Darnold franchise decision day. Wild trade deadline is Friday.
Wild at Seattle tonight. Wolves host Philadelphia.
The 3M Open will remain in the Twin Cities through 2030 under an extended PGA deal. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/3XsagVo
Tonight’s winter storm could drop 6” of snow in the Twin Cities and 9” in Rochester. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/4i7Hwth
Target posts profits but warns this morning of a “meaningful” drop in firest quarter profit compared to last year. CNBC: https://fluence-media.co/4i2NZFZ
Donald Trump said major tariff hikes on goods from Canada, Mexico and China will not be delayed and are going into effect today. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3F4mjBR
The latest Marist poll finds that many independents are souring on Donald Trump. Among independents, Trump has a -23% net approval (34% for, 57% against) while 65% say he’s making changes too quickly and 64% say the state of the union is not strong. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4ijm7gm
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s morning take with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO Radio regarding Sen. Klobuchar and Ukraine, as well as the dueling rallies in St. Paul today. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/41D9cQR
Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-09) was on Sunday Take to discuss the upcoming state budget forecast, federal funding and impacts on the Health and Human Services budget. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ipEyjL
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
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)
CIVILITY: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Late last month, Sen. Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, met up with some fellow legislators at a burger place in St. Paul. It was a mix of Democrats and Republicans from both chambers. DUCKWORTH: “It’s fun because I go and I see people that I know. I meet new folks, I learn about them, their families and their personal lives,” he said…The event was organized by Duckworth and other leaders of the Civility Caucus. The group is united in the belief that personal relationships are the secret ingredient for getting things done. MORE: “It’s a lot more difficult to be anything less than civil and respectful to someone who you know,” Duckworth said. “And it’s those relationships that you build outside the Capitol l sometimes that allow for those kinds of conversations that help you move stuff across the finish line.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3D33aQk
TARIFFS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A set of tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China announced by President Donald Trump last month are scheduled to go into effect Tuesday. … Minnesotans will most acutely feel the effects at gas pumps and grocery stores. … The 25% tariffs would be levied on most goods imported from Mexico and Canada, which could hit U.S. consumers hard on fresh fruits and vegetables brought in from the south. Meanwhile, energy imports from Canada face a 10% tax rate. Minnesota and many Midwest states depend on Canadian oil for gasoline. … The Consumer Brands Association, which counts Minnesota companies like General Mills, Hormel Foods, Land O’Lakes and Target among its members, said in a statement tariffs ‘could lead to higher consumer prices and retaliation against U.S. exporters.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QIXhux
MORE: MPR News has a list of what products could see price increases under new tariffs, including gasoline, beer, and canned goods. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/43lNkuH
MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump says he plans to place tariffs on the goods farmers export starting April 2. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says farming involves enough uncertainty, and this only makes it worse. … Wertish says Minnesota soybean and corn farmers will be especially hard hit.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/41CY7zs
● TRUMP: “To the great farmers of the United States: Get ready to start making a lot of agricultural product to be sold INSIDE of the United States. Tariffs will go on external product on April 2nd. Have fun!"
● WERTISH: “Farmers are very used to dealing with weathering the markets to some extent, things that are out of the farmer's control. … We don't need the government throwing another thing that's all completely out of our control into the mix. … Putting a tariff on the export markets really does hurt farmers.”
SOTU: via USA Today, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump is set to speak before a joint session of Congress [tonight], marking his first address since returning to the White House. … The Republican president’s speech will not be an official State of the Union address because he was sworn into office less than two months ago. Starting with former President Ronald Reagan, several recent presidents have delivered speeches in the months after being inaugurated that serve the same purpose as the State of the Union, even without formally being one.” The event is at 8:00 p.m. central. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EZ1cky
MORE: via Politico, VERBATIM: “Democratic lawmakers [will] use the speech to focus on the impacts of Trump’s second-term policies. … Private guidance sent to Democratic lawmakers and obtained by POLITICO urged them to coalesce around a message that ‘Democrats are on the side of the American people while Trump and Republicans in Congress stand with Elon Musk and billionaire donors.’ They are also being urged to ‘bring a guest who has been harmed by the Trump administration’s early actions or will be hurt by the House Republican budget.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4inCMzl
GUESTS: As of Monday evening, here is a list of the guests Minnesota’s federal delegation will bring to Pres. Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress tonight.
