Twins lose. Wild lose in a shootout.
Paige Bueckers and UConn are going to the Final Four.
Canadian hockey gear could see price increases under new U.S. tariffs planned for Wednesday. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4jdRFVv
KSTP’s Joe Schmit will retire from the station at the end of April.
Today’s Wisconsin Supreme Court election will determine the ideological majority, drawing national interest and record spending. KARE: https://fluence-media.co/4hZvUrB
The stock market had its worst Q1 in years as Goldman Sachs raised the likelihood of a recession from 20% to 35%. CNN: https://fluence-media.co/4hVUIR5
Donald Trump told NBC News he is “not joking” about finding ways to serve a constitutionally prohibited third term. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/41X8fTW
No April Fool’s jokes in today’s newsletter, we promise.
Blois
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All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
Melisa López Franzen was on Sunday Take to discuss her upcoming Senate run, her plans if she wins, the political landscape of Minnesota and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iOf4x5
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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)
CD2: State Sen. Matt Klein is ready, if Rep. Angie Craig runs for US Senate, which is a decision or announcement anticipated in the next few weeks. Last night, www.KleinforCongress.com was live for a brief period of time. It has been anticipated for weeks that Klein was prepping to run. When asked about running, Klein said, VERBATIM: ““Congresswoman Craig is the strongest democrat CD2 has had in decades, and I will fully support her for whatever she chooses to do next. Regardless of whether she runs for re-election or other office, Minnesota is well served by having her represent us in Washington.”
CANADA: via Axios, VERBATIM: “Canadians' desire to visit the U.S. is absolutely tanking, new data suggests… Advance bookings for Canada-U.S. flights in April-September are down over 70% compared to this time last year, per aviation data firm OAG… A mere 10% drop in Canadian visitors could cost U.S. businesses as much as $2.1 billion in revenue, TPG notes.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4j8ESUR
DEEPER: via Fluence Advisory analysis of Canadian border crossings to Minnesota by month since 2021.
WHITE: via KSTP’s Tom Hauser, VERBATIM: “Minnesota U.S. Senate candidate Royce White defends the campaign finance reports he filed that show more than $1 million of donor money went to “credit card fees,” which is nearly 70% of his $1.43 million in operating expenses in the 2024 campaign against Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar…When asked to explain the high credit card fees, White said he isn’t happy about it. “Well, yea, since the beginning of my time in politics, I’ve actually been very critical and outspoken about the way money is raised in politics,” he told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS in an interview Monday… White claims the people who “bundle” his donations keep 85% of the money donated to his campaign and he gets the remaining 15%...He doesn’t say who these people are, but presumably, he’s talking about WinRed. A check of WinRed’s pricing structure on its website says they usually charge between 3% and 4%. “WinRed charges a very low 3.2% on high-dollar gifts, and 3.94% on other donations to cover the cost of the credit card processing fees & interchange fees as well as all the powerful features we offer that allow you to raise more on WinRed than any other platform out there,” the website states. WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YdTnxU
WALZ : Gov. Tim Walz was interviewed by New York Magazine during his trip to Texas last week to discuss his thoughts on why Democrats lost the 2024 election and how they can win in the future. WALZ: “We need to make sure there’s something in this party for you. The folks who are MAGA got a common uniform, a common language, common things they talk about. Democrats, I don’t know if we have that. … Our policies poll favorably, so if that’s the case, yet people are voting against [us], then we’re not reaching them. … I think a lot of folks like what the Democrats are saying, but they don’t believe we can get it done. … The folks who voted for [Donald] Trump are going to vote for Trump. My biggest concern [is] the folks who stayed home.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4caaXss
LINDELL: via Politico, VERBATIM: “MAGA election conspiracy theorist and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell has eyes on what could be his next gig. And it isn’t selling pillows…Lindell on Monday teased a run for Minnesota governor, a race that could see him face off against popular incumbent Tim Walz, who is said to be sizing up a third term in the post.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DYXk2M
STATEOFPARTIES: This past weekend Richard Carlbom took over the helm of a strong DFL State Party, it was the same weekend that Minnesota Republicans experienced internal division at Congressional District conventions. Republicans are at their best position in years going into a Governor’s race, and GOP Chair Alex Plecash has improved communication operations and is trying to unite a party divided between popular Congressional incumbents with growing power in DC and outlier activists obsessed with fringe issues. Last year’s nomination of Royce White for US Senate, and a lack of a competitive candidate in CD3, combined with Rep. Angie Craig’s decisive win in CD2 show Republicans have lacked a strong bench and activists have chosen candidates that couldn’t win. In 2022, Republicans had green candidates that came close in statewide races, but would have been better served by candidates with more experience. DFLers on the other hand have their own division, evidenced by the Blue Dog coalition in the Minnesota Senate, the DSA dominance in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and a Governor that has a growing rift with key party constituencies. The state of Minnesota’s political parties is uncertain going into 2024.
