MARCH MONDAY
Wild lost in a shootout.
Soak up the warmth, snow possible later this week.
Minnesota has 10 athletes competing in the Winter Paralympics. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4s5YvBo
A new bill would require all coaches at K-12 schools to learn CPR and defibrillation. BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4cBMNto
Average Minnesota gas prices are at $3.25 a gallon, compared to $2.79 one week ago. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4s0z0RS
Sunday Take discussed the state of Minnesota’s workforce with MN Chamber’s Sean O’Neil and Doug Loon, UMN Pres. Rebecca Cunningham, MSU Chancellor Scott Olson and UST Pres. Rob Vischer. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bxGdmo
Be nice to the TSA agents, they aren’t getting paid.
Happy National Get Over It Day a message to those upset about Daylight Savings…which also means today is National Napping Day.
Today’s morning take with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO Radio.LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4sxs6Dt
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
What is the political future of Jacob Frey? READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s8IOc7
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The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota Legislature. READ: https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
DRIVING THE WEEK
TECH: via MPR, VERBATIM: “To sign people for food assistance or subsidized health care coverage, many Minnesota county workers spend hours entering and reentering data by hand into software launched almost four decades ago…They toggle around using computer keys rather than a mouse to avoid errors or software crashes. Some keep a pen and paper close by to verify the information they submit…County leaders say the technology is slow and inefficient. And it causes errors that can lead to improper payments…This year, they’re urging state lawmakers for an upgrade. BREKKE: “It is slow. It isn’t always accurate. It requires a lot of double checks and work arounds, and it’s costing taxpayers a lot of money,” Scott County Commissioner Barb Weckman Brekke told MPR News. “We think this is a year to invest to really get us going on a plan for the future so that we can do this work better.”… The upgrades are expected to cost many millions of dollars. While that is a big ask in a non-budget year, county and legislative leaders say it’s worth it…The upgrades are expected to cost many millions of dollars. While that is a big ask in a non-budget year, county and legislative leaders say it’s worth it…They said there could be financial match funding that could come to the state if they make these upgrades. And they note that the current system is really slow and inefficient — so they could save time and money by making the change. Legislative leaders also view the upgrade as a potential anti-fraud measure. Bringing the tech into this century could make it less vulnerable to fraudsters.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46RrmAF
DEBATE: The CD2 GOP is hosting a gubernatorial debate between Speaker Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls and Patrick Knight on Wednesday. Promotional material refers to it as the “abiding candidates debate,” likely in reference to Demuth, Qualls and Knight saying they intend to abide by the party’s endorsement this spring and drop out if they are not endorsed.
HONOR: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Representative Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont) — a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve — is proposing several plans to permanently honor (Nicole) Amor. OLSON: “Not only did we lose a great soldier in the United States military, but we also lost a fellow Minnesotan, we lost a mother, we lost a wife,” he says. “Just really want to surround that family with love. That’s what we want to do.”…Olson hopes to honor Amor with a resolution to be written into the House record about her service and sacrifice…He is also working on a plan to name a Minnesota highway or roadway after her, in remembrance.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uk0RxT
DHS FUNDS: DFL Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith spoke to the Star Tribune about how this week’s homeland security funding negotiations in the U.S. Senate could be affected by the conflict in Iran and DHS Sec. Kristi Noem’s departure. Smith echoed previous statements by Democratic leadership, saying DHS’s operating procedures have to “change beyond just a new person sitting in the job.” Klobuchar was reportedly more optimistic, saying the removal of Noem “could open things up.” Klobuchar added that she is working with colleagues on a plan to separate DHS funding into two packages: one for ICE and Border Patrol and one for every other agency, including FEMA and TSA. The next Senate vote on DHS funding is expected this week, possibly as soon as today. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4udHGG5
RESPONSE: GOP Rep. Brad Finstad said in a statement that DFL Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith should vote to fund the Dept. of Homeland Security now that Sec. Kristi Noem is being replaced. FINSTAD: “The safety of every American should be a shared priority, especially now at a time of increased terror threats and cyberattacks. … [With] new leadership within DHS, there is even greater opportunity to ensure our nation’s largest law enforcement agency has the resources it needs. … I once again urge Senator Klobuchar, Senator Smith, and their Democrat colleagues to do the right thing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Rq0lU
TOWNSHIPS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Every year on the second Tuesday in March, voters in Minnesota townships gather for elections and their annual meeting. This year, township elections will take place on March 10. Township days are uniquely hyper-local elections with voters serving two purposes: electing their township board and deciding the future of their township through its annual meeting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d5q6xK
DEBATE: The CD2 GOP is hosting a gubernatorial debate between Speaker Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls and Patrick Knight in Apple Valley at 7:00 p.m. Promotional material refers to it as the “abiding candidates debate,” likely in reference to Demuth, Qualls and Knight saying they intend to abide by the party’s endorsement this spring and drop out if they are not endorsed.
