WAYMO WEDNESDAY
Wild win in OT. Wolves win without Ant.
The Timberwolves could move to the Eastern Conference if new teams in Seattle and Las Vegas get approved. ESPN: https://fluence-media.co/4sWHwkZ
Newsweek readers named Minnesota’s own Prairie Organic Vodka as the best vodka in the nation. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4shFzzH
Rising fuel prices are likely to increase the prices of “essentially all goods,” experts say. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/475UHre
Fluence Advisory is seeking candidates for a new position. JOB: https://fluence-media.co/4duXaiK or email info@fluence-advisory.com
Free lunch at Sweeney’s for a bipartisan meetings is a start, however will members defy their caucuses and find courage and pass popular and important bills?
Happy Sloppy Joe Day!
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
The WCCO Radio morning take from today with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bLBAW6
Sunday Take featured Sen. Ron Latz and a check in on the legislative session – lots of noise, few signals and a feeling that in a closely divided legislature isn’t listening to the data, but only to the loudest voices. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3P87zXL
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DRIVING THE DAY
Driving, pun intended, the news of the day is likely to be centered around Rep. Jon Koznick’s news conference about “autonomous vehicle legalization” it’s a political battle that literally would be challenging to imagine a few years ago. Expect Koznick and Republicans to highlight lower tab fees, suburban bus systems being overtaken by Metro Transit and of course Waymo.
The growing narrative about tech, and big tech creates a challenge that laws are never ahead of innovation. This seems to be never more the case than this session in Minnesota. It’s also likely to be a second-tier campaign issues but could emerge as a hot topic like climate change did just a few years ago. It’s an area that policy matters more than politics – if Minnesota doesn’t want to be left behind.
SUPPLEMENTALLY DIFFERENT
Tuesday was the Minnesota Rural Electric Association Day at the Capitol, it was also Minnesota Retailers Day at the Capitol. The Senate DFL had a news conference on Fraud, Retailers had one on organized retail crime, some legislators and residents had a news conference on manufactured homes, Senate Republicans had an education news conference.
Of course, it was also on the same day that a Governor would introduce his supplemental budget. However, it was a different feeling and there’s a different energy at the Capitol. There’s an urgency to get things done, while acknowledging a need for patience for this phase to pass.
Imagine being Governor who was just 16 months ago was the Vice Presidential nominee of his party, held court in a dimly lit YMCA he introduced his last budget on the same day that the independent Office of the Legislative Auditor released an audit critical (again) of his administration’s handling of fraud.
Two years ago, when Walz introduced his supplemental budget there was a DFL trifecta. His proposal was touted as “one page” and cost $226 million. LINK: https://fluence-media.co/473yWZg
That was just after the hype reel drone “news conference” after the 2023 session.
Yesterday, Walz laid out a very ambitious mid-cycle budget and with a divided legislature, and without as little political currency as he’s had in 7 years – he dusted off big ideas from 2025, that are unlikely to get traction much less hearings in the legislature.
In 2024, the “global DFL agreement” came together four days after the Governor started at $226 million with a $477 million agreement. In four days, Walz agreed to spending more than double. This year will be different.
The other thing that was different? Two years ago, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was at the budget release and included in the news release, this year she doesn’t get a mention in the release and wasn’t at the news conference.
Even the Governor seemed to lack energy for his proposals yesterday, and it may be sinking in that the likelihood of him having of them becoming law is slim.
As Team Walz searches to find a legacy, he has 62 days to pass legislation that he can point to and 293 days until his successor is sworn in. What isn’t clear is if Gov. Walz and his team understand that on May 20th his legacy will be largely decided and most of yesterday’s budget isn’t likely to pass.
A new level of insight and information….
MN MONEY
FRAUD: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “”Kickbacks have been illegal for decades,” said Deputy Legislative Auditor Katherine Theisen…Which is what makes the latest revelation by the Office of the Legislative Auditor such a head-scratcher.