Republicans will need to find candidates that can gain the party endorsement, and win statewide for US Senate and Governor. So far, that is a big question. DFLers will need to wait to see what Gov. Walz does, and the shake-out of a competitive US Senate primary to understand the electability of the field. DFLers have had a strong streak, and Republicans are in the best position since 2010 to win statewide. The final big variable – the popularity, or lack of for President Donald Trump. Either way, the internal battles of Minnesota’s two major parties is something to watch over the next year.
RESPONSIBLE GAMING: Legal sports betting platforms offer responsible game tools that offshore and illegal sports betting don’t offer. In fact, age verification is not required with most offshore providers. Learn more about why legalized sports betting is more responsible. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kgJoS4 (SPONSORED: Sports Betting Alliance)
CD8: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “At rallies and meetings across the Northland held in protest of President Donald Trump's cuts to the federal government, signs held by attendees and the speakers addressing them often return to a familiar theme: Where's U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber? The Republican from Hermantown has shrugged at calls to hold an in-person town hall, opting to continue his practice of telephone town halls instead. … Approximately 900 people attended a [Duluth] town hall Saturday organized by Practicing Democracy — a new group led by Jen Schultz, who ran as a Democrat and lost to Stauber in the last two elections. … While Stauber was invited, he did not attend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QUpizB
MORE: Via KARE 11, Rep. Pete Stauber didn’t attend the CD8 town hall in Duluth because he was at a separate event in Baxter, per social media. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/426tXDG
ICE: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Officials say a University of Minnesota graduate student detained by ICE [last week] was not arrested due to student protests but because their visa had been revoked for a previous DUI offense. … Further details about the student or when the alleged DUI happened were not immediately available. … In a message to students and staff on Monday, Mankato State leaders said one of their students had also been detained by ICE. Officials said it happened at an off-campus residence on Friday. The circumstances of the detainment weren't immediately clear, officials said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hX1iHc
RESPONSE: via a Gov. Tim Walz post, WALZ: “We have yet to receive adequate information from Homeland Security about the recent news of Minnesota students being detained by ICE. Snatching up students who come here legally to work hard and get an education does not make you tough on immigration. We need answers.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3QZivVo
UMN: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “On Monday afternoon, hundreds of people filled the plaza outside Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus to protest the U’s response to federal funding cuts, the Trump Administration’s efforts to halt DEI programs and the detainment of an international graduate student by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ltnfAH
ESSENTIA HEALTH INVESTS IN TWIN PORTS NURSES: Total payroll for Essentia Health Duluth-Superior nurses is $164 million, with $53 million paid in salary increases over the past 3 years. Essentia Health has also increased clinical support staff by 10% over the past 3 years, providing additional support for those nurses. Over half of Duluth area nurses have been with us for over 5 years and enjoy exceptional work-life balance. To join our team at Essentia Health, search for openings HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3FzLe0i (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
WFH: Via KSTP, Gov. Tim Walz has responded to the weekend protest by state workers opposing his planned changes to government work-from-home rules, as seen in yesterday’s morning take. WALZ: “I’ve been a strong supporter of our state workforce. Anything in your life that kind of moves you out of the routine, you are going to get somewhat of a response, but it’s the right thing to do — it’s the right thing for the state workforce. … With the federal government continuing to cut things, I’m just looking a little bit over the horizon — how to do the best I can do to protect the workforce that is going to be continuously under threat.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3FPcS9X
LGBTQ: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Hundreds of transgender rights supporters in Minnesota are protesting the Trump Administration. … Speakers during a rally at the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda Monday praised the state as a safe haven and ground zero in the fight for trans rights. … Gov. Tim Walz received a roaring reception as he held up a proclamation and said, ‘I therefore declare Monday, March 31st, 2025, Transgender Day of Visibility across the state of Minnesota.’ Walz said afterward that he is working on defending the rights of transgender soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard.” WALZ: “We've got Americans that raised their hand, volunteered, serving honorably, getting excellent and effective performance reviews. It doesn't seem right to me that we shouldn't allow them to serve.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cdaKVB