● Sen. Amy Klobuchar invited Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union and third-generation farmer. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4i2n9gW
● Sen. Tina Smith invited Kate Severson, a former park ranger at Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota who was impacted by DOGE-directed layoffs at the National Park Service. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41Fuqhe
● Rep. Brad Finstad will attend the address, but the Star Tribune reports that his office would not say if he invited a guest. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hZa9c7
● Rep. Angie Craig invited Denise Specht, president of the Education Minnesota teachers union. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hZa9c7
● Rep. Kelly Morrison invited her husband John Willoughby, an Army combat veteran. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hZa9c7
● Rep. Betty McCollum invited Mary Jo McGuire, Ramsey County Commissioner. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4bm8L0N
● Rep. Ilhan Omar invited Chris Wicker, an Air Force veteran and former deputy director of the Minnesota district office of the Small Business Administration before he was laid off by the Trump Administration. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3F1PyFs
● Rep. Tom Emmer invited Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and “hockey legends” Buzz Schneider and Rob McClanahan. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41qlGtO
● Rep. Michelle Fischbach invited Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks). READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hZa9c7
● Rep. Pete Stauber invited Jennifer Hegseth, wife of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; and Phil Verchota, a Duluth native and member of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hockey team. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/43jcutS
INTERVIEWS: Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Tom Emmer and Rep. Ilhan Omar all participated in national TV interviews yesterday. Klobuchar said she was “appalled” by Pres. Donald Trump’s treatment of Ukraine Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy on CNN’s “Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” Emmer told Fox Business’s “Evening Edit” that Trump was putting “America first” through tough negotiations with Zelenskyy. Omar told MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki” that she is attending Trump’s joint address tonight because it’s “important” to be there “in defiance of the lies that he is going to tell.” CNN: https://fluence-media.co/41IYXuE FOX: https://fluence-media.co/4ileG8u MSNBC: https://fluence-media.co/41vm7mW
MPLS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Andrea Jenkins has announced she won't seek reelection for her Ward 8 seat on Minneapolis City Council. Jenkins confirmed in a Monday newsletter she won't be seeking a fourth term, having represented the Lyndale and Kingfield neighborhoods since first being elected in 2017. … Jenkins became the first Black transgender person to be elected to public office in the United States in 2017, and made history again in 2022 after she was named the first openly transgender city council president.” JENKINS: “After several months of introspection and vacillation, I’ve decided this is my last term in office. … It has, indeed, been the honor of my life to serve as your council member.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41G2REo
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In an interview, [Andrea Jenkins] said she considered many factors, including what a change in federal government might mean for transgender people, whether a less stressful lifestyle might help her multiple sclerosis, and what the changing nature of politics means for her job. … Even before Jenkins' announcement, two candidates — [Soren] Stevenson and Josh Bassais — had announced plans to run for her seat this year. Jenkins said Monday that she believes she would have beaten both of them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ij6Zp
KOSKI: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Long-time DFL financial donors Sam and Sylvia Kaplan, along with current City Council member Linea Palmisano, filed an administrative lawsuit against Minneapolis mayoral candidate Emily Koski, who also is a current member of the city council…The Kaplans and Palmisano contributed money to Koski’s 2023 city council race…In their suit, the Kaplans and Palmisano claim Koski violated state campaign finance laws by using some of her city council campaign money to pay current campaign expenses tied to her mayoral race.” WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iHhgpJ
GUNS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The number of permits to carry firearms issued in Minnesota each year continues to decline. According to data from the BCA, county sheriffs across the state issued 57,248 permits to carry in 2024. That’s the lowest total in four years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43jipPC
UMN: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration’s recent changes to science funding policies — part of a wave of funding cuts across a number of federal agencies — could initially undercut research activities at the University of Minnesota by $130 million, but nationwide freezes to grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) may cost the school billions in research funding over the coming years. … University of Minnesota spokesperson Andria Waclawski told MinnPost in an interview that the cuts could bring important clinical and research work to a standstill.” QUOTE: “This is job loss, this is patient life disruption. These cuts are disrupting the development of new cures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43jKyGa
CHILDCARE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Some Minnesota child care centers were closed on Monday in observance of ‘A Day Without Childcare.’ The demonstration day is the work of ‘Kids Count On Us,’ which is seeking to highlight the importance of childcare that is not only affordable and accessible to families, but that pays providers a living wage. … The average cost of a spot for center-based childcare in Minnesota was more than $20,000 in 2024, according to the Office on the Economic Status of Women. At the same time, the average childcare worker makes just $14.53-an-hour in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F6FoU3
LGBTQ: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota House of Representatives on Monday rejected a bill that would have banned transgender students from competing on girls’ sports teams. The proposal came to the House floor after it passed on a party-line vote in the GOP-controlled House Education Policy Committee. However, given the current makeup of the whole House — 67 Republicans and 66 DFLers, and 68 votes needed to pass legislation — the bill had been expected to fail. It did so along party lines. … Republicans held a rally Monday with swimmer and activist Riley Gaines ahead of the floor vote. … LGBTQ+ advocates held a press conference Monday afternoon, and then held a rally outside of the House chamber.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QKyvKG
MORE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Senate Republicans also attempted to vote on a transgender athletes bill Monday, though Senate DFLers blocked their motion to take up the measure 34-33 on party lines. … DFLers questioned how the restrictions would be enforced if the bill became law. They raised the possibility that minors might have to take mouth swab tests so their biological sex could be determined by a laboratory, or even have their sex physically verified.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Fz26S
RESPONSE: via Senate Queer Caucus, STATEMENT: “Senator Carla Nelson’s bill to ostracize trans girls and require invasive vaginal exams for girls as young as five is disgusting and predatory. … Minnesota has the highest participation in girls’ sports in the US, and it has been the norm in our state for trans kids to play on the teams that align with their gender for over a decade.”