THEISEN: “In the three cases that we identified in this review, they did not refer any of the three cases to law enforcement or any other investigation agency,” Theisen said, adding that DHS didn’t even flag those cases for further review… Ghandi admits disagreeing with the OLA’s legal analysis, but said they are on the same page now, and proposed some word changes to the law to be sure. GHANDI: “We put it in our legislative package so we are acting on it right away,” Ghandi said. WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/47COrY8
BUDGET: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In his final budget proposal as governor, Tim Walz wants the Legislature to expand the state’s child care tax credit and reduce grants used to care for disabled Minnesotans. Walz also wants to ‘complete a comprehensive study’ on how to reform the flawed computer systems that administer social services, and create a council to help businesses and workers adjust to [AI]. … Walz is also in favor of putting state money toward rental assistance and partly forgivable small business loans to people economically affected by [ICE]. … Walz proposed no [special ed] cuts for this two-year budget cycle. Instead, the supplemental discusses a ‘Blue Ribbon Commission’ to make the hard decisions on special ed costs in the next two-year budget cycle.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lTJyjD
TAXES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz proposed adding a tax on social media companies Tuesday, suggesting the proceeds be used to counteract workforce disruptions caused by more tasks being done by artificial intelligence. … It would also trim the state [sales tax] rate from 6.5 percent to 6.425 percent, but expand it to more things, notably professional business services. … The proposal [is] a tall order given Republican resistance to new taxes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4skUusS
NOTE: In the NYT Interview podcast Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker leans into a social media tax as well.
SPENDING: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The governor’s proposal calls for an extra $63 million in spending in 2026-27, and $435 million in cuts in 2028-29. [Gov. Tim] Walz said Tuesday his changes bump up a $377 million surplus in the tails to $800 million. … Among the highlights: $444 million for expanding Dependent Care Credits; … $48 million for establishing the State Office of Inspector General; $36 million for updating IT systems; $33 million in renter assistance; and $10 million in loans for businesses in response to Operation Metro Surge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4byg0TM
REACTIONS: Lawmakers and stakeholders shared mixed reactions to Gov. Tim Walz’s budget proposal yesterday.
Via Speaker Lisa Demuth statement, DEMUTH: “The fraud savings identified in the Governor’s budget prove what Republicans have been saying for years — fighting fraud will save Minnesotans billions in the long run. House Republicans will work with anyone to make these savings a reality.”
Via GOP Rep. Paul Torkelson, Ways & Means Co-Chair, TORKELSON: “There are areas in the Governor’s budget where we can find common ground, including modernizing IT, federal conformity on Medicaid requirements, and an Office of Inspector General. … But new taxes on Minnesotans…and cuts to nursing home providers will face strong resistance.”
Via Long Term Care Imperative, VERBATIM: “Once again, the Governor is proposing cuts to Minnesota seniors. Whether it’s fighting to ensure seniors can enjoy happy hour in their home or protecting them against cuts that threaten their access to care, we will not stop fighting for Minnesota’s older adults. Simply put, cuts to long-term care are not only anti-family, they are deeply out of step with Minnesota’s reality…Governor Walz is the only Minnesota Governor to not invest in Minnesota seniors, families, and support long-term care providers, despite the fact that the number of seniors in the state is now greater than the number of K-12 students.”
(DISCLOSURE: The Long Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence Advisory)
ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take featured additional coverage of the governor’s supplemental budget proposal. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4sgSDVM
MINNESOTA’S ATV RIDERS ARE YOUR CONSTITUENTS: Last September, hundreds of riders joined the ATV Minnesota President’s Ride — families, veterans, small business owners, and volunteers from across the state. They represent thousands of Minnesotans who responsibly use and maintain Minnesota’s ATV trail system. As decision makers evaluate trail policy, funding, and land-use decisions this session, we invite you to hear directly from the people they represent. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4u4dGw9 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
SESSION
CRIME: via KARE 11’s Jennifer Hoff, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent a growing threat that may be hard to see, but it’s one that’s hitting your pocketbook…Called strategic cargo theft, experts say criminals target every point in the supply chain driven by sophisticated, multi-layered criminal enterprises. The surging crime is now a $15 to $35 billion national industry… Hausladen told KARE 11’s Jennifer Hoff that he’s backing a bill to create a task force to coordinate more quickly across multiple jurisdictions….On Tuesday, he and several other experts hosted a news conference to highlight that bill that’s now already working its way through the legislature… Hausladen says Minnesota’s Financial Crimes Task Force is a similar model that could work in this case and the two hope it will help them build momentum to better protect businesses, employees and people’s bottom lines.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41bkuL7
FRAUD RISK: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Sponsored by Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia), HF3682, as amended, would charge the Department of Administration with developing a grantee fraud rating system policy informed by the principles of vendor risk management. It would work in concert with current pre-grant evaluation and assessment work. Approved without objection Tuesday by the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee, the bill is headed to the House Ways and Means Committee. … A merit-based score would be created, and the granting organization could offer suggestions for a requestor to elevate their score.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NJHMok