WISCONSIN: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Tuesday evening, Wisconsin's polls will close in what has become the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. The race between conservative Brad Schimel and liberal Susan Crawford has attracted more than $90 million in donations, including almost $20 million from Elon Musk himself. … Democrats, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are accusing Musk of trying to buy the election.” WALZ: “It's outrageous that is going to be a $100 million race. Supreme Court races are non-partisan in Minnesota, and they range about $70,000. This is an assault on the democracy. It's the richest man in the world giving away $1 million if you will vote for his person in a Supreme Court race." READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jaNNEB
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis City Council and mayoral campaigns are kicking into gear, with debates beginning, money flowing and new PACs forming as the city barrels toward a huge November election where control of City Hall is at stake. … All 13 Minneapolis City Council members are Democrats or Democratic Socialists, and Mayor Jacob Frey is also a Democrat, and all of their seats are up for election this year. Farther-left progressives took control of the council last year. … Three incumbent council members aren’t running for reelection: Andrea Jenkins and Jeremiah Ellison aren’t seeking reelection, and Emily Koski is running for mayor. … As the DFL Precinct Caucuses approach on April 8, candidates and political action committees are gearing up, even though the official candidate filing period doesn’t begin until July 29.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Edax85
ST PAUL: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Trash pickup in St. Paul will continue Tuesday after Mayor Melvin Carter declared a three-day state of emergency that he said would allow the city's new garbage hauler to begin service as scheduled. For now, the move averts a lapse in garbage collection. … The dispute centered on whether the city's new garbage hauler, FCC Environmental, can use a lot it purchased off West Seventh Street to maintain and fuel its roughly 30-truck fleet. … The mayor is asking the council to vote Wednesday to extend the emergency.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hZ9N4d
BUDGET: Via Star Tribune, Speaker Lisa Demuth, House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and Gov. Tim Walz shared their thoughts Monday on the newly released House budget framework, as seen in yesterday’s morning take.
● DEMUTH: “House Republicans are holding strong on fiscal responsibility. [The House framework] would represent the largest spending cut in state history. … I look forward to our [committee] chairs working to put together a common-sense budget that makes life more affordable for Minnesotans.”
● HORTMAN: “These budget targets represent a compromise between Democrats and Republicans. If Democrats were setting targets on our own, these targets would of course look very different.”
● WALZ: “[The House framework] is really encouraging. … This bodes really well for us getting a working budget, making sure we’re funding the things Minnesotans care about but also addressing those over-the-horizon structural issues.”
Notably, the House framework has larger budget cuts overall than the Senate framework and the governor’s proposal, but it does not contain any education cuts, unlike its two counterparts. Hortman told reporters that major education cuts are “not a place we could ever land.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42aiG5n
REINSURANCE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “As the Minnesota Legislature works toward finalizing the state's next two-year budget this spring, lawmakers will have to decide the future of the state's reinsurance program. … Reinsurance only applies to individual health insurance plans…[but] unless state lawmakers act, the state budget for reinsurance will only last until the end of this year. There are three options at play at the Minnesota Capitol: keep reinsurance as it is with state funding, keep reinsurance but fund it with an assessment on health plans or replace it with a direct subsidy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Qxib4
FENTANYL: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Aitkin County Assistant Attorney Sebastian Mesa [is pushing] the Minnesota Legislature to change the law so people face tougher penalties for exposing children to fentanyl. … He said he came across a gap in part of the law. One statute made it a felony-level offense to knowingly expose children or vulnerable adults to methamphetamine — but methamphetamine only. Fentanyl was not included. Legislation drafted after he called his state senator to inform him of the loophole would make an identical prohibition for fentanyl. It has bipartisan support.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4cdrJqx
NLX RAIL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Nearly $200 million in state money set aside for Northern Lights Express passenger train service between the Twin Cities and Duluth could be in peril if Republicans at the Capitol have their way. House and Senate versions of a bill introduced at the Legislature target $194 million that was funded by state lawmakers in 2023 to cover the state’s portion to build the 152-mile line. Instead, the funds would be diverted to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to maintain state highways.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42rWswM
TEACHERS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Three bipartisan bills could lower the age at which Minnesota teachers can start collecting pensions. One proposes full retirement at age 60 after 30 years of service. That would cost taxpayers an estimated $240 million per year. The other proposals allow retirement at 60, but cost less by not allowing for penalty-free retirement until 62 or 65. Democrats and Republicans agree this is the right thing to do, and it could eventually save the state money. They don't necessarily agree on how to fund it.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3G2YNWc
