It snowed – a lot. Many schools closed today.
Wild win. Wolves win.
Boys State High School Hockey tournament starts today. BRACKET: https://fluence-media.co/41udgSn
Comedian Bill Murray is bringing his new band to downtown Minneapolis in April. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4i0Ta9t
Donald Trump may announce a “compromise” on tariffs with Mexico and Canada today. HILL: https://fluence-media.co/4kmWa1p
Roughly 7 in 10 speech-watchers said they had at least a somewhat positive reaction to Trump’s speech tonight, with a smaller 44% offering a very positive response. That’s lower than the 57% of viewers who rated Trump’s initial address to Congress very positively eight years ago, or the 51% who said the same of President Joe Biden’s initial address in 2021. CNN: https://fluence-media.co/3D4LbJi
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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)
TRUMPADDRESS: Last night, Pres. Donald Trump gave the first joint address to Congress of his second term. The speech was not technically an official “State of the Union,” but it served the same purpose as he discussed his agenda and plans for the nation. Recordings of the complete speech can be viewed online. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XvBv1o
REACTIONS: Minnesota officials reacted to Pres. Donald Trump’s joint address along party lines both before and after the speech.
Gov. Tim Walz was interviewed on MSNBC to discuss what he expected out of Trump’s address before it started. WALZ: “Donald Trump’s a showman. This is a dog and pony show tonight. He’s not going to lay out anything that improves the lives of Minnesotans. … He’s going to get cheers from a bunch of lapdogs that’ll kiss his boots — the same people who won’t go see their constituents.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41tchSa
Via a Rep. Tom Emmer post, EMMER: “The Biden Administration left the U.S. economy in shambles. But there is hope — [Trump] has already secured $1.7 trillion in investments made to bring manufacturing back to our shores and is fighting daily to make America affordable again.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3D4l6Ko
Via a Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, HORTMAN: “The chaos, cruelty, and incompetence Donald Trump and Elon Musk are inflicting on the country are harming Minnesotans, damaging our economy, and fueling division and hate. The Trump Administration is raising divisive social issues to distract from the deep and harmful cuts they are proposing to education and health care to fund their trillion-dollar tax cut for billionaires and corporations…Minnesota Democrats will protect the freedoms and rights of Minnesotans and continue our work to make child care, housing, and health care more affordable. Minnesotans deserve an economy where everyone can get ahead, not just the rich and powerful.”
Via a Rep. Michelle Fischbach post, FISCHBACH: “Extreme Democrats have been pushing a ridiculous, radical agenda. Now that Republicans are in charge, we’re seeing the return of common sense.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4kiV32C
Via Rep. Kelly Morrison statement MORRISON: “Actions speak louder than words. Let’s look at the facts. Since coming into office, President Trump and the Republican majority in Congress have not done a single thing to lower costs for American families. Instead, they are selling out the American people to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. They are gutting health care coverage for kids, new moms, and grandparents in nursing homes, slashing funding for medical research and lifesaving treatments, firing more veterans than any administration in history, and starting trade wars that are certain to raise prices on everything from food, to cell phones and laptops to cars…”
Via Rep. Brad Finstad, VERBATIM: “President Trump made clear he is putting the American people first. Since taking office, he has begun reining in an oversized, inefficient government, bringing safety and security back to our communities, and securing the border. As a result, more Americans feel confident about the future…The President highlighted his plan to unleash our domestic energy production and spur new investments in American manufacturing, while reaffirming his commitment to strong national security and peace through strength.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar was interviewed by The National Desk to discuss her thoughts on Elon Musk attending the speech. OMAR: “I don’t think it’s appropriate, but the president certainly has the prerogative to bring whoever he wants. … I do not believe that the American people really appreciate the kind of conflict of interest that Elon’s presence poses in the White House.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ile6aK
GUESTS: Yesterday’s morning take had a complete list of guests invited by Minnesota’s two senators and eight representatives to attend the president’s address. Via Rochester Post Bulletin, at least one additional Minnesotan made it to the event: Robert Barron, bishop of the Winona-Rochester diocese and Catholic social media influencer, was invited by Rep. Riley Moore, a Republican from northern West Virginia.
LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3F6QZ5s
BISHOP: https://fluence-media.co/4ialQN9
TOWN HALLS: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) advised House Republicans to avoid in-person town halls with constituents and instead to host phone or livestreamed events. The advice comes after constituents and activists shook up GOP events [nationwide], expressing frustration about the recent actions from the Trump Administration. … Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) offered to host town halls in districts where Republicans are now refusing to hold them.” WALZ: “If your Republican representative won’t meet with you because their agenda is so unpopular, maybe a Democrat will. Hell, maybe I will. If your congressman refuses to meet, I’ll come host an event in their district to help local Democrats beat ‘em.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bqarWO
MORE: via Hometown Source, VERBATIM: “When a drove of concerned citizens attempted to confront U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-6th District, last week regarding his support of controversial Trump Administration policies, the congressman failed to answer the virtual call, or even respond to the invitation. About 300 residents from across Congressional District 6 converged on the Monticello Community Center for a town hall-style meeting [with] the goal of speaking to Emmer over a Zoom video call.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41rmi2p
RESPONSE: via a Rep. Ilhan Omar post, OMAR: “I hold a townhall every single month because it gives me an opportunity to hear from my constituents and not hide from them. But I am not surprised Republicans are cowards and will now be hiding from their constituents.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3F1qaQj
TARIFFS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota companies were assessing the damage Tuesday of the nascent trade war between the United States and its three biggest trade partners, an escalating tit-for-tat that could affect billions of dollars in state imports and exports. From Canadian oil to Chinese electronics to Mexican fruit, Minnesota relies on more than $20 billion in foreign trade each year for goods the state doesn’t — or can’t — produce. Though U.S. tariffs are a tax on these foreign imports, they will also affect Minnesota exports as production costs rise for local goods made with foreign materials and countries retaliate with tariffs of their own.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bpAAVK
MORE: via Agweek, VERBATIM: “On the same day U.S. President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico went into effect, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen visited a corn and soybean farm in southeast Minnesota to highlight the impact a trade war would have on the state's farmers.” WALZ: “If this thing goes on for any amount of time, [then] these trading partners are going to look for other [non-U.S.] partners. … I'm nervous about this, especially about our small producers, because we know when these things go bad and people have to sell, we get consolidations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F86TwE
TRADE: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Minnesota and Canada are major trading partners, with roughly $1 billion in agricultural products exported and imported across the border in 2023. The state, which is the No. 2 pork producer in the country, imports almost 750,000 piglets a year from Canada. … State agricultural commissioner Thom Petersen said some producers exporting products could see their costs rise by $4 to $8 an acre per year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4habwDJ
MORE: The Democratic Governors Association, which Gov. Tim Walz used to chair, shared a video on social media of Walz speaking about the impact of tariffs on state agriculture and calling on Pres. Donald Trump to end his trade war. WALZ: “We need to be good friends with our neighbors. Our farmers out here in Minnesota feed, fuel, and clothe the world. … Take these tariffs off, Donald Trump, and know that the folks out here are not standing with you on it.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41FrJfj
BUDGET: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota budget officials are set to present the state’s economic forecast on Thursday. [New] tariffs and other federal government actions are not expected to be incorporated in the report, but will play a role in state lawmakers’ decision-making as they write a two-year state budget. Gov. Tim Walz said he would consider ways to offset the potential hit to Minnesota’s economy as he revises his budget after the forecast.” WALZ: “The Legislature and all of us need to work together with all this uncertainty federally. I think it behooves all of us to provide some calm and certainty here, to reach some compromises, to get along together, get things done on time. We don't want to add any more uncertainty.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h2KuxS
CHAUVIN: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Conservative media figure Ben Shapiro launched a petition calling on President Donald Trump to pardon former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted in the 2020 murder of George Floyd. … Shapiro [has] noted that Trump cannot pardon Chauvin in the state murder case, but still said it was important Chauvin be pardoned on federal charges. … Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, a senior adviser to the president, posted about Shapiro’s petition on social media platform X on Tuesday. ‘Something to think about,’ Musk wrote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41GlU1e
MONTANA: This week, the Montana Democratic Party hosted Gov. Tim Walz as a guest speaker at the party’s 47th annual Mansfield Metcalf celebration. Speaking after the fact, WALZ: “Americans in red states and blue are feeling the pain of [Donald] Trump’s policies, and Democrats in states we lost are fired up and more organized than ever to do something about it.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/43oa2lL
