HOT FRIDAY
A warm weather weekend, we should all be in a better mood, even legislators.
Twins win and Lynx win. Wolves and Twins tonight.
The Vikings will open their season against the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4fnbL0E
Average Minnesota gas prices are up to $4.36/gal following a 20-cent spike. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4dLdADm
Air quality alert season is here — one is in effect today for northwest Minnesota. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/43dJHFG
We will have morning take sends on Saturday and Sunday – send your best insights.
Fox 9 at 7:45 Sunday AM, and Sunday Take will have the latest from the legislature at 9AM on WCCO Radio.
Today is National Chocolate Chip Day, which helped an early celebration with oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from the kids home for the summer.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take featured Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya discussing her campaign, the war in Iran and what the GOP can do to win statewide. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3R09IG0
MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r
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A reminder that yesterday was National Decency Day….Overnight, a video and social media posts that show the F-word flying in the House chamber via Republicans and a post by Rep. Elliot Engen claiming that House DFLers suggested he “Go F’ing Kill Himself”, a counter statement by DFL Tax Chair Aisha Gomez with audio suggesting she didn’t say it and audio to prove it from another clip. The piecing together of the videos, the claims isn’t the story this morning – the story is does the deal hold. The chants and yells on the House floor, the sit in, and now a delay in the next House session until 12 noon tomorrow create an environment where negotiating the details of bills in the budget deal more tense.
Tension isn’t new at the Capitol at the end of session, but the characters in this episode are illustrative of the shift from policymaker to activist dominating the make-up of the members for DFLers and Republicans. Eleven months since Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark was killed and the Hoffmans were shot - calls for a more civil tone have been lost, ignored, and forgotten. As we speed toward adjournment, a reminder that twenty percent of the legislature is retiring or running for another office. The performative and activist first mindset of the candidates of Republicans and DFLers create a great social media narrative and a deeply disappointing culture of civility and constructiveness. If the legislature is supposed to reflect Minnesota, we seem to be missing something.
Via X, from Rep. Elliot Engen, VERBATIM: “Can confirm. Didn’t have multiple Democrat colleagues yelling at me to “go f’ing shoot myself” on my bingo card…”
Via statement form Rep. Aisha Gomez, VERBATIM: ““Despite claims from Republicans, multiple videos show I clearly say ‘think of them, not yourself, how about that?’ At no point did I say what the right wing media would have you believe was said. It’s a total fabrication of my actual words. I was responding to shameless floor comments from Rep. Engen where he called out Annunciation parents who lost a child to gun violence after voting against the measure they were supporting. Any suggestion that I would encourage violence is absurd and completely contrary to how I have conducted myself throughout my legislative career.”
Via GOP leadership Speaker Lisa Demuth and Leader Harry Niska, “After Democrat Tax Chair Aisha Gomez verbally accosted Rep. Elliott Engen, House Republican leaders are calling on Leader Stephenson to remove her as Tax Chair over her statements, and calling on Governor Walz to condemn the behavior. VERBATIM: “This kind of behavior is unacceptable and it makes every person in this place less safe,” said Demuth. “Someone willing to spew hate and accost colleagues is unfit to serve as a leader in Minnesota….After the horrible tragedies we’ve had in Minnesota over the last year, it is sickening that an elected official would think it’s acceptable to say the things we heard tonight,” said Niska. “We had just heard hours of debate and heartbreaking stories of loss and violence. To respond to that with threats and hate is unconscionable and unacceptable.”
