Thissen: Republicans Need to Start Being Honest With Minnesotans

After Republicans suggested that Gov. Mark Dayton's proposed budget bill would increase spending by 22 percent during the third reading of the Healthy Minnesota Contribution Program bill (HF0008) Thursday, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) fired back by telling Republicans to stop lying to Minnesotans.

"Until you guys [Republicans] actually get honest in talking with Minnesotans, we are never going to get out of here," Thissen said, citing the near end of the legislative session.

"Start telling the truth to Minnesotans and stop lying to them," Thissen added "It's time that we stopped doing that."

His response triggered House members, including House Rep. Greg Davids (R-District 31B) to call for a point of order, stating that it was inappropriate to call a member a liar on the House floor. It was then ordered that no one question the motives of any member on the floor.

Thissen responded by saying, "I wasn't questioning anyone's motives, I was just stating a fact."

The Healthy Minnesota Contribution Program bill redesigns the service delivery of lower-income MinnesotaCare enrollees and requires the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association to offer a high-deductible, basic plan to enrollees.

Thissen also stated that while he supports Republicans for moving toward a health care exchange bill, he thought the way they were going about doing it was ludicrous and that he would vote against the bill.

The bill was passed 70-62 and is being reviewed by the Senate's Rules and Administration Committee. To see Thissen's full response, click play on the video above.