MN GOP: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “On St. Patrick’s Day, [the] House most likely will return to a 67-67 tie. Until then, House Republicans have an odd partisan advantage. With a 67-66 majority, they can pass bills out of committee and bring them to the floor for final passage. But they don’t have the constitutional majority of 68 votes to pass them. … They do have the power to set the agenda, though. They can talk about their issues. They can highlight them with floor debates. And they can force DFL members to cast ballots on amendments and bills that could populate campaign mailings in 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41I80Mj
SD24: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Simon Glaser, a teacher with Rochester Public Schools, has announced his 2026 campaign for Minnesota state senate. Glaser will be hosting a launch event at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. … Glaser is seeking the endorsement of the DFL. … District 24 of the Minnesota State Senate includes the southern half of Rochester, as well as other portions of Olmsted County [and] Dodge County. … The district seat is currently held by Republican Carla Nelson, who is serving her fifth term. … Glaser [is] the vice president of the Rochester Education Association, which is the teachers union for Rochester.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41ETMvs
HOA: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “More than 1 million Minnesotans live under a homeowners association…[but] members of a legislative working group examining homeowners associations heard stories of homeowners being billed $2,000 in legal fees for asking a simple question, paying for roof repairs scheduled before a hailstorm hit, and receiving $20,000 assessments for septic repairs with no way to arrange a payment plan. … Addressing these issues is the goal of HF1268, which, as amended, was approved on a voice vote by the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee Tuesday and sent to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4knwEcl
PFAS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Two bills that would narrow Minnesota’s ban on PFAS chemicals in products passed a state House committee vote Tuesday, but a vocal group of activists say the changes would create huge loopholes in the nation-leading law. The bills, led by chief author Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, would exempt certain products from the ban. … The first measure (HF 81) would exempt children’s snowmobiles, ATVs and e-bikes from the law. … The second bill (HF 1627) takes a broader approach: It nullifies the ban for any commercial or industrial product.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XmXvv1
MANDATES: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Rep. Ron Kresha sponsors HF957, which would allow a school board to opt out of compliance with laws enacted in 2023 or 2024 relating to earned sick and safe time, paid family and medical leave, education policy, education finance, and children. The bill, as amended, was approved on a split-voice vote by the House Education Policy Committee Tuesday and sent to the House Education Finance Committee. Per the amendment, a school board that adopts a resolution to opt out of a mandate must continue to comply with all applicable federal laws and rules, an addition that Rep. Sydney Jordan (DFL-Mpls) says makes the bill unconstitutional.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DfEvrM
MASCOTS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A new bill could help Minnesota schools with Native American mascots, nicknames, logos, and chants. They have to get rid of those by Sept. 2025 or get an exemption from all 11 tribes in the state. The new bill, from the same state senator who authored the ban, would require schools to get consent from only the nearest tribe. There's also a plan to send some money to schools making changes, while giving schools another year to do it. Tribal leaders supported the ban and they support this change.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43mfE07
DEEPFAKES: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is considering a new strategy for cracking down on deepfake pornography. A bill that has bipartisan support would target companies that run websites and apps allowing people to upload a photo that then would be transformed into explicit images or videos. … The lead author, Democratic Sen. Erin Maye Quade, said additional restrictions are necessary because AI technology has advanced so rapidly. Her bill would require the operators of ‘nudification’ sites and apps to turn them off to people in Minnesota or face civil penalties up to $500,000 ‘for each unlawful access, download, or use.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43jf1V3
CONDOMS: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota Senate committee heard a bill Monday that would give victims of ‘stealthing,’ the non-consensual removal of a condom, the option to file a civil lawsuit against their perpetrators. Sen. Heather Gustafson, DFL-Vadnais Heights, told members of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on Monday, March 3, that SF662 would provide accountability and protection in cases of stealthing. … In addition to damages, the bill says that perpetrators may be required to pay the plaintiff up to $10,000. … The bill passed out of committee and was referred to the Senate floor. If written into law, it would become effective Aug. 1, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Dv1u1U
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)
ELECTIONS: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon testified [last week] to the Minnesota Senate Elections Committee to provide information on the history and current status of federal support for election security. … Secretary Simon also recently signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in his role as the president of the National Association of Secretaries of State regarding the current review of work within the federal agency.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3Ffg0LK
MPLS: via a Sen. Tina Smith press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) wrote a letter demanding answers about reported plans to close and sell the Paul Wellstone Federal Building in Minneapolis. This building provides key federal services, including housing assistance, worker protections, and passport processing. In a letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Stephen Ehikian, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, National Labor Relations Board Chairman Marvin E. Kaplan, and Bureau of Consular Affairs Senior Official John Armstrong, the Senators warned that shutting it down would put these essential services at risk.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3FiqgCU
MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “City officials in Minneapolis on Tuesday reported a ‘significant’ decrease in some violent crime so far in 2025 compared to the same point in 2024. In a press release from Mayor Jacob Frey’s office, the city cited, in part, a 47% drop in robberies, a 40% decrease in carjackings, and 32% fewer shooting victims. The statistics follow a downward trend seen in 2024. The difference so far this year is that there have been fewer homicides as well.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41sWKBW
MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “The race for Minneapolis mayor is starting to heat up already, still eight months away from the actual election. But one key participant in the city is chiming in: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara. While not officially endorsing current Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in the upcoming election, he's certainly singing his praises. … O’Hara [said] Tuesday that the mayor has stood by him when the going was rough, particularly in 2020.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ikvMTO
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Cole Hanson, president of the Hamline-Midway Coalition, has launched his candidacy for the soon-to-be-vacated Ward 4 seat on the St. Paul City Council. … Whether Election Day lands in August or September remains to be seen, but he already has company on the campaign trail. Molly Coleman, a graduate of Harvard Law School and founder of the advocacy organization the People’s Parity Project, announced her candidacy for the Ward 4 seat on Tuesday. … Cristen Incitti, president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota, also threw her hat in the ring [to replace] Mitra Jalali.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4btZYJX
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)
SCHOOLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump’s stated goal of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education is stoking fears of potential cuts in federal funding and the impact that would have on Minnesota schools. On Tuesday, a group of elected, union and school leaders aired their concerns at St. Paul’s Maxfield Elementary School during a union-driven national day of action. … Minnesota receives about 10%, or $1.4 billion, of its school funding from the federal government, [and] money for low-income schools would continue to flow. But the Trump administration has threatened to pull federal funding from schools and colleges that don’t disband diversity programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4krIAcV
PROTESTS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump has threatened a stoppage of federal funds to any college or university that ‘allows illegal protests.’ The brief post from Trump on Truth Social, which doesn't spell out what constitutes an ‘illegal protest,’ also saw the president threatening to imprison or deport ‘agitators.’ Both actions would almost certainly draw First Amendment challenges through the courts. … It comes at a time when the University of Minnesota is the subject of a federal investigation for alleged on-campus antisemitism after it was the scene of pro-Palestine protests last year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ktsWy2
MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Hundreds of people voiced frustration and anger at President Donald Trump at the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday. It's all organized by the 50501 movement, which stands for 50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement. … The protests were anti-Trump but also anti-Elon Musk, the billionaire advisor who runs the non-cabinet Department of Government Efficiency. … It's just one of multiple protests scheduled all week at state capitols across the country. … Another 'day of action' is planned by the same group of organizers for this Saturday, also scheduled to take place at the State Capitol in St. Paul.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3QIb8RU
SSI: via a Rep. Angie Craig post, CRAIG: “Minnesotans rely on Social Security and Medicaid. I’m urging [Speaker Mike Johnson] to oppose cuts to those vital programs. I support cutting gov’t spending when it’s not helping everyday people, but NOT across-the-board cuts that take money out of Minnesotans’ pockets.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4iqHJaQ
FT SNELLING: via a Sen. Tina Smith press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) wrote a letter demanding answers about a report that the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling may be closed and sold. This building houses essential services for veterans and military processing. In a letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Stephen Ehikian, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) Commander Colonel Frankie Cochiaosue, the Senators warned that shutting it down could disrupt services for veterans and harm military readiness.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3FfnFtu
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)
RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Following state-facilitated mediation earlier this week, Ramsey County probation officers and Teamsters Local 320 have reached a tentative agreement with the county. … The agreement includes new language on wage increases, professional development, overtime pay, training and parental leave, among other areas, according to Teamsters Local 320. … The county and the union have been negotiating since October. The Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services received a notice of intent to strike from the union earlier this month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43p32Fk
BEMIDJI: via a Sen. Tina Smith press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) wrote a letter demanding answers about the potential termination of the Indian Health Service office lease in Bemidji. In a letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Stephen Ehikian and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Senators highlighted the devastating impact this decision could have on the health and well-being of thousands of Native Americans across the region.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/41sLu8E