SIT-IN: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Advocates delivered more than 8,000 petition signatures to Speaker Lisa Demuth on Thursday, urging a House vote on a gun safety bill. DFL representatives planned a sit-in overnight in the House chamber to push for action after repeated requests were denied. … Demuth maintains that she is not blocking the bills, but they failed in committee votes along party lines. Supporters of the bill say the issue will remain at the forefront through the end of the session and into campaign season.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dtSdp2
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The House deadlocked along party lines, 67-67, on a procedural vote that would bring the Senate’s gun control package to a floor vote. … While the House was scheduled to resume business at 11 a.m. Friday, [Speaker Lisa] Demuth said the House would be back in session Saturday at noon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PnLGE8
RESPONSE: Via WCCO-TV, Gov. Tim Walz told reporters he thinks Republican leadership is intentionally blocking gun safety legislation from getting a House floor vote because they are concerned it will pass despite the 67-67 tie. WALZ: “If this bill comes to the House floor, it will pass. That’s clearly why it’s not coming to the House floor.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/435FfZI
We call on our state leaders to pass an infrastructure jobs bill with $100 million to replace lead drinking water pipes. Sponsored by LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota. FIXMN.org (SPONSORED: LiUNA MN + ND)
POT: TMZ spoke to Rep. Ilhan Omar, co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, about her thoughts on marijuana legalization, recent schedule changes and whether or not she thinks there are any pot smokers in Congress. OMAR: “I think any step forward is a good step, but we need to go farther than where we are yet. … Advocacy for legalizing doesn’t necessarily mean that you are a user. … [However], I think there are a lot of people who smoke cannabis in Congress.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43atvoK
CHATTER: Since the House Ethics hearing two weeks ago where attorney Chris Madel called out alleged pot smoking outside the Capitol, there has been growing chatter about the use of marijuana by legislators while doing legislative business. It should raise questions the same way alcohol does about the mindset of legislators when doing their official work.
STEPHENSON: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Minnesota House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson worked to divert $6 million of Anoka County transportation funding toward a city of Anoka project, he texted Anoka Mayor Erik Skogquist a profane explanation. ‘I consider it revenge for the jail f*ckery,’ he wrote. The message was revealed in court documents filed Wednesday, in which Anoka County accuses Stephenson of misusing the legislative process to punish the county for its controversial proposal to build a larger jail in downtown Anoka. … A spokesperson for the DFL leader said, ‘Anoka County’s filing misrepresents a joke, which is fitting for a meritless lawsuit.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tzM8NA
RESPONSE: via GOP Rep. Harry Niska statement, NISKA: “Last year, House Republicans fought against a backroom deal that took millions in transportation funding away from important Anoka County roads and infrastructure projects. The details that have now come to light make this situation even more troubling and raise serious questions about the motivations behind these decisions.”
RETIRING: State Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) is not seeking re-election this year after 15 years in the Senate. Via her announcement, NELSON: “For many years, the people of this district have given me their trust, and that is a gift I will carry with me. I look forward to new ways to serve.”
Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
DEAL DETAILS
BONDING: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “The $1.2 billion bonding bill is expected to include $10 million for St. Paul’s Grand Casino Arena renovation and $40 million for Roy Wilkins — far short of the $200 million the city wanted. About $20 million is earmarked for school safety proposals, including an anonymous threat reporting line and behavioral health funds.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uNjx8D
MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A line item in the [bonding] agreement contains $51 million in general funds for capital investment in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and $158 million in 2028 and 2029 to pay for yearly debt service on $1.2 billion in general obligation bonds. This is substantially more than the $900 million [Gov. Tim] Walz called for.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4da9ODv
EXPECT: Sources report that any legislators with a project in their district are expected to vote for the bill.
TAXES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The budget Gov. Tim Walz and legislators struck Wednesday does not eliminate state income tax on tips and overtime. The federal government eliminated those taxes last year. Republicans in the Legislature proposed the same, though legislative attempts to cut them didn’t go far.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PnLGE8
NOTE: That means that there isn’t full federal compliance.
