Elementary classmate of Jack Olson, Paige Bueckers won a national championship with UConn.
It’s Master’s Week.
Wild win in OT. Loons win.
Timberwolves continued a winning streak to 5 over the weekend.
Twins are 3-6, they play at KC today.
Famed Minnesota wildlife photographer Jim Brandenburg has died at 79. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/3G8T9lu
A 10% tariff on almost every country’s imports went into effect this weekend, and additional higher tariffs on specific countries will begin Wednesday. Some Minnesota business owners say it’s bad news. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/3R4QI5O
U.S. stock futures plunged last night, indicating the Dow could fall by up to 1,700 points or more today. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/4lg9161
Yesterday, US Senate candidate Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was a guest on Sunday Take. What has she learned as Lt. Governor, and what is she hearing in her listening tour. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3E6acEn
Rest in peace co-owner of Blue Plate Restaurants, David Burley.David was killed yesterday in a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin.David was a friend, and client for the past 15 years.
Blois
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Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4i5a4me
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Medicaid Supports Health Care for All of Us. It keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan—regardless of income or health status—can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: Medicaid in Minnesota – Protect MN Patients (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)
CHAMPION: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “On March 24, Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, introduced a bill (SF2978) providing a $1 million grant to 21 Days of Peace, a violence prevention group headed by the Rev. Jerry McAfee. … [But] starting in 2022, Champion, in his private capacity as an attorney, represented McAfee and his nonprofit Salem Inc. in four court cases involving nonpayment of mortgages on multiple Minneapolis properties, totaling roughly half a million dollars. That period overlaps with the 2023-24 legislative session, when lawmakers gave a $3 million grant to McAfee’s nonprofit. Champion was the chief author of that bill as well. … Champion says that his work on the mortgage cases was pro-bono, and that because it concluded in December 2022, prior to the start of the legislative session, he did not need to disclose [it]. … But at least two of the cases did not have final judgments issued until March or April of 2023, [after] Champion had introduced the funding bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3GbX1SI
RESPONSE: via a GOP Chair Alex Plechash statement, PLECHASH: “Minnesotans deserve elected leaders who serve the public interest — not their own networks. … Senator [Bobby Joe] Champion’s conduct is incompatible with the level of integrity Minnesotans expect from the President of the Senate. I am calling for his immediate resignation. … The Republican Party of Minnesota supports eliminating the practice of legislators directly steering taxpayer dollars to nonprofits they are affiliated with, [and] we demand a full and independent audit of every bill Senator Champion has authored or co-authored that directed public money to nonprofit entities.”
EXPECT: Republicans to file an ethics complaint against Sen. Champion in the coming days.
POT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota must conduct a pre-approval lottery for cannabis business licenses that it abandoned late last year, a Ramsey County judge ruled Friday, saying social equity applicants who qualified for the drawing suffered a ‘public wrong’ because of its cancellation. … The state’s Office of Cannabis Management had a legal obligation to conduct the lottery, [the] order states, noting the Legislature vested the office with the discretion to do so.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4llDdfR
RESPONSE: via an OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel statement, TAUBEL: “The judge’s order allows the Office of Cannabis Management to seek dismissal of the case on an expedited basis, which we intend to do. With the adoption of the rules governing Minnesota's cannabis industry imminent, OCM expects to be able to begin issuing licenses to qualified social equity applicants in a matter of weeks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R3bh2D
MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota lawmaker and a recreational marijuana business consultant told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the best-case scenario for opening recreational marijuana dispensaries statewide, other than a few owned by Indigenous tribes, will be late spring or possibly early summer 2026…Stefan Egan helped write the marijuana law and has consulted businesses in other states that legalized the recreational use of cannabis products… Sen. Mark Koran (R-North Branch) told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that when you add more time for testing facilities to be approved, it takes nine to 12 months to get an operation up and running and distributing product statewide, which means late spring or early summer for dispensaries to be open. WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/42fvveE
PROTESTS: Via KSTP, tens of thousands of Minnesotans rallied against the Trump Administration on Saturday as part of the nationwide “Hands Off” protest movement. VERBATIM: “According to the Minnesota State Patrol, about 25,000 people gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol for what appears to be the largest rally there since the 2017 Women’s March. … The rally was organized by MN 50501, Indivisible Twin Cities and Women’s March Minnesota. Activists, Democratic politicians and everyday Minnesotans in attendance criticized the Trump Administration. … The ‘Hands Off’ rally in St. Paul [was one] of roughly 30 across the state on Saturday, and at least one was scheduled in all 50 states.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lilfeg
