Here's what I sent to Senator Thompson, a good guy who supported the bill. I e-mailed the other senate leaders asking them what they, in their capacity of [insert job title] could tell me about why this hadn't passed yet ...
Senator Thompson,
I appreciated your YES vote on SF 1357 in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. I especially appreciated your efforts to comment on the bill AND get back for the vote, literally running back to support this bill. This is indeed a common sense bill and all the theatrics are unnecessary.
This bill has been ready to be heard for over a week! It passed out of the final committee on the 14th and the House file was substituted on general orders on 5/17. The Republican Majority has enough votes to pass it even without out state Pro-Gun Democrats in the Senate. Activists and staff have worked tirelessly and been available for the last week, taking time from their families, jobs, and other interests.
I remain baffled why the Leadership would not allow this bill to be heard and voted on. Even fearing a Veto, let Gov Dayton do the work of killing this bill and reap the reward. May I remind you that Gov Dayton spoke at the Anoka County Game Fair and proclaimed himself a 2nd Amendment Candidate? Let HIM put the lie to those words. Don't do his work for him. Let the Democrats take a stand and a vote and allow their constituents to see where they stand. I guarantee the word will get out to their constituents.Turn their opposition into a POSITIVE for your party and for the citizens of MN if necessary but don't kill this bill through inaction.
Thank you for your consideration,