HAPPY TUESDAY
It’s Tuesday, the Trump administration is getting heavy with pressure on Minnesota – seems like a squeeze. Walz will get questions at his news event today.
These gray days are not great for motivation, layers required.
Powerball at $775 million – I need to get gas today too, if only I didn’t get all those questions at the pump in the cold weather.
Starting to feel some holiday shopping pressure here…the tree is up though.
Wolves at New Orleans, and Wild at Edmonton tonight.
Did you know Lane Kiffin is “one of us”. Unlikely he brings his football brilliance to the state that birthed him and needs him most.
More breweries closing, now in the suburbs – signs the economy isn’t what it was. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4rMktcS
Heated and aggressive speech isn’t popular with the American people – maybe chilling on the rage bait is good counsel for anyone on the ballot next year. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/4pH1YEL
U.S. House members are quitting at a record rate, with Republicans leaving more than Democrats by nearly 2-to-1. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4pkU7x2
I’ll speak to the Associated Builders and Contractors this afternoon, if you need a speaker for your event send me a note.
Happy National Mutt Day – the Fluence office dog Joy, brings it every day.
Sharing is caring – forward your officemates today’s Take.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take on WCCO Radio this week was a recap of Thanksgiving week and previews what to watch this holiday season and into 2026. And a replay the recent interview he had with the new Saint Paul Mayor - elect Kaohly Her. The take focuses on how to revitalize our urban neighborhoods – especially St. Paul. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pa02oi
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The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota Legislature. READ:https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
FIRST…
DEMAY: Mounds View School Board member Jim DeMay will announce a run for House District 36A today as a DFLer. The district is being targeted by both parties as GOP Rep. Elliot Engen is leaving to run for state auditor. Via DeMay’s announcement, VERBATIM: “DeMay brings decades of civic activity in the northern suburbs and a solid policy background. He was a target of conservative activists in his 2023 school board race and soundly defeated his challengers by a two-to-one margin.”
MORE: Via Democratic Municipal Officials, Jim DeMay worked on presidential campaigns for Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry and Barack Obama. DeMay was also a senior advisor for former DFL Chair Mike Erlandson. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/44CNnlt
DISCLOSURE: I first met Jim DeMay when I attended a precinct caucus in high school. He was the precinct chair, I was there for extra credit. He’s been a friend and mentor since.
MANN: DFL Sen. Alice Mann will not seek reelection in Senate District 50 next year. Mann was the chief author of Minnesota’s paid leave program, which begins Jan. 1. Via her announcement, MANN: “I came to the Capitol to make health care more affordable, strengthen public health for all Minnesotans, and pass policies like paid leave. … While that work is never done, I am proud of the real progress we have made in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43YzgXB
GOV RACE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Attorney Chris Madel rolled out a campaign for Minnesota governor Monday with promises to shake up state government, cut taxes, improve schools, fight crime and end ‘open season’ on law enforcement by prosecutors. … Madel said he would seek higher mandatory minimum sentences for felons in possession of a firearm, aim to shrink state government spending and pursue property tax relief, among other proposals. … Madel acknowledged that he’d previously donated to Democratic candidates, [but] he countered that he’d also made significant contributions to conservative organizations, representing them in court for free. … There are now 11 Republican candidates [for governor].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iGTkDV
MORE: Yesterday’s lunch take featured more info on Chris Madel’s campaign. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4alInp5
TAKE: Attorney Chris Madel’s entry into the race is a disruption – because Madel will not be a “play it safe” candidate. His launch alone shows he’s going to play it differently. Too bad he won’t be at the first major forum for the GOP next Monday – it would give a quick glimpse of the dynamics of the race. Madel drew criticism from the fringy A4L crowd yesterday and the Minnesota DFL. Maybe that puts him in the center – where most Minnesotans feel the race should be. Madel may like the adrenaline bump as much as Dr. Scott Jensen, but is unlikely to be as clumsy on answers and issues. In Michigan in 1998, provocative attorney Geoffrey Feiger entered the Democratic primary and won – Madel feels similar.
DOTS: Madel isn’t the only candidate running from his law firm. Matt Pelikan, who was the DFL-endorsed AG candidate in 2018 is running for Hennepin County attorney.
PAWLENTY: Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty spoke with Chad Hartman on WCCO Radio about Gov. Tim Walz’s handling of Minnesota fraud cases: “He refuses to take responsibility.” and what he thinks of attorney Chris Madel running for governor. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iApPnh
ONEWEEK: Next Monday I’ll head to Marshall for the GOP forum and send observations in next Tuesday’s morning take.