PREDICTIONS: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Bipartisan lawmakers in the Minnesota Senate introduced a bill Tuesday that would ban prediction markets, joining state officials across the country attempting to regulate the platforms — and clashing with the Trump Administration in their efforts. … Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, the main author of the bill that would ban prediction markets (SF4511), said that the bill has strong bipartisan support and a good chance of passing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PoFNpV
AI: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Presenters told the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee on Tuesday that Americans across the political spectrum are increasingly uneasy about how AI will reshape their jobs. … Committee members began considering what guardrails may be needed, [but] no action was taken. Rep. David Gottfried (DFL-Shoreview) sponsors three AI-related bills, mostly focused on requiring workers to receive notice when employers use automated systems.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dps24f
HEMP: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota House passed legislation [to] extend a deadline for the state’s low-dose hemp industry to test its products in-state. Minnesota testing companies are facing delays due to increasing amounts of cannabis headed to the market. The bill would allow hemp producers to continue to use out-of-state testing labs until May 31, 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sj0zWP
SOCIAL MEDIA: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) believes social media platforms ‘are designed to be addictive.’ And minors, she notes, are especially vulnerable. … HF4138 would require age monitoring and verification for social media platforms, parental approval, and specific treatment of accounts for children under age 15. … The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the bill, as amended, Tuesday and sent it to the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sR0nxA
DAIRY: via MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “In Tuesday’s Senate floor session, Senator Rob Kupec (DFL-Moorhead) successfully passed his bill (SF 3832) expanding eligibility for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program for Minnesota’s dairy farmers. The bill passed with a unanimous vote. … The Minnesota Department of Agriculture estimates that 30 to 40 more farmers will now be enrolled in the program.”
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)
HEALTH
VACCINES: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A Senate committee passed a bill Tuesday morning to take away the state’s exemption for [vaccine] conscientious objections, but only for the measles, mumps, and rubella shot – or MMR. Kids going into childcare, preschool, or K-12 school would have to get the vaccine unless they have a medical exemption. … Senate Republicans generally opposed the bill to remove conscientious objections, arguing parents should make the decisions for their kids.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PeyVLP
HCMC: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state’s busiest Level 1 trauma center. … State lawmakers must pass a sales tax, known as the ballpark tax because it helps fund Target Field, to keep the hospital operating. The county cannot enact the tax without state approval. Multiple leaders said that if the state does not act this legislative session, the hospital would likely close as soon as this year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sAAHG5
KRATOM: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A new bill before Minnesota lawmakers would raise the age of possession and penalties associated with selling the herbal supplement kratom. The plant, native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in the U.S. after being promoted as a treatment for pain, anxiety and opiate dependence. However, experts have also cited concerns about harmful side effects, its availability in unregulated drinks and pills and its own addiction issues.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sjcmo3
MN in DC
SAVE ACT: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Secretary of State Steve Simon [said] a bill before the U.S. Senate requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration would disenfranchise many Minnesota voters. It would also require a chaotic overhaul of the current voting system just before the midterm elections, he said. … Minnesota’s Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith oppose the bill. Smith has said she’s concerned the bill would not recognize or acknowledge tribal IDs as proof of citizenship. … Simon said the SAVE legislation is driven by a ‘false storyline’ that millions of noncitizens are voting across the country [and] would have the effect of turning away eligible voters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bOYQ5x
ANTITRUST: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced the Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act to strengthen review of antitrust settlements and ensure they protect consumers, workers, and small businesses. … The Act requires (1) the government to explain how the proposed settlement remedies antitrust issues; (2) the government to disclose previous settlement offers and the process for reviewing those offers; (3) the disclosure of side-deals not included in the four corners of a consent decree; and (4) the parties to disclose all communications related to the settlement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rE5uAj
REFUGEES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A U.S. District Court judge in Boston paused the Trump Administration’s attempt to end deportation protections for about 1,100 Somali refugees, many of whom live in Minnesota. … Leaders of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) called the ruling a ‘critical moment of relief’ for Somali communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4saSpzw
ICE: Attorney General Keith Ellison participated in a forum Tuesday discussing Operation Metro Surge and its impact on Minnesota. Via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Ellison and Rochester City Attorney Michael Spindler-Krage [took] questions from the public, [moderated] by Rochester City Council Member Shaun Palmer. … Ellison said that he and Gov. Tim Walz tried to call then-director of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who has since been fired, about the enforcement action. But she never called back. … Ellison said that if the state can win its lawsuit against Homeland Security, one consequence he would like to see from it is federal patrol agents acting more like police and local law enforcement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ducufz
