REFLECTIVE TUESDAY
RIP Jesse Jackson this morning and RIP Robert Duvall.
It’s Fat Tuesday and we start the year of the Fire Horse.
US Women’s Hockey hasn’t allowed a goal in the Olympics, but Team Casper lost to China. Parker Fox is worth the follow as the Minnesota man on the street at the games
Snow totals could hit double digits this week — in the north today, and in the metro Thursday. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/46dAj7b
Former Pres. Barack Obama complimented Minnesota protesters in a recent podcast interview. CLIP: https://fluence-media.co/4qE29R6
A TIPP survey on 2028 presidential primary candidates finds that Kamala Harris leads the pack among Democrats at 38%, while Gov. Tim Walz is tied for 3% with Sen. Mark Kelly and Gov. JB Pritzker. On the Republican side, V.P. JD Vance leads at 43%. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4rliEmm
YouGov finds that 50% of Americans support making Washington, D.C. a U.S. state, and 48% support Puerto Rican statehood. Meanwhile, Canadian statehood has 24% support, and Greenland statehood has 27% support. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4tFEFhp
Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with reflections on Melissa Hortman, Jesse Jackson and the challenge of counting on elected officials to solve our state’s challenges. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4awORQw
See many of you tonight at Session Priorities.
It’s National Cauliflower Day – a top 10 vegetable.
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The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota Legislature. READ: https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
DAY ONE
The natural headline today would be “Fraud vs. ICE” but in multiple conversations over the past several weeks with various business and civic leaders the ability to trust partisan leaders to solve problems has all but become extinct. As we honor and accept the reality of a surreal feeling the Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed on June 14th and Sen. John Hoffman and his wife and daughter were nearly killed – the leaders should dig deep to find the feeling after the tragedy related to state over party.
What is the meaning of public service if the public isn’t being served? With great respect for all who put their name on the ballot at every level, and those of us who analyze, report, work, lobby or closely observe adjacently we are reminded after multiple other historic moments since June 14th how easy it is to slip into the traditional rhetoric or partisan voice. Find the signals, and minimize the noise as we face the issues of the session.
Specifically, to legislators as you start session, surprise the state with a constructive and policy-centered dialog. Don’t let the endorphins win, rather find some new ways in the center that aren’t about the political win, but begin to rebuild a faith that Minnesota can be a state that solve its issues in mindful of the middle rather than the activists.
HONOR: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Colin Hortman’s eight-month journey through grief brought cherished memories flooding back in vivid fashion while leaving him with fuzziness over the more recent times since his parents were killed in their home. HORTMAN: “The first three months, I think, they went by in the blink of an eye,” Colin Hortman told MPR News in his first extended interview since the assassinations of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband, Mark. “There’s many parts I don’t remember. And then it has just been a very long healing journey.”… Colin said he’s wrestled for the last eight months with what he wanted or needed to say and with how to turn natural rage into something more productive. He thinks back to a St. Francis of Assissi prayer card his mother carried with her. READ: https://fluence-media.co/46aGJ6W
TODAY: The Minnesota Legislature’s 2026 session will begin today at 12:00 noon. No committee meetings are scheduled, but members of both parties will share memories of the late Rep. Melissa Hortman and hold a reception in her honor. Sen. John Hoffman will enter the Capitol escorted by members of the State Patrol.
TODAY: The MN Chamber of Commerce will outline its policy priorities for the 2026 legislative session on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 4:00 p.m. Numerous state leaders and gubernatorial candidates will attend.
GOP: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and House Republican Floor Leader Harry Niska (R-Ramsey) announced their legislative priorities for the 2026 session, which they dubbed ‘The North Star Comeback.’ … Key among the Republicans’ fraud priorities is HF1, [which] would create an independent Office of Inspector General. … Niska also referenced a slew of bills that Republicans intend to bring forward to further address fraud, including bills that would create consequences for officials who allow fraud to occur unchecked and create statutory guidelines for programs with a high risk of fraud. … Republicans’ [other] priorities include affordability, safety and reducing school mandates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4azOtR9
DFL: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “While House DFL leaders expressed concerns last year about the cost and structure of the statewide inspector general, they dispute the characterization by Republicans that they prevented the bill from advancing. Leader [Zack] Stephenson noted that Republican and Democratic leaders both agreed not to include the Office of Inspector General in the broader budget agreement. … However, Stephenson said his caucus is interested in working on the inspector general proposal again in 2026.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rV3aWf
ICE: Via House Session Daily, DFL lawmakers announced 11 bills yesterday that focus on restrictions and accountability for ICE agents. VERBATIM: “Four bills would keep ICE out of certain areas, [including] child care centers…school grounds…hospitals and college campuses. … Three bills are designed to address accountability issues. [They] would require the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s participation in investigations of all Minnesota shootings involving law enforcement…give Minnesotans the opportunity to defend their constitutional rights in civil court…[and] restrict the use of tear gas. … Two bills would deal with protecting the privacy of Minnesota residents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qJtsd9
MORE: The House DFL prepared a list of all 11 proposed bills responding to the ICE surge, along with their authors. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3OmU4TC
SANCTUARY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Speaker Lisa Demuth said she cannot comment on DFL [ICE] proposals until she reviews the bill language in full. However, she has indicated the House Republicans will revive a proposal known last session as HF16 that would ban sanctuary policies in Minnesota cities and counties. That legislation, which stalled in 2025 due to a lack of support from the DFL, would prohibit ‘noncooperation ordinances’ while also requiring more data-sharing with the federal government. … Although Senate Republicans are outnumbered in the chamber, Minority Leader Mark Johnson said his caucus will support efforts from House Republicans to ban sanctuary policies.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rUh6j1
A new level of insight and information….
