TEPID TUESDAY
Hope you were spared by the hail and storms last night, if not hope you stayed safe.
Lynx pick Olivia Miles. Twins win. Wild lose.
Wild final game tonight at home vs. Anaheim.
Playoff push for Wolves starts in Denver Saturday.
Storm chasers caught a tornado on camera south of Mankato yesterday. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41AaFGX
Twin Cities gas prices are averaging at $3.79, and experts say they’ll keep going up. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/4dKvcQv
Americans’ assessments of the environment are particularly bleak ahead of Earth Day, as a record-low 35% offer a positive rating of the environment’s quality and two-thirds say it is worsening. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4th2Hii
Happy National Ex-Spouse Day to those who observe.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take featured DFL Sen. Mary Kunesh and GOP Rep. Ben Bakeberg discussing education issues and what fixes are being considered this session. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cEc99g
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THE AGENDA
Another week of unsettled issues across Minnesota, a growing trade deficit and another notable restaurant closing. The lack of alarm or acknowledgment from the city council and others including Rep. Emma Greenman who refuses to discuss the fee she championed eliminating that paid for health care and other mandates creates a new level of frustration for those following closely.
Greenman’s former colleague Pat Garofalo on X last night compares prices at McDonalds in Apple Valley and Minneapolis. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4c8YO8S
The first and most notable difference is that the minimum wage is 50 percent higher in the city. Imagine the intersection of 50th and France where the Minneapolis side operational costs are 50-60 percent higher than the Edina side. It’s not just wages - administrative, licensing, public safety, and property taxes are higher.
The policies have essentially priced residents of Minneapolis neighborhoods out of eating at their local restaurants. Last week’s Hospitality Minnesota State of the Industry report should be a reminder. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4svX9io
The exports report for the state adds to the stress and recessionary trend. Soon Republicans will have to acknowledge out loud that the trade and war policies that have impacted the pocketbooks of their constituents. The “Big Bill” tax breaks don’t change the reality of the grocery and gas prices. Most of all there is not a switch to flip and make things better before the midterm.
Trade literacy is also at an all-time low. Last week’s Economic Club event celebrating trade is a reminder that the world is a market, but politics and the vilification of trade has created a need for a more populous view. The punchline from Mari Pagestu, Indonesia’s Special Envoy for International Trade and local trade whiz Devry Boughner Vorwerk was – think about your shoes. Without trade, we wouldn’t have shoes…WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/427nlVS
The bottom line is that there are compounding factors to the fracture of Minneapolis’ economy, and there is a similar stress on Greater Minnesota based on labor shortages and more economic stress in ag country – it seems the economics literacy of the elected class is at an all-time low. Don’t look at the other side – instead look at your own party in the mirror.
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SIGNALS
EXPORTS: via DEED advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured goods were valued at $23.5 billion last year, a drop of $3.4 billion (down 13%) over 2024. … U.S. exports grew 6% in 2025, although about half of all states experienced declines that year. Exports of mineral fuel and oil to Canada — which surged in 2024 and was the dominant contributor to the state’s export growth that year — fell by $1.7 billion in 2025 and drove about half of the overall exports decline. … While vehicles (down 19%), machinery (down 10%) and optic and medical products (down 5%) fell significantly over the year, electrical equipment exports showed resilience (up 7%). Dairy, eggs, honey (up 62%), oil seeds, misc. grains (up 15%) and pharmaceuticals (up 23%) grew solidly.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dG1eNr
“TO-DO LIST”: via MPR, VERBATIM: “House leaders Harry Niska and Jamie Long [say] if you cut away at the areas where agreement seems impossible, you’ll find a very tidy to-do list from here to the end [of session]. Both say they’re intent on passing some kind of construction projects bill, known as a bonding bill. Confidence is high that an Office of Inspector General bill will get buttoned up. … School safety funding seems to be a lock, although the companion gun restrictions probably won’t get by. Productive discussions are occurring on Medicaid work requirements. … HCMC is drawing plenty of internal deliberation on a path forward for stabilizing [it]. … Some assistance for the St. Paul arena and convention center redo could still materialize, although the scope and amount don’t appear to be near settled.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4syIe7l
INVESTIGATION: Via AP News, more details on the new investigation seen in yesterday’s lunch take. VERBATIM: “A Minnesota county is investigating the arrest of a Hmong American man by federal officers that was captured on video as a potential case of kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment. … Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher said at a news conference they are pursuing information from the Department of Homeland Security that they need for their investigation into the arrest of ChongLy ‘Scott’ Thao. … [Choi] also said St. Paul police were investigating another case related to the immigration crackdown for potential violations, but he declined to provide details.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t87QZD
RESPONSE: via ICE, STATEMENT: “ICE does not ‘kidnap’ people. … [This is] nothing but a political stunt to demonize ICE law enforcement. … As with any law enforcement agency, it is standard protocol to hold all individuals in a house of an operation for [the] safety of the public and law enforcement.”