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 Congress should fix the federal 340B program, so it actually helps patients. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3OLZOGG(SPONSORED: PhRMA)
IRAN
MN SOLDIER: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Another soldier from Minnesota was injured in the drone strike in Kuwait that killed Master Sgt. Nicole Amor and five others at the start of the war with Iran. Sgt. 1st Class Cory Hicks of Princeton was ‘severely wounded’ in the March 1 attack [and] ‘faces a very long and difficult road to recovery,’ according to a GoFundMe for his family. … Hicks, 37, suffered a lacerated kidney, a severed spleen, shrapnel injuries and facial fractures and was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, where he hopes to be released in late March or early April.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uxLwKc
MEMORIALS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Two public gatherings to honor and remember Master Sgt. Nicole Amor, the soldier from White Bear Lake who was killed in the Iran war, are set for later this week. Amor and five other U.S. soldiers died on March 1. … A public visitation for Amor is scheduled from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday at Mueller Memorial in White Bear Lake. Additionally, a memorial service will be held at Eagle Brook Church, also in White Bear Lake, the following day at noon. A private interment with just Amor’s family will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41cU1wK
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)
AROUND MN
DULUTH: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “More than a billion dollars is officially being delivered to replace a decaying bridge that connects Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. The Blatnik Bridge over the St. Louis River sees more than 33,000 vehicles a day traveling across it. Heavy trucks are barred because of the bridge’s decaying condition, and that has caused lengthy detours. … An executive order by President Donald Trump put [federal] funding in jeopardy. … [But] on Tuesday, Secretary [Sean] Duffy said in a press release that the funding was officially going to be delivered.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bTZDRN
HASTINGS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Hastings City Council has appointed a new police chief to replace Chief David Wilske, who is retiring. Cmdr. Kyle Linscheid will become police chief in Hastings after he was recommended for the job. … Linscheid will take the top spot when Wilske retires at the end of March. … Linscheid was one of three internal candidates, and [the city] expects additional promotions from within the department in the coming weeks as Linscheid assumes his new duties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uzAYKz
CROW WING CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A land dispute at one of Minnesota’s most popular outdoor playgrounds could hold up mountain bikers and others who will begin heading there by the thousands in the months ahead. Tim and Dawn Prinsen of Minneapolis are in a disagreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources over property — and property rights — in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. The conflict could result in ‘no trespassing’ signs that would affect access to a signature trail in the Ironton area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40yHunc
DAYBOOK
SESSION: House floor session at 12:15 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Commerce hears bills on ticket prices and firearm liability insurance. Taxes will hear a new tax on advertising services. Agriculture hears a ban on declawing cats. Health hears regulations on the use of AI in psychotherapy. Public Safety hears a bill to make disrupting worship services a crime. SENATE: Health & Human Services will hear changes to Medicaid programs. Education Policy hears changes to disciplinary dismissals in grades K-3. Judiciary & Public Safety hears greater penalties for gift card fraud. Transportation hears several regulations on automated vehicles. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4bzL5Xe
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will meet with Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, MN-FISH, the Minnesota Catholic Bishops, and attend Minnesota Justice Day.
TODAY: via We Make MN, VERBATIM: “Legislators and advocates from We Make Minnesota will speak in support of a bill to end Minnesota’s sales tax exemption for digital advertising sales and services, as well as the sale of billboard advertising space. … Speakers will include bill author Rep. Liz Lee.” The event is at 9:30 a.m.
TODAY: GOP Rep. Jon Koznick will host a press conference announcing “autonomous vehicle legalization and other transportation updates,” per a release. The event is at 11:00 a.m.
TOMORROW: via MNA advisory, VERBATIM: “Nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association have filed a 10-day notice to hold an informational picket on Thursday, March 19, outside North Memorial Health Maple Grove Hospital.” The event is at 7:30 a.m.
TOMORROW: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and other DEED leaders will provide updates on the state’s paid leave program at 11:30 a.m.
TOMORROW: All four DFL candidates for State Auditor — Zack Filipovich, Adam Jennings, Ben Schierer and Dan Wolgamott — will attend a candidate forum in Rochester on Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/472LnEw
NEXT WEEK: MN Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (MNASCA) will host its “Day at the Capitol” on Tuesday, March 24.
NEXT WEEK: A “flagship” No Kings protest will be held in Minneapolis on Saturday, March 28. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4q6reE4
MARCH 31: via MDA advisory, VERBATIM: “Network with agricultural leaders at the 28th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference (WALC) on Tuesday, March 31 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This year’s WALC theme, ‘Local Leadership: Global Impact,’ will focus on developing and uplifting women in agriculture.”
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.