CONTRIBUTIONS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Further openness when it comes to how political campaigns are funded in Minnesota is being sought [by] Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron). … He sponsors HF1447 which, as amended, would require legislative and statewide candidates to report contributions of at least $200, including fundraising tickets, from donors living outside the district the candidate is seeking to represent. It would also establish filing requirements if the reporting entity is a principal campaign committee. The bill was laid over by the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee Monday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Fe1nZ3
RONDO: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “To hear proponents of the ReConnect Rondo project tell it, their vision is intended to help heal a wound their neighborhood suffered in the 1950s and ‘60s. That’s when the development of Interstate 94 bisected St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood. … In 2021, the Legislature appropriated $6.2 million for project development and grants related to ReConnect Rondo, which was followed by $2 million in federal funding. … But Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine) believes that’s enough. He’s the sponsor of HF494, which would prohibit the Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council from expending funds for study, project development or construction of the proposed [Rondo] land bridge. … The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee…laid the bill over for possible omnibus bill inclusion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41H0Do4
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)
RELIGION: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The Pew Research Center released the third iteration of their Religious Landscape Study, [and] the big-picture trends include a decline in people identifying as Christians. … In 2007, for instance, 83% of Minnesota adults identified as some type of Christian, while just 13% were religiously unaffiliated. In 2024, by contrast, 63% of Minnesota adults said they were Christian, while 29% now belong to no church at all. … Another notable trend is the increase in the Muslim population, who went from 1% of adults in 2007 to 3% in 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i3adYb
RAMADAN: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “In his two decades running DurDur Bakery and Grocery in Minneapolis, owner Nur Hadi Ahmed doesn’t remember a Ramadan like this. The prices of milk, ghee, cheese and eggs are up. So is the cost of halal goat and lamb. He tries to limit what he passes on to his customers, but he says the increases are weighing on him. … Business owners and faith leaders say Minnesota Muslims are facing twin challenges as Ramadan arrives this year: Rising food prices make it more expensive to host iftars at the end of the day’s fast. And an abrupt change in immigration policy has led some to avoid mosques and other community gathering places altogether.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4br9UEf
NEWBORNS: via an MDH press release, VERBATIM: “The Newborn Screening Program at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has begun screening newborns for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency. Early identification and treatment of these disorders is key to slowing the progression of symptoms as well as extending and improving the quality of children’s lives. … DMD is a disorder that causes muscle breakdown. … GAMT deficiency is a lifelong metabolic disorder causing a toxic buildup that, if left untreated, results in learning and behavioral challenges as well as serious brain and muscle problems.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41Gh9VI
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)
ENERGY: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Power plans to generate 90% of its energy from renewable sources by 2035 and eliminate coal from its fuel mix during the same time frame. The utility laid out its roadmap for the next decade when it filed an Integrated Resource Plan with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Monday. Its proposal to shift away from coal by increasing its reliance on natural gas disappointed some environmentalists.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QEDvAy
E15: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced bipartisan legislation to make year-round access to E15 permanent nationwide – expanding market access for Minnesota farmers and lowering costs for drivers at the gas pump. The bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act is the latest step in Rep. Craig’s efforts to increase investment in domestic biofuels production.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XoP8z6
CRYPTO: via a Rep. Tom Emmer press release, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Tom Emmer announced the formation of the Congressional Crypto Caucus. The Crypto Caucus, which Congressman Emmer launched with [Democratic] Congressman Ritchie Torres, will serve as a unified nonpartisan voting block in Congress, ready to mobilize to support and defend open, permissionless, and private innovation in the United States.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kn5qlY
MOOSE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s moose population has stabilized over the past decade but climate change, predators and parasites continue to put the creatures at risk, the latest [DNR] survey shows. The recently conducted 2025 survey of northeastern Minnesota estimates the population at about 4,040, up from 3,470 in 2024. … The estimates have stayed relatively stable after crashing between 2009 and 2013. The state’s moose population has fallen some 60 percent since the mid-2000s.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FdEa9q
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.-Elect Kari Rehauer
Rep.-Elect Wayne Johnson
Rep. Elect Julie Greene
Rep. Elect Keith Allen
Rep. Elect Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
STILLWATER: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Plans to build a new, expanded Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater are moving forward, and HealthPartners hopes to break ground on the estimated $400 million project later this year. The number of patients seen daily at the hospital has about doubled in the last five years, according to Lakeview Hospital President Brandi Lunneborg. HealthPartners has targeted a site a few miles west of the current hospital. … HealthPartners is scheduled to present the latest site design plans to the city council on March 26…[hoping] to begin construction by the fall.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43ftQIa