TAB FEES: Via Minnesota Reformer, more specifics on the one-time reduction in vehicle tab fees included in the new budget deal. VERBATIM: “The DFL trifecta in 2023 increased tab fees to fund additional transportation projects. The tab tax rate in 2023 was increased from 1.28% to 1.57%. Under the deal, the tab tax rate will go back to 1.28% for one year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RHb9cr
HOSPITALS: Via MPR, the total amount of money in the budget deal for stabilizing hospitals that are not HCMC is $30 million. Meanwhile, HCMC will be under the oversight of a new task force focused on funding sources and future sustainability. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nAsXCg
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CD2: Attorney General Keith Ellison has endorsed Matt Little, the DFL-backed candidate in the 2nd District — but a few days earlier, Ellison said at the CD2 convention that he did not plan to make an endorsement in the race because he considered all three DFL candidates to be his friends. ELLISON: “I’m proud to endorse Matt Little for Congress because he’s a proven fighter for working people who understands what families are up against right now.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wKRCbo
VOTER FRAUD: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Carver County GOP is asking people to report neighbors who have moved or died in an effort to combat voter fraud. Their chair, Patricia Williamson, recently sent out the request to thousands on a mailing list, inviting people to report neighbors to them or the Secretary of State. … Minnesota DFL Chair Richard Carlbom [said] the email is an intentional effort to undermine trust in Minnesota’s election system.” CARLBOM: “Somebody could see a lawn sign on your yard and decide to declare to the county that you’ve moved and you get kicked off the voter rolls. That’s not fair.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uj3DDk
BILLS
OIG: Via DFL Sen. Heather Gustafson, the governor has signed SF 856 into law — a bill she co-authored that creates an Office of Inspector General. GUSTAFSON: “The creation of this Office is the most significant piece of anti-fraud legislation in recent history, and I’m incredibly proud of the work my co-authors and I put into it. I look forward to seeing the Office in action.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4uNqzu3
IT UPGRADES: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “HF4808 [was] approved, as amended, by the House Ways and Means Committee Thursday morning and is on its way to the House Floor. … [This] human services information technology modernization package includes $75 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2027. That total includes $15 million for fraud prevention and detection, $10 million for county IT priorities, and $11.4 million for future IT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4915NPl
SECURITY: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A conference committee is working to hammer out a compromise dealing with Capitol and lawmaker security after bills passed both chambers. … Proposals that emerged from the House and Senate vary in terms of how to provide police security to lawmakers, constitutional officers and judges who face credible threats either at public buildings or when they’re in their home communities. Conversations about a final proposal are expected to continue this week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wrQ9Xa
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)
ISSUES
CHARITY CARE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are wrestling with how to sustain the state’s financially distressed hospitals while patients confront growing medical debt. [DFL Rep. Steve Elkins] wants to steer money from an existing health care tax back to hospitals so they can expand their charity care programs for patients who can’t afford their bills. … Being stingy with charity care can be self-defeating for hospitals, which end up wasting money in debt collection efforts from patients who couldn’t afford their bills in the first place, said Eli Rushbanks, director of policy advocacy for Dollar For.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eSZfWN
INSURANCE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A bipartisan group of state lawmakers urged their peers to include a health insurance provision, chief authored by Sen. Liz Boldon, DFL-Rochester, in the commerce omnibus bill that legislators will send to Gov. Tim Walz this week. … The bill, SF 4502, would prohibit health insurance companies from imposing coverage caps on home care nursing services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wBoFyC
HEALTHCARE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “State lawmakers could require companies to include human analysis when denying healthcare coverage. The measure is part of a larger commerce and consumer protection deal that was partially hammered out in a conference committee yesterday. Rep. Steve Elkins, DFL-Bloomington, said companies shouldn’t be allowed to use technology like artificial intelligence to automatically deny claims.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wrQ9Xa
REJECT 340B EXPANSION: A new Minnesota Department of Health report shows hospitals made at least $1 billion dollars from a federal drug discount program known as 340B. The program should help patients, but experts say there is little accountability for where the money goes. The report was delayed and only recently released, showing the program isn’t working as intended. But Minnesota politicians are fast tracking a bill to expand the 340B program anyway. Lawmakers: reject House File 3609 / Senate File 3769. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4uUobCQ (SPONSORED: Community Action for Responsible Hospitals)
LOCAL
MPLS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A hyperlocal organization focused on violence prevention has been chosen to lead development of an important site at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, though the proposal still needs approval. The City of Minneapolis announced Thursday that staff are recommending that Minnesota Agape Movement take control of the People’s Way.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uc95Ym