METRO TRANSIT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Metro Transit is looking to bring more women into its police force. A brand new training [program] is led by female officers and gives women interested in law enforcement hands-on experience with things like security surveillance and virtual reality scenarios. This is all part of a national ‘30-30 Initiative’ aiming to increase the number of women in law enforcement by 30% in 2030. Metro Transit says the force is about 22% women currently, so it’s hoping to reach that goal even sooner than 2030.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hTLZ1C
FED BUILDINGS: via MSP Business Journal, VERBATIM: “The U.S. General Services Administration has again posted a list of properties it plans to sell, after pulling a previous list offline earlier this month. There's a notable change: Many of the properties previously listed, including several in Minnesota, have disappeared. … The [new] list has only eight properties, including in Chicago, Kansas City, Houston, Atlanta and more. There are no Minnesota properties on the list.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Yd04Al
BRINGING SAFETY TO ‘THE NEXT LEVEL’: As part of Enbridge’s work on the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in northern Minnesota, Enbridge has brought in family-owned and Indigenous-owned Northern Lights Family Outfitters to fully outfit project workers right on the job site with personal protective equipment (PPE) from its 48-foot mobile trailer. “Enbridge really brings safety to the next level,” says Patti, a project liaison for Enbridge and the Fond du Lac Band. “It’s really helpful to have a mobile unit, especially for this kind of work.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OQYmjn (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
VOTING: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison today led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in sending a letter to congressional leadership in opposition to H.R. 22, the so-called Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Attorney General Ellison and the coalition argue that the proposed legislation would create unnecessary and burdensome proof of citizenship requirements that would effectively disenfranchise millions of eligible voters across the country.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3FKLMk4
MORE: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and 14 other Secretaries of State sent a letter to U.S. Representative Bryan Steil, Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, expressing deep concerns with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3QZj5Cy
NIH: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “A consortium of researchers at several universities have released county-level estimates of the total financial impact of cuts to National Institutes of Health grants announced by the Trump Administration last month. The estimates incorporate not just the lost grant dollars themselves, but also the spillover effects of the additional economic activity the NIH grants stimulate. … No county in Minnesota is unaffected, according to the researchers’ estimates. Minnesota as a whole will see a $355 million decrease in economic activity, causing the loss of more than 1,400 jobs. Hennepin and Olmsted counties, home to the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic respectively, account for more than $200 million of Minnesota’s losses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Ux035
MINING: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld a state agency's decision to deny an iron ore mine and processing plant's request to allow a downstream lake to have sulfate pollution nearly eight times higher than the standard for wild rice waters. On Monday, a three-judge panel unanimously said the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency was right in February 2024 to deny U.S. Steel's request for a site-specific standard allowing Hay Lake to have sulfate levels of 79 parts per million or 79 milligrams per liter. The state standard for wild rice waters is 10 ppm of sulfate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QYc3xW
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)
TASK FORCE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that he is forming a new Advisory Task Force on the Future of Minnesota’s Water. … The deadline for applying is April 30, 2025. The Task Force will begin its work in June 2025. … The task force will study issues affecting the stewardship of Minnesota’s water resources, explore best practices from examples in practice in Minnesota and other states, and collaborate to develop a broad set of recommendations for policymakers and regulators.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43uCLFK
GRANTS: via a DEED press release, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced more than $2.2 million in awards for eight redevelopment and demolition projects statewide. The grant funding will create or retain 112 jobs, collectively increase local tax bases by $1.82 million and leverage $230.9 million in private investment. The five grants from DEED's Redevelopment Grant Program and three loans from the Demolition Loan Program are expected to redevelop 47.54 acres and establish 444 housing units.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YbX4Ee
FISHING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Walleye anglers on Minnesota’s Upper Red Lake will be allowed to keep five fish this summer, two more than were allowed during the opening weeks of the open-water fishing season a year ago, state fisheries managers announced Monday. The new possession limit, effective May 10, allows anglers to keep five walleyes, but only one over 17 inches long.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cd9stJ
