House DFL legislators still collecting pay while not working

Apparently, House DFL legislators think they don't need to work to get paid. This Minnesota Reformer article reports that "House Republicans on Thursday filed a lawsuit with the Minnesota Supreme Court to compel boycotting Democratic-Farmer-Labor House members back to the Capitol by fining them. House Democrats have been deliberately staying away from the Capitol for more than two weeks, since Jan. 14, in an effort to deny Republicans quorum and control of the chamber."

This started when the DFL had a retired judge swear in the DFL legislators in a secret, private ceremony. Further, the DFL did this to avoid the Jan. 14th swearing in on the opening day of the session swearing in. Had they shown up for the opening day swearing in, there would've been a quorum. The DFL couldn't have that!

Minnesota's Constitution

ARTICLE III DISTRIBUTION OF THE POWERS OF GOVERNMENT

Section 1. Division of powers. The powers of government shall be divided into three distinct departments: legislative, executive and judicial. No person or persons belonging to or constituting one of these departments shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others except in the instances expressly provided in this constitution.
Secretary of State Steve Simon exercised authorities that properly belong to the Legislative Branch when he adjourned the session on Jan. 14. Further, let's look at the Constitution's definition of a quorum:
Sec. 13. Quorum. A majority of each house constitutes a quorum to transact business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and under the penalties it may provide.
Isn't that interesting? I'd say that DFL House-Elect members should be worried:
Republicans want House members to be fined an amount equal to their salary during the days that they are absent and revoke their per diem privileges for the entire 2025-2026 session.

"Secretary Simon is illegally obstructing our ability to compel absent members as specifically stated in the constitution. Because he refuses to allow a motion on the House floor to hold Democrats accountable, we are taking legal action to make sure it happens," Niska said in a statement. "Democrats are obstructing House business, and it needs to stop."

Dan Ochsner's interview with Jim Nash is today's must-listen-to-interview. Check this out:
I'm thankful that Mr. Nash was nuanced during the interview. I won't be nuanced with Mr. Wolgamott. He's supposedly a leader in the House. The minute that he's in the minority, though, he stops showing up for work. What a total deadbeat. Despite that, he's still insisting on collecting his legislative paycheck.

Danny, if you won't do the people's work, which you aren't doing, you shouldn't get paid. The people's work is done at the Capitol, not in the coffee shops. If you want to act like a spoiled brat when you don't get your way, then we'll find a replacement for you.

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