The MNSider Brief: State of the Governor’s race – READ: https://fluence-media.co/4r3ACtF
THE DOCKET
PROTESTING: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A bill that’s backed by a coalition of GOP lawmakers set to be proposed at the start of the upcoming legislative session would make ‘residential protesting’ outside someone’s residence punishable under Minnesota law. … Anyone who is demonstrating on, or in front, of someone’s residence could be charged, provided the residence isn’t also a place of business. … If approved, a person could receive a misdemeanor, with penalties escalating up to a gross misdemeanor and restraining orders.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bYUFoq
BONDING: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Traditionally the second year of a biennium is focused on a capital investment — or bonding — bill. [Speaker Lisa] Demuth said legislative leaders will discuss a potential proposal this session, but the upcoming February forecast detailing the state’s finances would further inform a decision on it. ‘Our state doesn’t have money right now,’ Demuth said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4azOtR9
DOCTORS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Medical Association, representing about 10,000 doctors, has outlined five main priorities for this legislative session. These include stricter gun safety laws, increasing vaccination rates, and protecting healthcare amid Medicaid funding cuts. Dr. Lisa Mattson, president of the [MMA], emphasized the potential closing of hospitals, particularly rural ones, due to the expected loss of $1.4 billion in Medicaid funding over the next four years. … Doctors will begin their advocacy efforts immediately, with plans to testify on the impact of Medicaid cuts at a committee hearing on Thursday.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qLOebX
PRODUCTIVITY: Via Minnesota Reformer, an article with a blunt headline: “Will this be the most unproductive Minnesota legislative session ever?” VERBATIM: “Rarely has Minnesota faced so many urgent needs, but election year ambitions and heightened partisan vitriol are undermining hope for [passing] anything in the closely divided Legislature. … Lawmakers last year passed a $66 billion two-year budget, which means they don’t have to do anything to keep the lights on — another disincentive to any legislation passing. … [However], both parties say they’ll pursue some key priorities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cyAzS1
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “All 201 lawmakers are up for re-election this November, and three members of the House GOP Caucus are running for governor. Those factors could make bipartisanship difficult as the parties try to force votes on issues they can use on the campaign trail. ‘I want to make the best of it and try and get as much done as possible,’ said House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson. But he said he also wants to be ‘realistic’ about what he thinks the session will hold: ‘It’s not conducive to a lot of progress.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4amPRrK
CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
INVESTIGATIONS
INVESTIGATIONS: BCA Superintendent Drew Evans spoke to Jason DeRusha on WCCO Radio about the news, seen in yesterday’s lunch take, that the FBI has formally denied Minnesota’s request for access to the evidence gathered in Alex Pretti’s shooting. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3MJfauZ
RESPONSE: via Gov. Tim Walz statement, WALZ: “Minnesota needs impartial investigations into the shootings of American citizens on our streets. [Donald] Trump’s left hand cannot investigate his right hand. The families of the deceased deserve better.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cx9M8A
CONTEXT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Two weeks ago, people familiar with the ongoing effort to repair relationships between the federal and state governments told the Minnesota Star Tribune the announcement of a joint investigation between the FBI and BCA into the killing of [Alex] Pretti was imminent. That announcement never came. [Gov. Tim] Walz said the Trump Administration pulled back from the joint investigation after details of the agreement were reported by the Star Tribune before it was formally announced.” QUOTE: “This administration always has to get the last word, it always has to be viewed that they won.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rWr7fP
DESPITE THE CHALLENGES OF RURAL HEALTH CARE, ESSENTIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING TOP CLINICAL CARE: According to the latest report from Minnesota Community Measurement, a statewide resource on health care quality, costs and equity, Essentia ranked as a high performer with 19 of 20 clinical quality metrics scoring above statewide averages. According to Dr. Maria Beaver, chief quality and patient safety officer at Essentia: “This is a testament to the amazing care provided by all our clinical care teams and all our colleagues who support them.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dCxy1D (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
MED FRAUD: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit just scored a major victory in one of its fraud cases as the woman they labeled the top defendant, Nasro Takhal, pleaded guilty. In return, she agreed to testify against the remaining defendants in the PITSTOP 66 case, which involved a complicated scheme to defraud Minnesota taxpayers. Four groups of people are charged in the $2.6 million Medicaid fraud case.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aAeVdH
HENN CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “An 18-year-old who was detained by federal agents in a chaotic scene inside the Hennepin County Government Center last week was ordered released from federal custody. Junior de Jesus Herrera Berrios of Burnsville was tackled and taken out of the Government Center on Feb. 10. … [He] had arrived in court for a hearing on first-degree drug possession charges stemming from his arrest in January over allegedly driving a car with 57 pounds of meth. … U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank ordered the release of Herrera Berrios [because] the federal government provided no evidence it had a warrant to arrest him.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Okru5p
