believer in bipartisan work and seven of the ten bills I’ve chief authored have Republican co-authors. I’ve had the pleasure of working with my GOP co-authors on issues ranging from the Homeless Youth Act to election integrity. The House Elections Committee, where I am Vice Chair, is working on an omnibus bill where members on both sides of the aisle have rolled up their sleeves to work together on election policy.

Recently, I joined a bipartisan group of more than 25 House members and staff and signed up to participate in a new volunteer initiative called “Legislators Uniting to Volunteer” or “LUV 2.” The project was spearheaded by DFLer Rep. John Ward and Republican Rep. Jenifer Loon with the goal of building relationships between legislators, making a positive difference in our communities, and encouraging others to volunteer.

When you get to know your fellow legislators as people and not political opponents, it makes for a much better political atmosphere. It’s easier to work together and harder to attack someone for their beliefs. This is a great initiative and I look forward to working with my colleagues on volunteering in our communities.

There is plenty of policy disagreement at the Capitol, but much of our work is done together and is working toward a better Minnesota. I’ll continue to do all that I can to find common ground and work in a bipartisan fashion.

I am your voice at the Capitol and I want your input on how best to move Minnesota forward. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-4128, or by email at rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn. You can also visit my legislative website to read news or sign up for my email updates.