LIQUOR: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are one step closer to enjoying a happy hour in their facilities. … A fix for that, dubbed the ‘Grandparents’ Happy Hour,’ is in the omnibus liquor bill. … Passed as amended 129-1 Monday, the bill goes back to the Senate, which passed the bill 53-12 in April 2025. In addition to the happy hour provision, the bill would take care of a lot of local liquor law issues and allow some University of Minnesota campuses to serve alcohol at different types of events.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cpxQIU
(DISCLOSURE: The Long Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence Advisory)
MEDICAID: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Medicaid billing records show WellHub Inc. received nearly $14,000 in reimbursements from the recuperative care program, [but] the location of the business listed on the now-defunct website, 123 Recovery Street in Minneapolis, is an address that doesn’t exist. … Its [founders] are among dozens of people who own or operate multiple businesses that have billed Minnesota’s Medicaid program since 2018. … 5 INVESTIGATES found 72 individuals, or more than 10%, associated with multiple health care companies. Medicaid billing data, provided by DHS through a public records request, revealed that those companies collectively received more than $183 million in reimbursements from 2018 through 2025.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vmZlLT
MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Last year, Minnesota paid $4.32 billion in Medicaid reimbursements to the 14 programs now identified as being at a high risk for fraud — more than double what it paid in 2021. As more reimbursements have been finalized, a KARE 11 data practices request reveals the total since 2018 is $20 billion. … More than half of the $20 billion in reimbursements went through Personal Care Assistance or PCA — now called Community First Services and Supports, where providers help the disabled and elderly.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47WWOOx
UNDER THE DOME
AG OFFICE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would bolster the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and increase the unit’s staffing from 32 to 50 members. In a rare show of bipartisanship, Democrats agreed to a so-called ‘friendly’ amendment introduced by Republican Sen. Michael Holmstrom that adjusted bill language to slightly limit the AG’s subpoena powers. ‘Because I need this bill, I’m not going to complain,’ [Keith] Ellison said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48uSLJq
FRAUD: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The House fraud prevention committee took a look at several bills coming out of recommendations from the governor’s office. That includes funding new auditors at the Office of Management and Budget and more artificial intelligence used to find abnormal or suspicious claims. Republicans are still skeptical about gaps in the protections, but they point to the framework from program integrity director Tim O’Malley as a guide for solutions. ANDERSON: ‘I believe that if we just implement all of O’Malley’s recommendations, we will solve 90% of this problem,’ said Rep. Patti Anderson (R-Dellwood).” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tON7KE
340B KEEPS RURAL HOSPITALS OPEN: With 30% of hospitals operating in the red, the 340B drug pricing program supports rural and safety-net hospitals that provide critical services to underserved communities. Thank you to the bipartisan group of Minnesota Senators who voted to support rural health care and stand up to Big Pharma. Now, we need the Minnesota House to do the same: strengthen the 340B program with real enforcement authority and ensure local hospitals can continue to deliver the care Minnesotans need. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Rural_Hospitals (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
TAXES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday morning, tax proposals from Governor Tim Walz will get a hearing in the Senate Taxes Committee. However, even if they pass that committee with a DFL majority, they’re unlikely to pass the tied Minnesota House. … The governor proposes a dependent care tax credit for families with young children, creating a new tax on social media companies and lowering the state sales tax by three-quarters of a cent, but expanding it to [new] services. … Republicans have very different ideas for a tax bill. They propose lowering license tab fees, eliminating state taxes on tips and overtime to conform with federal law and property tax relief.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4c5JY2Y
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)
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DEBATE DEBATES
DEBATES: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign announced that she has scheduled appearances at two debates — one on June 12 with TPT, and one at Farmfest in early August. Both debates would occur after the endorsing conventions in May, but before the primaries on Aug. 11. Via a campaign spokesperson, Flanagan’s team says they have “made ourselves available to Congresswoman [Angie] Craig’s team to discuss a debate schedule in good faith.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4mpqcTs
RESPONSE: via Rep. Angie Craig on X, CRAIG: “The headline of this should be: Flanagan still refuses to debate Craig. Let’s do a fact check: The PBS/TPT forum is ‘not an official debate,’ per the invite. I asked the Lt. Governor to debate me 2 times before the DFL convention in May and once after. … I hope we’ve learned as a party that debates with one another make us stronger and are an important tool to help us assess who is best to put forward and beat Republicans.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/482Udmi
MORE: Flanagan and Craig will be invited to debate on Sunday Take or WCCO radio as well.