MORE: Via multiple news reports, speakers at the “Hands Off” rally in St. Paul included Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Betty McCollum, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, state Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, state Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega and state Rep. Emma Greenman. Protests were held on Saturday in St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Bemidji, Anoka, Cloquet, Plymouth, Willmar and more. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4llFBmP MPR: https://fluence-media.co/3DXBBZb BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4iXW0fH PIPRESS: https://fluence-media.co/43NvjWx
MORE: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Huge crowds gathered in Duluth and Superior on Saturday, hoping to send a message to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. … Over 2,500 people showed up at Duluth City Hall. … Speakers at the Duluth protest included DFL Rep. Pete Johnson of Duluth and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Both encouraged listeners to unite and fight back against the Trump Administration.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RH4Kuw
RESPONSE: via a GOP Chair Alex Plechash statement, PLECHASH: “If this is the best the radical left has to offer — old ideas, more government waste, and endless complaining — then we welcome the contrast. Voters are ready for bold leadership, common-sense solutions, and a government that works for the people — not against them. [Republicans] are focused on building momentum heading into 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/422JVjm
SENATE RACE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “[Senate candidate] Adam Schwarze says he’s never been one to shy away from a fight. It dates all the way back to his enlistment in the military shortly after 9/11. … Now, Schwarze says he’s ready to transition to a political fight. He favors fewer regulations and taxes on small businesses, and also supports President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs despite a rough impact on the stock markets. … [Schwarze] does acknowledge there might have been a better way to implement the tariffs in a more targeted or surgical way, but he’s willing to give them a chance to work. As a military veteran, Schwarze says he also has some concerns about how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others used the Signal chat app to discuss a military mission.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XMegQJ
TOWN HALLS: Via op-ed in the Star Tribune, Rep. Angie Craig (D-2nd) announced that she plans to hold in-person town halls in the state’s four Republican-controlled congressional districts (1st, 6th, 7th and 8th). Craig will also hold a town hall in her own district to kick off the tour sometime in April, she said, with more details coming later. Craig has previously said she is considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2026. CRAIG: “Not one of my Republican colleagues has hosted their own in-person, no-tickets-required town hall [this year]. It’s a disgrace. … Every Minnesotan deserves to be heard, and I’m determined to give each of them that opportunity.”
NOTE: Expect Rep. Craig to announce a campaign for the US Senate in the coming weeks.
MORE: Gov. Tim Walz is continuing his national town hall tour today in Ohio’s 6th District with an event in Youngstown, OH at 6:00 p.m. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3E60n9g
MORE: via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “A Willmar town hall hosted by the [CD7 DFL] was standing room only. Attendees packed the cafeteria of Lakeland Elementary on Saturday evening. … [It] was described by organizers as a response to U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach not appearing at in-person town halls. … Speakers included Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish and [DFL Chair Richard] Carlbom. … The Kandiyohi County DFL estimated [that] some 700 people [attended].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EaV4FC
NOTE: Democrats clearly have a lot of energy, but the suggestion that Republicans are going to appear at a DFL party event is absurd. Just like DFLers are going to show up at GOP party events. The town halls, and rallies are partisan events. The days of the official town hall meeting are a dream of civility that isn’t likely possible in this political environment.
TARIFFS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota's Republican congressional members are responding to the Trump Administration's decision to implement sweeping 10% tariffs on all imports to the U.S. [as of Saturday]. … Congressman Tom Emmer responded to the decision during a town hall meeting with praise, [saying] the stock market disruptions will ‘eventually straighten themselves out.’ … Rep. Brad Finstad said President Trump is using tariff negotiations strategically. ‘This president is different than what we’ve seen in modern history with regard to using tariffs as a tool to hold our trading partners accountable and bring them to the negotiating table,’ says Finstad.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4lkKA7i
MORE: via Politico, VERBATIM: “Top administration officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and top trade adviser Peter Navaro, spent much of Thursday insisting the tariffs were not a negotiating tactic but the start of a permanent effort to bring back domestic manufacturing and move away from a global trade order that has persisted for decades. … A [third] White House official said that the president is ‘always willing to accept phone calls from other world leaders to hear them out and to hear these proposals,’ but argued ‘that’s not a negotiation per say.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FYq6RD
HARRIS-WALZ: Gov. Tim Walz was interviewed on CNN’s “State of the Union” yesterday to discuss the Democratic Party’s future, Pres. Donald Trump’s tariff plans and more. Notably, Walz was asked for his thoughts on a comment from former Vice Pres. Kamala Harris at a recent event where she said “I’m not gonna say ‘I told you so,’” which Walz indicated is not a message Democrats should be spreading. WALZ: “When I criticize, I’m criticizing myself. I own this. I’m part of the ticket, and somebody has to come up with a strategy.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3YmktTA
POLL: Support is surging among Minnesotans who want legal wagering on sporting events. New polling by the Sports Betting Alliance of Minnesota indicates 60% of voters in the state support the legalization of sports betting.