STATE OF DEMS
WALZ: via KIVI-TV, VERBATIM: “The Idaho Democratic Party’s gala at the Boise Centre featured guest speakers Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, drawing protesters in support of the Trump Administration. … The event served as a fundraiser to support Democrats running for local and state office. … Walz spoke to the crowd, saying, ‘The road to authoritarianism is littered with people telling you you’re overreacting. You’re not.’ … A Boise resident explained why he showed up in protest of Walz, [saying] ‘I don’t support this man, who I think is stealing from the people.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bfrnzG
MORE: Gov. Tim Walz spoke to the Washington Post about the positives and negatives of entering the national spotlight, both for himself and Minnesota as a whole. Walz said “it was a privilege” to join Kamala Harris’s presidential ticket, but “it comes with its own billion-dollar hits against you” — and your state, Walz argued. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sylCEb
MARTIN: via Axios, VERBATIM: “Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin is facing a growing crisis of confidence within his party. … Martin’s allies and would-be allies who want him to succeed say they’re increasingly worried and believe he hasn’t created space for candid feedback and a course correction. … There’s also been internal frustration about Martin’s reliance on longtime allies from Minnesota, whom some insiders refer to as the ‘Minnesota Mafia.’ Some Democrats say Martin hasn’t grown to trust many people in the DNC office. … The DNC chair’s first priority is fundraising, and Martin is falling short on that.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bfrco0
A new level of insight and information….
SESSION
PROPERTY TAX: via MPR, VERBATIM: “In a year where Minnesota property owners are seeing some of the highest local government tax hikes in decades, some county leaders are pushing for more help from the state in paying for costs passed down by federal changes to Medicaid and food assistance programs, and more funding for state-mandated county programs. … GOP Rep. Greg Davids and DFL Rep. Matt Norris wrote similar bills that would create a task force to give recommendations to the Legislature on rising property taxes. The two agreed to talk about working together.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46L0IJU
DATA CENTERS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A crypto-based data mining operation [is] securing its electricity from a municipal utility, Glencoe Light and Power. While the utility’s general manager, Dave Meyer, says that it’s worked out well, even lowering utility bills for local residents, there is a problem. … Meyer says [it’s] impossible for the utility to meet the energy-saving requirements put forth in the state’s Energy Conservation and Optimization plan. … HF3296 [is] a bill sponsored by Rep. Dawn Gillman (R-Dassel) that would allow utility sales of electricity to certain data centers to be excluded from the state’s definition of ‘gross annual retail energy sales’ and, thus, not required to meet the ECO plan’s annual energy savings goal. … The House Energy Finance and Policy Committee approved a delete-all amendment and laid the bill over.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rX7dl3
RENT: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Senate Democrats introduced a bill to create a $40 million emergency rental assistance fund to help Minnesotans at risk of eviction. Lawmakers say the state has seen about 4,000 eviction filings through February, indicating a record pace for 2026. … The bill would allocate funds from a reserve initially created to reimburse homeowners whose properties were foreclosed and sold for more than they owed in property taxes. … Concerns have been raised about the bill’s financial implications and potential beneficiaries, including undocumented immigrants.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4un9asU
ELECTIONS: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The Senate Elections Committee [heard] a bill from DFL Sen. Bonnie Westlin of Plymouth, the committee chair, that would increase criminal penalties for election intimidation and interference from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, and the current $1,000 civil penalty to $10,000. … She said her bill — which passed out of the committee unanimously — [would] ensure residents feel comfortable casting their ballot.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bbzP2X
FED IMPACTS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Some [Democrats] are pushing for a statewide study on the impacts of the federal immigration operation in Minnesota. Sen. Lindsey Port’s bill advanced through its first Senate committee. The Burnsville DFLer says data is needed to back up anecdotal accounts of business closures and decreased school enrollment. … Port also says similar studies have been done focusing on the Twin Cities area, but she wants to see the same approach for the whole state. Opponents of the bill include Sen. Calvin Bahr, R-East Bethel, who says the problem is a matter of federal versus state jurisdiction.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46L0IJU