SD26: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Jon Pieper, who ran for Minnesota Senate in 2016, announced he is again running for the seat currently held by Sen. Jeremy Miller, who has been in that seat since first being elected in 2010. In 2016, Miller defeated Pieper 63% to 37%. Pieper [said] he is seeking the DFL endorsement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tJdwcD
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)
DC…
BISHOP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota bishop is calling on President Donald Trump to apologize after the president lashed out at Pope Leo XIV and later shared an image appearing to depict himself as Jesus Christ on his social media account. Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester [said] Trump’s Truth Social post about Leo is ‘entirely inappropriate and disrespectful.’ … Barron, who sits on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, [said] high-ranking Catholics within Trump’s administration should meet Vatican officials so a real dialogue can take place.” BARRON: “No President in my lifetime has shown a greater dedication to defending our first liberty. All that said, I think the President owes the Pope an apology.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cwb6Y2
MORE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump refused to apologize to Pope Leo XIV on Monday after criticizing the pontiff for his opposition to the war in Iran — and he sought to explain away a now-deleted social media post depicting himself as Jesus by saying he had thought the image was of him as a doctor.” TRUMP: “He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran. … I think he’s very weak on crime and other things.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4t64SVB
CONGRESS: via Axios, VERBATIM: “Congress’ seemingly endless cascade of scandals reached a partial climax on Monday with two embattled House members announcing plans to leave Congress voluntarily rather than face possible expulsion. … Allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) prompted him to announce his resignation on Monday. … Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who came under Ethics Committee investigation after admitting to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, said he will file his ‘retirement from office’ on Tuesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cHpTjD
RESPONSE: via Rep. Betty McCollum statement, McCOLLLUM: “The allegations reported late last week against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) are deeply disturbing. … Sadly, Rep. Swalwell isn’t the only member of Congress facing such allegations. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) are also accused of serious misconduct, and like Rep. Swalwell, they must resign or be expelled.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dGGrt9
NOTE: In her statement, Rep. Betty McCollum did not comment on the ethics allegations against Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat who is accused of financial crimes. She and Rep. Cory Mills, a Florida Republican, are both facing ongoing calls to resign.