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Students, parents and staff spoke out during a Duluth School Board listening session last week against employee reductions. Most of the speakers argued against the district's plans for media specialists and activity directors/dean of student positions. The district announced the reduction of 41 employees, including one principal, 20 teachers and 16 paraprofessionals and four non-certified staff.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41G4C4s
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Leaders of half a dozen child care centers met with members of Rochester City Council and Rochester Mayor Kim Norton Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Civic League Day Nursery to talk about the ongoing challenges in the industry. Those challenges all seem to come down to a scarcity of financial resources. … Monday's discussion didn't include any specific call for city support, but left open the possibility that local action would be welcomed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DjXWQ5
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are 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, Rookie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: Wild About Reading SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
FORECAST: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers will get a key update this week that will inform debates about the next two-year budget. But it won’t include much on a variable likely to shake up their plans: President Donald Trump. State finance officials deliver their economic forecast on Thursday; it’s the report that will set the tone for upcoming deliberations over a two-year budget. But State Budget Director Ahna Minge said the calculations won’t include pending cuts by the Trump administration or legislation moving through Congress could trickle down to Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hmusPL
UKRAINE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) says she was appalled at what happened during last Friday's Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Klobuchar was among a group in Washington that met with Zelenskyy prior to his meeting with Trump, and she said the Ukrainian was ‘legitimately excited’ to meet again with U.S. leaders. Klobuchar tells Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News that despite the blowup, she's not giving up on reaching a peaceful ending to the violence in Ukraine with the U.S. involved.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4inxnsk
SURVEY: Via Modern Ag Alliance, VERBATIM: “Modern Ag Alliance’s inaugural sentiment survey confirms that Minnesotans strongly support maintaining farmers’ access to critical crop protection products like glyphosate. This support extends across party lines, with majorities of Republicans and Democrats siding with farmers on nearly every question asked. Trial lawyers, who are driving American agriculture toward a crisis by attacking farmers’ tools, have extremely low levels of trust among Minnesotans. Meanwhile, farmers enjoy high levels of public trust.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4boBhyG
THEDAILYAGENDA: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in your inbox and on our new website, The Daily Agenda. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets and share our web content with your friends. SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
FORECAST: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers will get a key update this week that will inform debates about the next two-year budget. But it won’t include much on a variable likely to shake up their plans: President Donald Trump. State finance officials deliver their economic forecast on Thursday; it’s the report that will set the tone for upcoming deliberations over a two-year budget. But State Budget Director Ahna Minge said the calculations won’t include pending cuts by the Trump administration or legislation moving through Congress could trickle down to Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hmusPL
UKRAINE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) says she was appalled at what happened during last Friday's Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Klobuchar was among a group in Washington that met with Zelenskyy prior to his meeting with Trump, and she said the Ukrainian was ‘legitimately excited’ to meet again with U.S. leaders. Klobuchar tells Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News that despite the blowup, she's not giving up on reaching a peaceful ending to the violence in Ukraine with the U.S. involved.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4inxnsk
SURVEY: Via Modern Ag Alliance, VERBATIM: “Modern Ag Alliance’s inaugural sentiment survey confirms that Minnesotans strongly support maintaining farmers’ access to critical crop protection products like glyphosate. This support extends across party lines, with majorities of Republicans and Democrats siding with farmers on nearly every question asked. Trial lawyers, who are driving American agriculture toward a crisis by attacking farmers’ tools, have extremely low levels of trust among Minnesotans. Meanwhile, farmers enjoy high levels of public trust.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4boBhyG
THEDAILYAGENDA: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in your inbox and on our new website, The Daily Agenda. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets and share our web content with your friends. SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7
SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Human Services will hear changes to medical assistance rates. State Govt. hears a ban on state-funded services for undocumented non-citizens. Judiciary & Civil Law hears the Bipartisan Redistricting Commission bill and a requirement that interagency group meetings be public. Taxes will hear changes to data center tax exemptions. Energy hears a repeal of the renewable development account. Environment & Natural Resources will hear exemptions to PFAS bans. Children & Families will hear the OIG bill. SENATE: Health & Human Services will hear changes to medical assistance coverage and emergency mental health services. Elections will hear reprisals prohibition for refusing to communicate with public or local officials. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/3DtcZqC
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will visit a corn and soybean farm to highlight the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Minnesota farmers. Later, he will speak at a Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage event and meet with members of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce.