SELF-DRIVING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “An early roadblock [stalled] the effort at the Capitol to add policy guardrails around Waymo and other self-driving [cars]. Two competing proposals have emerged. One plan is backed by labor, and the other is supported by the company. The latter already failed in one committee in the divided House. If the Legislature doesn’t pass a bill, it’s unclear how the lack of legal clarity would affect Waymo’s expansion plans in the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rivsJy
PETS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “This session, lawmakers – all of whom are Democrats – have introduced several bills related to dog and cat welfare. … [First], a proposed ban on pet shop sales of dogs and cats with a grandfather clause for existing stores. … [Second], a proposed ban on cat declawing. … [Third], a proposed increase in public information on commercial dog and cat breeding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aZvMYS
MINNESOTA’S ATV RIDERS ARE YOUR CONSTITUENTS: Last September, hundreds of riders joined the ATV Minnesota President’s Ride — families, veterans, small business owners, and volunteers from across the state. They represent thousands of Minnesotans who responsibly use and maintain Minnesota’s ATV trail system. As decision makers evaluate trail policy, funding, and land-use decisions this session, we invite you to hear directly from the people they represent. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4u4dGw9 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
DC + MN
SOLDIERS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The remains of six service members killed in a drone strike in Kuwait have returned to U.S. soil, including Minnesota’s own Sgt. First Class Nicole Amor. … President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Minnesota senators attended the dignified transfer. … Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed admiration for Amor’s family, saying, ‘They were as strong as you can be, everything from taking care of little Addie to being really polite to so many people.’ … Senator Tina Smith offered her condolences to Amor’s family, noting the solemnity of the moment. ‘It’s a very solemn moment where leaders come together, especially from the states that have lost people,’ said Smith.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ssFg4A
ECONOMY: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota leaders on Friday said they started measuring the financial impact of Operation Metro Surge on the state. … BLAHA: ‘This is still affecting us and will be affecting us for quite some time,’ state Auditor Julie Blaha said. ‘It’s statewide. The effects are far beyond Minneapolis — far beyond the metro, even.’ … Blaha said small municipal governments throughout Minnesota were dealing with ballooning costs due to abandoned cars, overtime expenses for police officers, enrollment drops in public schools, more than $106 million in estimated lost wages, $203 million in economic damage and $81 million in business losses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s63Dp8
MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “In Hopkins and Minnetonka, a nonprofit serving both communities is seeing an unprecedented level of need in the wake of Operation Metro Surge. Matt Dymoke, Director of Development and Communications, ICA Food Shelf, said that the organization has had to find ways to provide about $150,000 in rent assistance in the past six weeks, which is 10 times the amount it would normally provide in a given month.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40jIj3a
CONTEMPT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A federal judge on Friday night ordered the Department of Homeland Security to either return or replace lost property to released detainees unlawfully arrested during Operation Metro Surge. U.S. District Judge John Tunheim stopped short of holding the government in contempt. … Tunheim said in his Friday ruling he will levy contempt charges and daily civil fines if the government does not comply by a 2 p.m. April 6 hearing, though he did not specify which officials would have to pay civil fines.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lkPcuE
CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
CONGRESS
CD4: Via MPR, DFL Rep. Betty McCollum said she will seek reelection this year for a 14th term in the U.S. House. McCOLLUM: “I have people coming up and hugging me at Target or the coffee shop, and I’ve never had this happening before. They’re saying, ‘You can’t retire.’ … I’m ready to do the job again for another two years and give it every ounce of strength and determination I have to put our country back on the right track.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46L0IJU