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Despite a flurry of objections from her council peers and mayors past and present, St. Paul City Council Member Cheniqua Johnson temporarily blocked the appointment of Melanie McMahon as the next director of the city’s Planning and Economic Development Department [this week], asking the council instead for a two-week delay on the decision. … Her request was approved 4-3.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42F3NIS
FLINT HILLS FAMILY FESTIVAL: Kick off the summer in downtown Saint Paul with the Flint Hills Family Festival on May 29-30, one of the largest and longest-standing events of its kind. The Festival offers free fun for people of all ages in Rice Park and Landmark Plaza, with performances and activities that provide something for everyone, along with world-class shows inside the Ordway for just $8! Now in its 26th year, this year’s Festival lineup includes Cirque Mechanics: TILT!, NOOMA: an opera for babies, and Click Clack Moo! More than one million people have experienced the Festival, including hundreds of thousands of students who have visited on field trips during the Festival’s School Days. Join us this year! LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dhpdBM (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
METRO
BLOOMINGTON: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Bloomington police are testing traffic software that uses real-time data to find speeding hotspots and guide where officers focus patrols. … Traffic investigator Chris Wegner [said] police are not using the software to issue tickets in real time, and it does not track individual vehicles. He said the goal is to make their operations more efficient.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4daTPoH
340B HOSPITAL MARKUPS HURT PATIENTS: Minnesota’s latest 340B report shows covered entities generated $1.34 billion IN PROFIT in 2024, including an estimated $261 million from Medicaid prescriptions. Independent research finds the program raises costs for patients, taxpayers, and employers statewide. Minnesota should sunset the 340B mandate and Washington should fix the federal 340B program, so it actually helps patients. LEARN MORE: https://phrma.org/340B (SPONSORED: PhRMA)
MEDICAID: Via MN Council of Nonprofits, a new Minnesota Budget Project analysis of the “Big Beautiful Bill’s” impact on Medicaid. EXCERPT: “Minnesotans who could lose their health care coverage include people who do not secure the required number of work hours or income, but also people who do meet the work requirements or could qualify for an exemption but are unable to successfully navigate complicated reporting timelines. … Federal work reporting requirements endanger access to affordable health care coverage for 128,000 Minnesota adults. … [But] using existing data sources to verify compliance would avoid wasteful duplication and lessen the burden for Medicaid applicants and participants, and county workers.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4udIies
GRANDMAS RIDE ATVs TOO: Check out Donna’s story — a powerful reminder that ATV riding is about more than trails; it’s about people, community, and connection. Donna’s message reflects what so many riders across Minnesota believe: responsible riding, strong local economies, and protecting access for future generations all go hand in hand. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your story and helping put a face to what “I Ride” truly means. Check out Donna’s story HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4tDeK9r (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
ENROLLMENT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “International student enrollment fell significantly at several of Minnesota’s colleges and universities in the spring semester as the Trump Administration’s travel bans, visa restrictions and immigration crackdown chill global education. … Many schools are anticipating the number of students coming to study in the U.S. from overseas to drop even more next fall. In response, the state’s higher education institutions and student advocates say they are ramping up efforts to better support their international students.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ubOCTz
GLOBAL TRADE BOLSTERS AG ECONOMIES: via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, Minnesota’s exports of corn, ethanol, corn-fed meat, and dried distillers grains (DDGS) alone support over 11,500 jobs and add billions to the state’s economy. They also help ensure that consumers around the world have access to affordable protein and dairy products. In May, during World Trade Month, Minnesota Corn celebrates that important role trade plays in all our lives — in the U.S. and abroad.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
LOOKING AHEAD
SESSION: No House floor session. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The Senate will hear the agriculture, broadband and rural development omnibus and numerous confirmations. CONFERENCE: Conference committees will hear omnibus bills for safety and security plus higher education. HOUSE: Rules & Leg. Admin. hears a technical corrections bill. Ways & Means will meet with an unannounced agenda. SENATE: No committee hearings. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4eNU9Lg
TODAY: via ERA-MN, VERBATIM: “ERA Minnesota with state and national partner organizations will welcome the national ‘Driving the Vote for Equality’ tour and their 1914 Golden Flyer II historic car to the Minnesota Capitol Aurora Promenade on May 15th at 12 PM.”
MONDAY: The Minneapolis Fed will host a virtual event at 10:00 a.m. discussing results from their latest regional survey of Minnesota’s farm lenders.
THURSDAY: The League of Women Voters will host a conversation about voting with Sec. Steve Simon in Bemidji on Thursday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m.
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BDAYS: Rep. Danny Nadeau, marketer Kathy Pavek, Star Tribune’s Jeremy Olson, community leader Roxane Battle, fmr. Mpls City Council member John Quincy.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.