The survey of 1,000 Minnesota voters also revealed overwhelming support for legal wagering amongst 18–29-year-olds with 75% of females and 73% of males in favor of allowing sports betting in Minnesota, something that is available in 39 states. LEARNMORE: https://sportsbettingalliance.org/take-action/minnesota/
(SPONSORED: Minnesota Sports Betting Alliance)
THIS WEEK: The third and final deadline in the Minnesota Legislature is on Friday at 12:00 noon. All major finance and policy bills must be acted on favorably by committees before this time, or else they will likely be unable to pass this session. After the deadline, the legislature will be in recess for 10 days to recognize Easter and Passover.
EDUCATION: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “There is a glum feeling around the frenetic crafting of the [state] budget, largely because Minnesota is forecast to move from a surplus in the next two years to a $6 billion deficit. … Nowhere is that pessimism felt more than in funding kindergarten through 12th grade education. … Education spending from the state’s general fund shot up nearly 25% from about $9.9 billion in the 2022 fiscal year to an expected $12.3 billion this fiscal year, according to MMB. The DFL pushed through a major increase in per-pupil spending. They funded breakfast and lunch each school day for all of the state’s 850,000 students. Now, DFL leadership is resigned to finding places to cut.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EiyFWU
SSA: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Rochester's Social Security Administration office is losing almost half of its staff to buyouts, data from the agency shows. The Social Security offices in Rochester and Alexandria, MN are included on a list of field offices with 25% or more losses due to employees taking voluntary separation incentive payments. … The Rochester office is losing 40% of its staff, while Alexandria is down 50%. … No other Minnesota offices are on the 25% losses list. … Sen. Tina Smith, D-MN, reacted to the Rochester and Alexandria news, [saying] ‘cutting staff at Social Security offices will directly harm Minnesotans who count on these services to access their benefits.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/422LoWU
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Senior advocates are warning of many possible issues facing Minnesotans as the Social Security Administration heads toward a new policy April 14 [stating] that most recipients will need to enroll or make changes online or in person, instead of over the phone. … AARP Minnesota has been getting dozens of phone calls from people who are concerned and confused about the changes, [and] they have been pushing the Social Security Administration to reverse the decision or for Congress to step in.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iVlABZ
MDH: via Patch News, VERBATIM: “A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump Administration from cutting billions in public health funding nationwide, including more than $220 million earmarked for the Minnesota Department of Health. The restraining order sparked a cautious note of optimism from the head of MDH, who earlier [last] week announced mass layoffs and warned that the sudden loss of funding would severely disrupt vital health services across the state. … [However], Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham [said] MDH is not out of the woods yet, noting that ‘this is a temporary order, so the future is not yet certain.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XOBOEz
NIH: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in suing the Trump Administration in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts over its unlawful attempt to disrupt grant funding issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The lawsuit challenges the Administration’s unreasonable and intentional delays in reviewing NIH grant applications, as well as its termination of hundreds of already-issued grants. … The coalition is asking the Court to compel the Administration to promptly review and issue decisions on delayed grant applications and prohibit them from terminating already-awarded grants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42jFfEJ
‘MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED’ — EMPOWERMENT TRAINING OPENS PATHWAY INTO THE TRADES: Since 2019, a partnership between Five Skies Empowerment Training and Enbridge has broadened as unions, contractors and other groups look to connect Native American job seekers to meaningful careers. “They’re gonna open the door for you,” says Joel, a program graduate. “Before the 5 Skies program, I wasn’t aware there were so many opportunities,” explains Ashley. “My whole life changed,” says Melissa. Click here to submit an application, and find out more on upcoming training. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XoPg0D (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “They were heralded by some as the faces of the future — seven women elected to the seven-member St. Paul City Council, six of them women of color, all of them then under the age of 40. Following flattering coverage by the New York Times, CNN, the Guardian and others…the political reality has been less fanciful. … Mitra Jalali announced her resignation in January, expressing concern about the impact of stress on her physical and mental health. … The six remaining council members — all but two of them still in their first term — have come to loggerheads with the mayor’s office, and often with each other, over unresolved issues related to rent control, police overtime, the city budget, the appointment process around Jalali’s replacement, and most recently, trash collection.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ciF7d6
MPLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis city leaders say there’s been a ‘promising decline’ in gun violence during the first three months of 2025. According to police data, there were 49 shootings in the city from Jan. 1 to March 31. That’s down from 70 shootings during the same time period last year and a peak of 114 shootings in the first three months of 2022. The last time Minneapolis experienced so few shootings in the first three months of the year was in 2020, when 43 people were injured or killed by gunfire.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jezkrg
SCHOOLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Public Schools has set out to erase a $75 million budget deficit without a highly charged proposal to close or merge schools. The potential elimination of as many as 102 special education assistants, however, has ignited protests. In St. Paul, district officials intend to tap $32 million in rainy-day funds to avoid deep classroom cuts — yet still manage to boost staffing overall — as it fills a $51 million gap of its own. All this comes a year after both school systems grappled with deficits of more than $100 million heading into the current 2024-25 school year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42ywM1B
UMN: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration is not being given extra time to explain why a University of Minnesota was detained by immigration officials in March, a judge ordered. … A federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to provide an answer as to why the student was detained. A motion requesting an extension was filed Friday, but court records appear to show that a judge denied that request.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DZrenE
PERMITTING REFORM FOR RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRIES: Jobs for Minnesotans is committed to advancing responsible industrial projects through a predictable, timely and transparent permitting process. Broad permitting reform for all responsible industries is essential to strengthening Minnesota’s communities and advancing our state’s clean energy future. (SPONSORED: Jobs for Minnesotans)
CONGRESS: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig reintroduced the Halt Unchecked Member Benefits with Lobbying Elimination (HUMBLE) Act. … Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4) also co-sponsored this bill. The HUMBLE Act would ban Members of Congress from owning or trading individual stocks, prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for first-class airline tickets, prevent Members from serving on corporate boards while they are in Congress and eliminate access to Members-only perks for former Members. Rep. Craig’s legislation also includes a new provision to eliminate automatic pay raises for Members of Congress.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R5EVEl
CONSTRUCTION: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Months of road construction, detours and delays began this weekend on Interstate 94 between Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says work is picking up on a maintenance and repair project for five bridges along I-94. … Detours for those ramp closures may lead to traffic delays on city streets in the area — not just on the freeway. MnDOT is urging drivers to plan for delays.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i9iVnc
BIKING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “It’s never been easier to get around the Twin Cities by bike…but something’s missing, cyclists say: secure bike parking. Even where there are standard bike racks, the availability of tools that make it easy to cut locks in seconds makes bike theft an everyday occurrence. … Cities and businesses have begun to take note of cyclists’ concerns and are looking for ways to make bike parking more secure by protecting bikes with more than just a place to lock them, but bike advocates say there’s still work to be done.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3E9DOk9
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Jordan Johnson launched his campaign for an at-large Duluth City Council seat with a public announcement at Dovetail Cafe and Market on Sunday afternoon. … In 2024, he ran to represent West Duluth in the Minnesota Legislature but dropped out of the race after losing in the DFL primary. … Two at-large seats will be up for grabs in November, as the terms of Councilors Azrin Awal and Terese Tomanek both draw to a close. Neither of those incumbents has yet announced their campaign intentions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YkTqbf
ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Impending tariffs could lead consumers to see increased costs for fuel, vehicles and technology, [but] could these increased costs affect public transportation, such as Metro Bus service in St. Cloud? The short answer: It's complicated. An increase in bus fare is possible, but the current economic climate would not be the only reason for the change, according to Dave Green, chief operations officer for St Cloud Metropolitan Transit Commission.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R4VOis
APPLE VALLEY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Duckpin bowling, bocce courts, an arcade and ax throwing are just a few of the activities that could be coming to Apple Valley in a new indoor/outdoor recreation complex, if the city plays ball. Skyline Social & Games, which has one location near Duluth, cleared a couple of rungs on the ladder of permits and approvals this week in the hopes of bringing its second location and scores of sports leagues to the Orchard Place shopping center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42lTpoS
WASECA: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A few years ago, cormorants decided to make Loon Lake Island their home. However, the birds brought a unique problem with no easy solution. The city of Waseca says bird droppings are destroying the popular island. … Brian Tomford, Waseca County facilities director, [said] during the summer, kayakers and canoers access Loon Lake on their way to Loon Lake Island. … [But] Tomford said excrement from cormorants is acidic and destroys trees and plants.” TOMFORD: “Even the vegetation on the ground floor of the island is, I would say, 90% to 100% gone already.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43HejkH