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)
ROBBINSDALE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Robbinsdale Area Schools is bracing for layoffs ahead of the 2025-26 school year after a budgeting error resulted in a $21 million shortfall. In all, roughly 200 employees across the district will be affected, including 182 certified school staff and 18 full-time-equivalent jobs at the district’s Education Service Center, Superintendent Teri Staloch said in a letter on Friday. Three assistant principal positions are also in line to be cut.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4chmlmv
ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison did not hold back his opinions of President Donald Trump's policies during a [recent] event at Salem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. … Ellison told a crowd of about 250 people [that] ‘The reason that I have had to sue Donald Trump isn't for partisan reasons. It is because he's doing things that are illegal.’ … [It] was part of his ‘Protecting Minnesota Community Forums’ series. The lawyer and former DFL congressman's website said the community forums were ‘to discuss his work to protect the rights and freedoms of the people of Minnesota.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cf9Vvs
BRAINERD: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Detours are set for the 2026-27 reconstruction project on Highway 210/Washington Street through Brainerd and Baxter. Residents reviewed the plans during an open house [last week]. … The project will reconstruct and/or resurface the road between Baxter Drive in Baxter and Pine Shores Road in Brainerd. The project area is broken into five segments — west, bridge, downtown, mall/railyard and east. Work will begin in spring 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/449Bh3Z
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 yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
SENATE RACE: via Flanagan for Senate, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senate Candidate Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan was endorsed by Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison. Attorney General Ellison is a highly respected attorney on the national and statewide stage who has led the charge on some of the biggest legal wins in the country including preventing big pharmaceutical companies from price-gouging and protecting seniors from fraud and abuse. Before becoming Attorney General, Ellison spent 12 years representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House.”
FED JOBS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Those back on the job are worried they will be fired again and are waiting for promised back pay. Those who have not been called back are weighing options from lawsuits to new positions elsewhere. With 18,031 Minnesota employees as of Dec. 10 (not including active duty military and the U.S. Postal Service), the federal government is the 10th largest employer in the state, making it a crucial piece of the local economy. … Many of the employees interviewed by the Minnesota Star Tribune said they took a government job because they wanted to serve the country in some capacity and are quick to point out their contributions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hWcTGu
TARIFFS: via Mankato Free Press, VERBATIM: “Tariff talk dominates national chatter these days. In southern Minnesota, where agriculture and ag-related industries dominate the economy, the unease over tariffs is intense. Todd Marotz, head of production at Wakefield Pork in Gaylord and a member of the National Pork Producers Council, fears tariffs could be devastating to the state’s pork industry, which has just gotten back on its feet in the past year or so. … Canada, China and Mexico were big buyers of Minnesota pork. Caesar Larson, who farms near Amboy and Lake Crystal, said farmers are worried about tariffs. ‘There is an uneasiness in the farm community because of the uncertainty. Export markets are very important to us,’ Larson said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hYCMVY
SESSION: House floor session at 12:15 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Commerce hears a ban on pet shops selling cats and dogs. State Govt. hears a bill allowing ranking members to request fiscal notes. Education Finance hears changes to the free school meals program. Higher Education hears limits on North Star Promise eligibility. SENATE: Commerce & Consumer Protection hears a cannabis omnibus. Housing & Homelessness hears its omnibus bill. State & Local Govt. hears a bill allowing merchant bag bans. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4jc9dBk
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend AFSCME Day on the Hill.
TOMORROW: via an OSA advisory, VERBATIM: “At 9:00 a.m. in Capitol Press Room B971, State Auditor Julie Blaha will present the 2023 Municipal Liquor Store Operations Report. … Blaha [notes] Minnesota's municipal liquor operations had record sales and a strong 15.3% rise in net profits in 2023. … Additionally, this is the first municipal liquor store report where the financial data includes cannabis sales.”
TOMORROW: Attorney General Keith Ellison announced his participation in a rally to pass the Minnesota Medical Debt Reset Act in the state capitol on Wednesday, April 2 at 9:30 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4cc81fa
WED-SAT: The Minneapolis Convention Center will host the 2025 Association of College & Research Libraries conference from April 2 to April 5. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3DXlACs
MONDAY: 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.”
APRIL 10: 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)
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: Sen. Mark Koran, GOP operative Preya Samsundar
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