TODAY: via an LSP advisory, VERBATIM: “Consolidation in agriculture and restrictions on farmers’ rights when it comes to repairing their own equipment will be the focus of a Land Stewardship Project (LSP) town hall meeting featuring Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday, March 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. [in] Donnelly. Farmers and other rural residents are invited to take part in this discussion.”
TODAY: via the MN Dept of Human Rights, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero and Attorney General Keith Ellison will announce legal action against Absolute Drywall for violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act by allowing sexual harassment and rape in the workplace.”
TODAY: via Koski for Mpls, VERBATIM: “Ward 11 Councilmember Emily Koski will host a press conference at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4th announcing her policy platform to strengthen Minneapolis as the next Mayor.”
TODAY: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts will host Arts Advocacy Day in the state capitol on Tuesday, March 4. Events include a rally in the rotunda at 10:00 a.m. and meetings with legislators from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
TOMORROW: via an IDN advisory, VERBATIM: “In response to recent ICE activity in St. Louis Park, COPAL and the Immigrant Defense Network (IDN) are mobilizing community members, immigrant rights advocates, and local leaders to protest the escalating attacks on immigrant workers and their families.” The event is at 6:00 p.m.
THURSDAY: via an MMB advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Erin Campbell, State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker, and State Budget Director Ahna Minge will present the State of Minnesota’s February 2025 Budget and Economic Forecast on Thursday, March 6.” MMB will post a summary at 9:30 a.m. and full materials at 12:00 noon. The press conference is at 12:30 p.m.
MARCH 11: via an MNOG advisory, VERBATIM: “To celebrate National Freedom of Information Week, Minnesotans for Open Government (MNOG) will honor two local champions of open government and present its 2025 legislative agenda at a press conference on Tuesday, March 11 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the State Capitol. … This year’s open government honorees are reporter Randy Furst…[and] Ramsey County District Court Judge Patrick Diamond.”
MARCH 11: via MN Assoc. of Townships, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s 1,776 townships will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday, March 11, [also] known as Township Day. … Residents of the townships will meet to voice their opinions about local issues with other township residents and also vote directly on their annual tax levy. … In addition, many of the state’s townships will hold their township officer elections on Tuesday’s Township Day.”
MARCH 11: via an Outfront MN advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesotans Against Christian Nationalism is a grassroots coalition…promoting religious pluralism, defending the separation of church and state, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens. This kick-off event will feature ways in which you can get involved in the coalition.” The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4imLRZu
MARCH 13: via an LSP advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will keynote the Land Stewardship Project’s Family Farm Breakfast at the Capitol on Thursday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Christ Lutheran Church. … After the breakfast, participants will have an opportunity to meet with lawmakers and other public officials at the Capitol to discuss issues they are concerned about.”
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)
FINALNOTE: Yesterday was a day where both the GOP and DFL were able to signal to their core supporters that a populist issue could burn a day of debate and rallies. It’s not the first, and won’t be the last time that values and virtual signaling distracts from issues that impact most of Minnesota. Thursday’s budget forecast should be a sobering signal to both sides that figuring the budget won’t be simple, and the clock is ticking. -BRO
BDAYS: entrepreneur Amy Langer, attorney Fred Tyler, US Rep. Tom Emmer, Rochester City Council President Randy Schubring
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