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)
METRO
MAYOR: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mayor Jacob Frey’s vow to veto the City Council’s rejection of a cabinet appointment could push the boundaries of the mayor’s power under the city’s charter. … It wasn’t immediately clear whether he has the power to veto a confirmation vote. It would be akin to the U.S. president vetoing the Senate’s rejection of a Cabinet pick. Asked about the legality of such a move, City Clerk Casey Carl told the Minnesota Star Tribune city attorneys are ‘carefully reviewing applicable state law.’ … Asked about the legality of a veto, Frey [said] ‘I stand by my decision to veto this action when it hits my desk.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sCcjTB
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)
FLOYD SQR: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “We are getting our first look at the final design for George Floyd Square. Minneapolis city leaders released new renderings Monday that show what the re-envisioned site will look like once construction is complete. … Phase one of the construction starts in June and will wrap up by the end of 2026. Phase two will begin in early 2027 and will wrap by the end of next year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ek3ZUQ
GOLDEN VALLEY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The interim leader of the Golden Valley Police Department is officially becoming the city’s police chief following an extensive search. Golden Valley officials announced Monday that Matt Clark is permanently stepping into the role, with his appointment effective immediately. … READ: https://fluence-media.co/47Twll2
FOREST LAKE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Forest Lake Area School Board narrowed its superintendent search to three finalists. But one of those finalists, Jim Wagner, superintendent of the Le Sueur-Henderson School District, announced on Monday that he has withdrawn from consideration. … The two remaining finalists are John-Paul ‘JP’ Jacobson, director of teaching and learning for the Forest Lake Area School District, and Tim Schochenmaier, superintendent of Central Public Schools in Norwood Young America. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7oWZc
LAKEVILLE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Lakeville neighbors are sounding alarms about a plan that would seed a biodiverse corner of the southern suburb with hundreds of new housing units. Longtime residents point to the lush wetlands, an expansive hunting area and aged oak trees that distinguish the area. If the proposed construction proceeds, they’re concerned about everything from loss of trees to how the city seems to be rushing the development process. The situation reflects the rising angst about the rapid clip of construction in the city, which now has 78,000 residents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4thnSRm
HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
ACROSS MN
ST CHARLES: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “St. Charles Public Schools is getting ready to host a referendum in November to ask voters to approve an operating levy, although the district hasn’t solidified a specific amount yet. However, in a public letter, Superintendent Robert Routh said the district is ‘considering an operating levy of approximately $600,000 or more.’ A leading cause he cited for needing to ask for the additional investment from the community is declining enrollment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qbr8Pm
ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The St. Cloud Planning Commission will discuss numerous development projects at its meeting on Tuesday, April 14, including plans for the former ISD 742 Media Services Building. Gate City Bank has submitted plans to build a 7,000-square-foot bank at [the site]. The building was demolished in 2023. Gate City Bank currently has three locations in the St. Cloud area. … Commissioners also will discuss amending a planned unit development to allow the expansion of Youthset’s community center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cm7lEp
PRODUCTIVE FARMS, STEWARDSHIP GO HAND IN HAND: via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Corn farmers are demonstrating that productive agriculture and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through widespread adoption of practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, crop rotations, and targeted nutrient management, farmers have improved soil health, reduced erosion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and protected water quality across millions of acres in Minnesota. That’s all while implementing advances in seed genetics, fertility management, and precision technology that have improved on-farm productivity.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4stHjG5 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES….
SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Human Services will hear new requirements for medical transport providers. State Govt. hears changes to misconduct rules for public officers. Taxes will hear a one-time property tax refund. Education Finance hears a school safety omnibus. SENATE: Education Finance hears a school seclusion bill. Health & Human Services will hear the MAP Act and HCMC discussions. Taxes will hear auditor recommendations and the governor’s tax bill. Commerce & Consumer Protection hears bills on betting and wagers. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/482CGuu
TODAY: Reps. Ron Kresha, Peggy Bennett, Ben Bakeberg and Patricia Mueller will host a press conference discussing the GOP’s school safety package, HF3493, before it is heard in the Education Finance committee. The event is at 11:30 a.m.
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will meet with the Minnesota Dental Association leadership and Minnesota Sports and Events.
TODAY: The Center of the American Experiment is hosting a “School Choice Rally” to support private school voucher legislation at the MN Capitol on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:00 noon. The event is advertised as a response to the No Kings rallies, saying in a release: “They had ‘No Kings.’ Now it’s our turn.”
TOMORROW: Members of the Minnesota Freedom Caucus announced that a hearing is confirmed for Wednesday in the House rules committee on potential impeachment proceedings against Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/421ka1V
TOMORROW: The FEC deadline for Q1 campaign finance reports is on Wednesday, April 15. Quarterly fundraising totals for Minnesota candidates will be publicly released over the following few days.
THURSDAY: Habitat for Humanity will host its “Day on the Hill” on Thursday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. Sen. Lindsey Port, Rep. Michael Howard and Rep. Spencer Igo will attend.
FRIDAY: The Minnesota Legislature’s third deadline is on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Major finance bills that have not received favorable action in committee before this time will be considered dead for the rest of the session. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3Otx5GU
NEXT WEEK: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a town hall in Minneapolis with the attorneys general of Illinois and Oregon on Wednesday, April 22. The group will be discussing their “work to uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” per Ellison. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4tyqMRj
APRIL 28: Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his final State of the State address before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.