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
TARIFFS: Axios Twin Cities has a report on how new tariffs could impact consumers, politics and businesses in Minnesota. VERBATIM: “The state and its top industries rely heavily on items produced by Canada, China and Mexico, while exporting more than $26 billion in state-produced goods to other nations. Case in point: Everything from the oil refined into gas that we pump into our cars to the oats baked into General Mills' Cheerios, per the Strib, and piglets populating our major pork-producing industry all come from Canada. Medical devices and machinery lead the list of our top exports.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42vjyCL
MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “[Minnesotans] ‘may feel effects of tariffs tomorrow, others may not feel them for six months to a year,’ said Thom Petersen, the commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Petersen said the last few years have been tough on farmers, and tariffs will add to the strain. ‘Basically, it’s going to add to chaos,’ Petersen said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XKgwb8
GOLF: Via an MPR newsletter, a bill in the legislature would exempt tickets to professional golf tournaments from sales tax. VERBATIM: “There are major events in coming years for men’s and women’s golf at Hazeltine National in Chaska. That includes a 2029 Ryder Cup and a 2026 KMPG Women’s PGA Championship.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42mvdCV BILL: https://fluence-media.co/3XKuU3e
SESSION: House floor session at 3:30 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Fraud Prevention & State Agency Oversight hears an MMB presentation on state COVID funds and spending. Ways & Means will hear a public safety omnibus and a bill on defibrillator signage. Agriculture hears its omnibus budget bill. Transportation hears a traffic calming program for first class cities. SENATE: Rules & Admin. hears the creation of the OIG, the Sustainable Foraging Task Force, the Healthcare Workforce Advisory Council and a task force on homeowners and commercial property insurance. Energy, Utilities, Env. & Climate hears its omnibus bill. Judiciary & Public Safety hears a bill to make certain police training funds ongoing. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4lk5JyB
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz’s next town hall event is in Ohio’s 6th District. According to the event page — hosted and organized by local Democrats — Walz will be in Youngstown, OH on Monday, April 7 for a town hall starting at 6:00 p.m
NOTE: via his public schedule Governor Tim Walz has no public events scheduled.
TODAY: via Senate Republicans news advisory, at 2PM Education Policy Committee Lead, Senator Julia Coleman; Education Finance Committee Lead, Senator Jason Rarick, Senator Michael Kreun, Senator Robert Farnsworth will press conference to reiterate the need to put Students First in education omnibus bills. Walk through, testimony, and mark-up hearings on education omnibus bills are expected this week.
TODAY: via an OLA advisory, VERBATIM: “The Office of the Legislative Auditor's Financial Audit Division will release the performance audit, Metropolitan Council: Southwest Light Rail Transit Construction, on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The audit’s key findings and recommendations will be presented to the Legislative Audit Commission at 9:00 a.m. that morning.”
TODAY: via a NAMI MN advisory, VERBATIM: “The Mental Health Legislative Network, a coalition of over 40 organizations dedicated to improving the mental health system, will hold a press conference on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. … We are [concerned] the governor’s budget proposal does not address [mental health] needs, and the budget targets for both the House and Senate make it difficult to address them as well.”
THURSDAY: Citizens League will honor Peter Bell, former Metropolitan Council chair, and Sharon McMahon at the 2025 Civic Celebration. The annual Civic Celebration is an inspiring evening, gathering hundreds of Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, parties and ideologies to celebrate our state’s enduring civic culture, leadership, and commitment to public service. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/3EKmNge (SPONSORED: Citizens League)
THIS WEEK: The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is hosting public hearings throughout the Northland during the week of April 7 on Minnesota Power’s proposed private equity acquisition. Monday’s hearings are in Cloquet at 10:00 a.m. and Duluth at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday’s hearings are in Eveleth at 12:00 noon and Cohasset at 5:00 p.m. Thursday’s hearing is virtual, starting at 6:00 p.m. Friday’s hearing is in Little Falls at 12:00 noon.
APRIL 21: via City of St. Paul, VERBATIM: “Mayor Melvin Carter will deliver his 2025 State of Our City Address Monday, April 21, 10 a.m., at the new North End Community Center. … His address will highlight the city’s shared success and outline key initiatives that will guide the future of our community. Following the address, all are welcome to stay for tours of the new North End Community Center, which will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m.”
APRIL 23: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “On Wednesday, April 23…Governor Tim Walz will deliver the State of the State Address to a joint session of the Minnesota State Legislature, beginning at 7:00pm.”
MAY 12: The MN GOP announced its annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner will be held on May 12 with presidential adviser Alina Habba as the keynote speaker. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/41WJ7LK
BDAYS: yesterday was Gov. Tim Walz’s birthday, TODAY: civic leader Rick Beeson, DFL operative Joe Radinovich, public affairs pro Kelsey Johnson
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