IRAN: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Congress failed to rein in President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct war on Iran [last] week, but it will have another chance to try to influence the course. … The Defense Department is burning through its stocks of precision weapons at a record clip in a war that some defense industry analysts say is costing $1 billion a day. So, the White House is expected to soon ask Congress for another $50 billion, [and] that might cost Trump some concessions. … To pass any new military funding measure through the Senate, the support of at least seven Democrats will be needed. … Rep. Betty McCollum, D-4th, [said] ‘Maybe, by the power of the purse, we could get to the negotiating table.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sBP5xl
OVERSIGHT: DFL Reps. Angie Craig and Ilhan Omar sent a letter to outgoing Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem seeking answers to lingering questions from their oversight visit to the Whipple Federal Building late last month. EXCERPT: “We were told there was not a single detainee left in the building who we could speak to. … After our visit, our offices heard from concerned constituents that a bus entered the Whipple premises. These constituents shared photos and noted that the detainees could have been loaded onto the bus and driven around while our visit took place. Can you confirm or deny this?” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4bufVBA
LOANS: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad [introduced] the Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act of 2026 to create a government-wide shared services lending platform – known as ‘Lending.gov.’ The platform would provide a single, modern front door for borrowers and a standardized set of back-end loan management capabilities for participating agencies while preserving each agency’s program authorities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OXs5u7
ISSUES
STRIKE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Some 650 doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners authorized their union to call an open-ended strike across 57 Allina Health clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin as negotiations over a first labor contract governing wages and benefits enter the third year. Union leaders have not yet called a strike, which requires a 10-day notice, hoping that the threat alone will be enough to jumpstart negotiations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rdr5iJ
SPLIT ROCK: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Restoration work began this week to protect an oft-photographed historic landmark from the wear and tear it faces from its perch on a cliff along the north shore of Lake Superior. The monthslong project at Split Rock Lighthouse includes replacing damaged masonry and installing sensors to monitor real-time moisture data at the more than century-old structure. Scaffolding will go up around the lighthouse later this month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4un8DXW
340B HOSPITAL MARKUPS HURT PATIENTS: Minnesota’s latest 340B report shows covered entities generated $1.34 billion IN PROFIT in 2024, including an estimated $261 million from Medicaid prescriptions. Independent research finds the program raises costs for patients, taxpayers, and employers statewide. Minnesota should sunset the 340B mandate and Congress should fix the federal 340B program, so it actually helps patients. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3OLZOGG(SPONSORED: PhRMA)
METRO
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Public Schools board will interview and select a candidate to fill a vacant board seat on Tuesday. Five candidates will be interviewed to fill former board member Jim Vue’s seat on the seven-member board. Vue, who had served on the board since 2020, resigned effective Feb. 17. The new member will start on April 10.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40jK3cK
WAYZATA: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Wayzata Public Schools announced Dr. Robb Virgin as the next Superintendent. … Virgin was among the three finalists interviewed by the Wayzata School Board. In a statement, officials wrote that Virgin’s ‘commitment to student success and collaborative leadership’ is what ultimately impressed the board. … His tenure begins on July 1, 2026, pending successful contract negotiations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rg3AG1
WILD ABOUT READING: Join more than 800 Minnesota classrooms and 30,000 students 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, Paulie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player-signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/49AHNSE (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