ISSUES
SCHOOLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “School districts in the Twin Cities are facing ongoing challenges as they aim to return to normalcy after the [ICE] drawdown. … Brenda Lewis, superintendent of Fridley Public Schools, [said] the district had 112 students automatically dropped after 15 consecutive days of absence, risking $1.2 million in funding. Online learning numbers have fluctuated, with Fridley at 421, Robbinsdale at 527, Bloomington at 600, Minneapolis at 6,400, and St. Paul at 7,000. … Potential legislation may be introduced to safeguard funding for districts affected by dropouts and extended absences due to ICE activity. Lewis plans to testify at the upcoming legislative hearings.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kICBBc
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A week before border czar Tom Homan announced a further drawdown of federal agents, Minneapolis Public Schools extended the period in which families and students can learn online to April 6. MPS Board Chair Collin Beachy said e-learning is a necessity to keeping these families safe. He added, however, that with free school meals and so many students at home in fear, it’s costing the school money.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3MNMpxd
DEBT: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s relatively new ‘Debt Fairness Act’ is the subject of a federal lawsuit. The Consumer Data Industry [trade group] is suing over the law that prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in credit report referrals, [arguing] that the state law goes beyond the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. The organization said states don’t have the power to enact additional restrictions because it ‘would result in a system where lenders would be unable to accurately compare the creditworthiness of individuals from one state to another.’ … The trade group’s lawsuit seeks to prevent enforcement of the Minnesota law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/468SbQx
AG WORKERS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “On Monday, in the Minnesota town of Norwood Young America, the 34th annual Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion, in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms. ‘We absolutely need immigrant labor,’ said dairy farmer Larry Dreier. ‘We can’t even find people that want to do all the work.’ … Dreier’s labor shortage concerns are shared by farmers across the state. According to University of Minnesota Extension, the number of workers with H-2A visas fell by more than 10% during the first half of 2025.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rYcYik
ICYMI: Yesterday’s ag take featured extensive coverage of ag labor issues, farm bill updates and more. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/46bD2Os
WILD ABOUT READING: Join more than 800 Minnesota classrooms and 30,000 students participating in the “Wild About Reading” program, a partnership with Flint Hills Resources which encourages students to read more using Minnesota Wild-branded posters, reading logs, and bookmarks. Teachers set weekly reading goals and give certificates to students who complete the four-week program. Fun program incentives include: classroom visits from the Wild’s mascot, Nordy, and the team dog, Paulie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player-signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/49AHNSE (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
ACROSS MN
DRAWDOWN: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Border czar Tom Homan’s announcement Sunday of a steep drawdown of federal forces in Minnesota has been met with some skepticism. … State Rep. Andy Smith [said] federal agents raided a Rochester restaurant Monday morning, taking two people into custody. … [But] ICEout.org, [a] volunteer-run website, recorded roughly 79 alleged ICE sightings in Minnesota. That is down from a week before when there were 196.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OxkAtv
MORE: Via Rochester Post Bulletin, the ICE arrests Monday resulted in the temporary closure of at least two local businesses in response. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MzESlB
CD8: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “Jeremiah Liend, a technical coordinator in the performing arts department at Bemidji State University, announced intent to run for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District seat as an independent, challenging incumbent Pete Stauber. Liend intends to run a ‘funds-free’ campaign that will not seek or accept donations, endorsements and campaign funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46dpDFA
COMING UP
SESSION: House floor session at 12:00 noon. Senate floor session at 12:00 noon. No committee meetings are scheduled as both parties will gather to honor the life of Melissa Hortman. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/46bxymV
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend a first day of session ceremony to honor Melissa and Mark Hortman. In the evening, he will attend the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Session Priorities dinner.
TOMORROW: The MN Center for Environmental Advocacy and related organizations will hold a rally at the Capitol expressing opposition to data center proposals. “Legislation will be introduced at the rally” by Sens. Erin Maye Quade and Jen McEwen, per a release. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
BDAYS: Rep. Mike Howard, health care pro Megan Koepke, media prof Scott Libin, Anoka County’s Julie Braastad, critic Ross Raihala liquor store guy Phil Colich, attorney David Gollin
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.