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THE SQUEEZE
CDL: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy [has] threatened to withhold $30.4 million from Minnesota if the state doesn’t address shortcomings in its commercial driver’s license program and revoke any licenses that never should have been issued, either because they were valid beyond a driver’s work permit or because the state never verified a driver’s immigration status. … A spokesperson for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said: ‘We take safety on our roads seriously and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has already worked to ensure we are in compliance with federal law.’ … Duffy [also] threatened to pull federal funding from California and Pennsylvania over the issue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49Mlb3d
MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Department of Transportation alleges that one-third of Minnesota’s non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) were issued illegally. A ‘non-domiciled CDL’ is issued when someone applies for a CDL but is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. … The DOT is demanding that Minnesota pause issuing non-domiciled CDLs, revoke and reissue all noncompliant non-domiciled CDLs if they comply with the federal requirements, and conduct a comprehensive internal audit.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4itwq2I
FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he’s directed federal authorities to investigate claims that public dollars in Minnesota obtained fraudulently through abuse of the state’s welfare programs were then redirected to a foreign terrorist organization. … There is scant evidence to support the claim that stolen taxpayer funds have been funneled to terrorist groups, but cases of fraud have piled up in recent years. … Asked about GOP calls for a federal investigation last week, DFL Gov. Tim Walz told reporters he welcomes one.” WALZ: “I think it’s the right thing to do, [but] I don’t know if they’ll find the connection.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/440Ov2d
DESPITE THE CHALLENGES OF RURAL HEALTH CARE, ESSENTIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING TOP CLINICAL CARE: According to the latest report from Minnesota Community Measurement, a statewide resource on health care quality, costs and equity, Essentia ranked as a high performer with 19 of 20 clinical quality metrics scoring above statewide averages. According to Dr. Maria Beaver, chief quality and patient safety officer at Essentia: “This is a testament to the amazing care provided by all our clinical care teams and all our colleagues who support them.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dCxy1D (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
WALZ: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faces criticism over fraud allegations…a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, amplifying accusations against Walz garnered more than 37 million views. The popular post came from an anonymous X account claiming to represent about 480 Minnesota Department of Human Services employees. The account frequently targets the governor and Minnesota Democrats. X suspended the account Monday, but it returned with a new name and did not respond to our messages. … The true identity and representation of the anonymous X account are still unknown.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pg9Ey2
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)
CONGRESS
OPIOIDS: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig’s bipartisan RECONNECTIONS Act to expand access to overdose prevention resources was signed into law. Rep. Craig’s bill directs the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to expand their overdose prevention efforts by bolstering prescription drug monitoring programs, promoting and evaluating community and health system interventions and conducting research on controlled substance overdoses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48QDoL1
FED FUNDS: via Rep. Michelle Fischbach advisory, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) is pleased to announce that over $5.5 million in federal funding has been secured for two critical infrastructure projects in Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District, including $1,500,000 for sanitary system improvements in Plummer and $4,167,900 for the Kandiyohi water and waste system improvements project. … The funding will allow Plummer to modernize its sanitary system and address aging infrastructure. In Kandiyohi, the investment will enhance water and waste management, supporting community growth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4peELtP
ECOMONY
PROPERTY TAX: KSTP has compiled a spreadsheet of all preliminary property tax levy changes for Minnesota in 2026. The largest levy increases by dollar amount are Minneapolis at $40.5 million (up 8.1%), St. Cloud at $12.3 million (up 31.2%) and St. Paul at $11.7 million (up 5.3%). Rates will be finalized in late December. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4ar6faR
LENDERS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today joined a multistate coalition of seven attorneys general sending letters to the six largest buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) companies seeking information regarding their pricing and repayment structures, consumer contracts, user agreements, and disclosures. The inquiry aims to determine if BNPL companies are complying with consumer protection laws. Attorney General Ellison and the coalition sent the letters to Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, PayPal, Sezzle, and Zip.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4po1AuU
XMAS TREES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Artificial Christmas trees are becoming more expensive due to tariffs, driving more customers to purchase real trees. Even though demand for homegrown trees may increase, some tree growers across the state say their trees are getting more expensive, too. And they’re already seeing signs of a busy season ahead. … Around 84 percent of [growers] say they don’t anticipate wholesale price increases this year, though prices that consumers may pay are varied and set by retailers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Y054aX
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/46lTpIs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
METRO