MOORHEAD: via InForum, VERBATIM: “The White Earth Band of Chippewa Tribe has purchased 280 acres of land located directly east of Moorhead, but tribal officials are staying mum on possible future plans for the property. … The White Earth Reservation Business Committee on Tuesday, March 4, said in a written statement that the purchase of the land is part of ongoing efforts to support the long-term economic and cultural sustainability of the tribe. … In an apparent reference to public speculation the land purchase might be tied to possible future plans to build a casino, the statement from the tribes business committee [said] ‘speculation [is] premature.’ According to Clay County records, the total assessed value of the parcel purchased by the tribe is $2,273,200.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QOuXXC
FERGUS FALLS: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) wrote a letter demanding answers about the reported closure and sale of the Edward J. Devitt U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Fergus Falls. This courthouse serves as the only federal court outside of Minnesota’s largest metropolitan areas and houses critical law enforcement offices. In a letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Stephen Ehikian and James C. Duff, Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the Senators raised concerns that shutting it down would restrict access to justice and disrupt public safety in western Minnesota.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/41FIJ5b
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:
ENERGY: via Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Canada’s province of Ontario will slap a 25% export tax on electricity it sends to 1.5 million homes in Minnesota, Michigan and New York, in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s tariffs, said Doug Ford, Ontario’s leader. Ford added that he will direct the province’s energy producers to shut down the exports entirely if Trump moves ahead with even more tariffs on April 2. He said he would direct his minister of energy to redirect energy from an Ontario nuclear reactor to local manufacturers instead.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F54EtX
40B: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota House seat that gummed up the Legislature’s start simply by sitting empty gets filled [next] Tuesday in a special election that carries high stakes for where the session goes from here. … The result will determine whether Republicans hang on to control of the House and gain a 68th vote, which is the threshold to pass bills. Or it could leave the major political parties tied, which would force an unusual amount of cooperation to get anything done this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FeEfcV
MPD: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Police Department officers pulled over 82% fewer drivers for breaking traffic laws last year than they did at their pre-pandemic peak, an Axios analysis has found. While the steep drop-off comes as traffic stop reforms have rolled out in recent years, the numbers also raise questions about how a short-staffed MPD can enforce road safety as the city struggles to curb traffic crashes and fatalities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kryPvi
HEALTHCARE: via a Rep. Darin Lahood press release, VERBATIM: “Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) reintroduced the Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act alongside Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) and Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). This legislation will help support and provide needed relief to hospital-based nursing schools and allied health education (NAHE) programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4irAzTQ
SESSION: House floor session at 12:00 noon. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Commerce hears a ban on flavored “whippets” and a reversal of the cadmium paint ban. Workforce, Labor & Econ. Dev. hears whistleblower protections and scuba safety requirements. Rules & Legislative Admin. hears a requirement to return budget surpluses to taxpayers. Taxes will hear changes to data center tax exemptions. Health hears the “Parent’s Bill of Rights.” SENATE: Health & Human Services will hear bills establishing an Office of Patient Protection and a Patient-Centered Care program. Education Policy hears changes to teacher licensing and a bill for service animals in schools. Transportation hears funding for additional State Patrol troopers. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/3QIApeD
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend the 40th Anniversary Celebration for the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing and meet with leadership from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. Later, he will have calls with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.
TODAY: via a MNLEG advisory, VERBATIM: “Housing leaders from the House and Senate DFL and GOP will hold a press conference alongside community advocates to announce the Yes to Homes legislative package. This bipartisan legislation will support Minnesotan communities in building and preserving affordable, locally appropriate housing and help renters and aspiring homeowners across Minnesota.” Sen. Lindsey Port, Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, Rep. Spencer Igo and Rep. Mike Howard will attend. The event is at 11:00 a.m.
TODAY: Rep. Matt Bliss (R-Pennington) announced that he will host a press conference at 2:30 p.m. to discuss HF 13, a bill that would “eliminate the harmful ‘duty to retreat’ standard [in self-defense], which will be voted on during Thursday’s House session,” per a release.
TODAY: 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.
TOMORROW: 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 10: via a COPAL advisory, VERBATIM: “COPAL is mobilizing Latines from across Minnesota for a Day at the Capitol — a day of celebration, advocacy, and direct action. This event is an opportunity for community members to engage with elected officials, make their voices heard, and push forward a legislative agenda that reflects the needs and dreams of our communities.” The event is at 10:00 a.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)
BDAYS: baseball guy Mike Veeck, Prior Lake Mayor Kirt Briggs, labor advocate Kris Fredson, gun advocate Bryan Strawser, food guy Matthew Anderson
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