Some DFL lawmakers are considering forming a progressive caucus to push their agendas on tax fairness, climate change and workers’ rights.
The Minnesota Daily notes that six DFLers attended the annual leadership retreat of the Progressive States Network, which works with state and national lawmakers on progressive issues.
A state progressive caucus would be like the U.S. Congressional Progressive Caucus, which is co-chaired by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison.
State Rep. Frank Hornstein, a DFLer from Minneapolis, is one of the six. He told the Daily:
We think that it’s really important to move forward an agenda in the Legislature that is progressive in nature. We want to make sure that these issues are front and center for the coming Legislature and beyond.
The other DFLers at the conference were:
- Sen. Scott Dibble
- Sen. Jeff Hayden
- Sen. Sandy Pappas
- Rep. Phyllis Kahn
- Rep. Tina Liebling
Of the six, five are from the Twin Cities; Liebling is from Rochester.
If the caucus happens, observers will be interested to see if it expands beyond Twin Cities liberals to include a broader base of legislators from around the state.