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Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

State lawmakers declare their support of the press

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The Minnesota House unanimously passed a resolution today supporting freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

The resolution also upholds "the long-standing tradition of the Minnesota House of Representatives with regard to press access to committee meetings and floor sessions."

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, raised the issue in response to reports that DFL leaders were considering new rules that would limit press access on the House floor and committee hearing rooms. Seifert said he was concerned about the proposed changes, which he claimed would have a "chilling effect."

"We want them to interview us," Seifert said. "We want them to cover us. When the tax increases come out again from the Democrats, we want them to cover that."

House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, who signed on as co-author of the resolution, admitted there had been some confusion about the issue.

"We are going to operate in a very fair way and make sure that this chamber, as it is always, is accessible and the committee rooms are accessible to the public," Sertich said.

Sertich also took the opportunity to reference Seifert's past opposition to flag burning.

"I'm a big supporter of the First Amendment, all facets of the First Amendment," Sertich explained. "He might be a little iffy on some of the other portions of the First Amendment."