REST OF MN
ECONDEV: via the Ely Echo, VERBATIM: “As Minnesota’s 2026 Legislative Session begins, ATV Minnesota today announced the launch of a statewide outreach initiative designed to educate policymakers and the public about the economic, environmental, and community benefits of responsible ATV recreation. ..The initiative centers around a new video series titled “I Ride,” featuring Minnesota families, veterans, small-business owners, and volunteers who share why ATV riding matters to them — and to the communities they support…Minnesota’s ATV trail system connects riders to communities across Greater Minnesota, supporting local lodging, restaurants, fuel stations, outfitters, and small businesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b9wAsN
(DISCLOSURE: ATV Minnesota is a sponsor of Fluence Media)
OWATONNA: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A grassroots group in Owatonna is advocating for a $65 million public safety project to be put on the ballot. The city has proposed new fire and police stations, with city council members unanimously approving a plan to fund them through homeowner taxes. [But] concerns have arisen over the cost and the proposed location. … Owatonna residents [are] aiming to gather enough signatures to force a ballot referendum [that] would allow the public to decide if the city council can issue up to $65 million in bonds.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40OwrX0
HIBBING: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Inside the Hibbing High School auditorium, a small crowd [heard] updates from the School Board about the district’s financial future. Of the attendees, a handful were clad in dark-green sweatshirts reading ‘Greenhaven,’ the elementary school facing potential closure amid declining enrollment and a projected $2 million district budget deficit for the next fiscal year. … The board unanimously approved the vote to begin the school closure process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bf4Kvu
LEECH LAKE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “A tribal court has banned a longtime elected official of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe from running for office because of a past felony conviction that was later overturned. … Four of five judges serving on the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s Election Appeals Court voted to decertify Arthur ‘Archie’ LaRose as a candidate for secretary-treasurer, the second most powerful elected office on the north central Minnesota reservation. … Under its election ordinance, the court noted, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe prohibits tribal members from running for office ‘if he or she has ever been convicted of a felony of any kind.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bi4UlK
COMING UP
SESSION: House floor session at 3:30 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Fraud Prevention hears from Tim O’Malley, director of program integrity. Ways & Means will hear a presentation on modernizing state IT. Elections & Govt. Ops. will hear a bill creating term limits for Minnesota governors and lieutenant governors. Transportation hears a bill authorizing electronic drivers’ licenses. SENATE: Education Policy hears a bill allowing five-member school boards and a requirement for coaches to learn CPR. Judiciary & Public Safety hears a package of AI restrictions. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4cCl9fF
TODAY: Minneapolis City Council members Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman will lead a press conference urging Mayor Jacob Frey to sign an ordinance that would pause evictions. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
WEDNESDAY: The CD2 GOP is hosting a gubernatorial debate between Speaker Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls and Patrick Knight in Apple Valley at 7:00 p.m. Promotional material refers to it as the “abiding candidates debate,” likely in reference to Demuth, Qualls and Knight saying they intend to abide by the party’s endorsement this spring and drop out if they are not endorsed.
WEDNESDAY: The MN Homeless Coalition will host “Homeless Day on the Hill” in the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 11. The event will focus on protecting supportive housing, per a release.
WEDNESDAY: ATV Minnesota will host a “Day on the Hill” in the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 11, with a reception at 4:30 p.m.
THURSDAY: MN Home Care Association will host “Home Care Day at the Capitol” on Thursday, March 12 at 9:00 a.m.
MARCH 24: MN Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (MNASCA) will host its “Day at the Capitol” on Tuesday, March 24.
BDAYS: librarian Deb Rash, retired meteorologist Mike Lynch, WCCO host Denny Long, food leader Kevin Wencel, Rep. Nathan Coulter, commissioner Karla Brigham, and someone who sends you a lot of emails.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.