HENN CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) has begun expanding which juvenile cases qualify for youth diversion, citing new research that shows the approach reduces repeat offenses and keeps more young people out of court. … A University of Minnesota Medical School study released in November found only 12% of youth who successfully completed pre‑charge diversion with HCAO re‑offended within a year, compared to nearly half of those who went through traditional court. Researchers analyzed more than 21,000 cases among 11,012 youth between 2016 and 2023, and concluded that diversion before charges are filed led to the lowest recidivism rates.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48yoEAc
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The former CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce pleaded guilty Monday to one count of mail fraud. … As a result, Jonathan Weinhagan, 42, faces between 27 and 33 months in prison, a fine between $10,000 and $95,000 and restitution payments of $213,200. Federal prosecutors said Weinhagen stole over $200,000 from the Minneapolis chamber over five years, which hobbled the organization financially.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KljRKk
SPPS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Public Schools is planning on reducing its annual levy by 2% this year as part of its 2026 budget. To get details on the district’s budget for the coming year, residents can attend the SPPS truth in taxation hearing at 6 p.m. [today]. … Tom Sager, the district’s executive chief of financial services, will present details on the levy for taxes payable in 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Xqnsd1
CORCORAN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Maple Hill Estates, one of the largest manufactured home parks in the Twin Cities area, has been a fixture of Corcoran for decades. … But now the park, which makes up a majority of the affordable housing stock in the town northwest of the Twin Cities, is stuck in limbo. An out-of-state company purchased the community and raised lot rents, spurring a legal dispute over whether the park should still be held to an agreement that capped costs for tenants.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Mx2834
OUTSTATE
NEW ULM: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Over the past few months, the City Council in [New Ulm], a town of about 14,000, has approved a flurry of housing projects, including nearly two-dozen shed houses in an industrial area, more than a dozen 400-square-foot tiny homes and a 148-unit apartment complex that faced opposition from residents who said New Ulm is moving too fast on housing. It’s a deliberate choice to hear out real estate developers proposing projects that could be seen as ‘out there’ or experimental, said City Manager Chris Dalton. … New Ulm is one of many cities trying to fight persistent shortages by being more flexible with zoning and more accommodating to developers in recent years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iGM1ft
DULUTH: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Chum, which operates the largest emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness north of the Twin Cities, has received a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. It’s the largest private gift the Duluth-based nonprofit has received in its 52-year history. … Executive director John Cole [said] Chum will likely use the grant to expand its Emergency Family Shelter and to offer more support services for parents — and more programs for children — to provide assistance as they move toward stability.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48ruZx9
LOOKING AHEAD…
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will visit a small business in Minneapolis at 9:00 a.m. to provide updates on the rollout of paid leave. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek will attend.
TODAY: via MN Senate, VERBATIM: “Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) and members of the Capital Investment Committee will travel to seven communities in Southwest Minnesota to learn about 11 proposed projects requesting state matching funds, meet with local officials, and tour project sites. This one-day tour continues the committee’s travels across Minnesota prior to the 2026 legislative session.” They will visit Loretto, South Haven, New London, Lake Lillian, Marshall, Redwood Falls and Bloomington. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/3M7MI5r
TODAY: via MDH advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will hold a public hearing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, covering several changes in services provided at Allina Health Faribault Medical Center. … Allina Health Faribault’s birth center will close on Dec. 1 with all labor and delivery services consolidated to Owatonna Hospital.”
TOMORROW: via MN House, VERBATIM: “Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) will hold a town hall meeting on gun violence prevention from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3. He will be joined by Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Crystal) and a panel of local community advocates and members from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.”
THURSDAY: MMB Commissioner Erin Campbell, state economist Anthony Becker and state budget director Ahna Minge will present Minnesota’s November 2025 budget and economic forecast on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 12:00 noon.
THURSDAY: via IRRR Board, VERBATIM: “A special meeting of the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Board will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 3:30 p.m.” AGENDA: https://fluence-media.co/4osbMBy
THURSDAY: via MN House, VERBATIM: “From 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Representative Kristi Pursell (DFL-Northfield) and DFL members of the House Health Committee will host a listening session focused on rural healthcare affordability in Red Wing, Minnesota.”
MONDAY: Eight Republican candidates for governor are scheduled to appear at a forum in Marshall on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6:00 p.m. The invited candidates are Lisa Demuth, Kristin Robbins, Scott Jensen, Kendall Qualls, Jeff Johnson, Brad Kohler, Patrick Knight and Phillip Parrish. Lyon County Republicans plan to livestream the event on Facebook.
BDAYS: Fox 9’s Dawn Mitchell, investment pro Janel Goff
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take from now to the future is in memory of Melissa Hortman her accessibility, leadership and commitment to public service.
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