WILD TUESDAY
Timberwolves lose. Wild play tonight at 7. Twins won in the rain last night.
WalletHub ranked Minnesota the 7th best state for working mothers. North Dakota is 10th on the same ranking. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vPhuSN
Around 2,600 unserved meals at the White House correspondents’ dinner were donated to shelters for abuse victims. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/4u6cMP0
Over 1,100 officers at TSA have resigned during the ongoing DHS shutdown. POLITICO: https://fluence-media.co/48pEoWV
The White House paid two companies nearly $900 million so they would cancel their offshore wind farm projects. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3QBESmL
The high cost of living continues to top Americans’ list of the most important financial problems facing their families. The 31% citing it in an open-ended question is below the 41% peak in 2024 but similar to a year ago and among the highest in Gallup’s more than 20-year trend. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3OxY6sW
Happy National Blueberry Pie Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
On Sunday Take, DFL Sen. Ann Rest discussed tax bill dynamics and GOP Rep. Mary Franson spoke about the bonding bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ty6qrz
MNSIDER: sunday send, where we wonder why MPR is sponsoring political group Take Action. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ue401r
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WAYMO IS READY FOR MINNESOTA: With 13x fewer injury-causing collisions compared to humans, Waymo is already making roads safer in major U.S. cities where we operate — from multi-lane expressways to dense city streets, including the demands of winter weather. We are ready to bring these safety benefits to Minnesota, and look forward to working with the state legislature to pass a law that allows us to provide rides in the state. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/waymo (SPONSORED: Waymo)
TAKE
Gov. Tim Walz’s State of the State at 7PM vs. Minnesota Wild at 7PM which will have more Minnesotan’s attention?
The state flag isn’t going to win elections, and it isn’t going to lose elections, but it does represent the change in Minnesota over the last seven years. More divided, more partisan and less serious about the issues that truly ail us. An appropriate precursor for Gov. Walz’s final State of the State.
Early early excerpts from the Governor’s speech:
“…Indeed, over the last several months, the world has seen our strength—a strength that comes not from our politics, but from our people. For all the work we do here in St. Paul, the real work of moving our state forward is happening in communities across the state, as neighbors build and rebuild the bonds that hold us together in difficult times. Tonight, I want to talk about what we’ve done here at the Capitol—and what we can continue to do—to support that work. But make no mistake: Minnesota is at its best when everyday people show up for one another—with compassion, with courage, with resilience. History may have its eye on our state—but we are writing our own story…”
“…The proposals I’ve made tonight represent the beginning of our last chapter working together. I’m hopeful that this chapter will be as productive as the previous seven—in fact, I’m insistent that it will. I still have eight months left in this job, and I intend to use every hour of every day to make as much progress as I can…”
“…I’m asking you to join me in getting our state ready for the economy of the future. I don’t want Silicon Valley deciding how artificial intelligence and other new technologies will impact our small towns and working families. I don’t want technocrats like Peter Thiel and Sam Altman and—yeah—J.D. Vance determining who wins and who loses. Nobody doubts that the rise of AI is good news for tech companies, who are making record profits. But as industries, business practices, and jobs are transformed by innovation, we need to take bold steps to protect and prepare workers for what’s coming. That’s why I’m proposing a social media tax—not on users, but on the big tech companies making billions off of our data. I want to use that revenue for workforce development initiatives designed to get Minnesotans ready for the age of AI and other emerging technologies…”
“…It’s been a complicated seven years. But when I look back at the story we’ve written together, I’m deeply proud of Minnesota. There is, I believe, no better place in America to raise a child…”
The legacy of the Walz terms as Governor – are that there were a lot of words, but in the mind of so many Minnesotans the words don’t match the actions or the record. Call it gaslighting, or exhaustion – either way the State of the State on Walz is frustrated regardless of party.
One well-connected Minnesota Democrat recently told me that Walz is more popular outside Minnesota than at home – with Democrats. Tonight’s speech represents one of Walz’s last chances to acknowledge his missteps as Governor, but instead he will likely avoid accountability. Including accountability for failing in the premise of his first campaign’s promise – “One Minnesota”.
Inauguration day is Jan 4th - for those counting at home its 252 days, and for Walz who is promising to “to use every hour of every day to make as much progress as I can…” that’s hard to imagine.
PLANTING PARTISANSHIP
FLAG: House DFLers introduced a bill that would reduce local government aid for counties or cities that fly the former state flag instead of the current one. Specifically, HF 5077 directs the commissioner of revenue to reduce aid by 10% “beginning with aids payable in 2027.” The bill is not expected to pass, with Speaker Lisa Demuth saying on social media that “this Democrat bill has no path forward in the Minnesota House.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/3OGMJin DEMUTH: https://fluence-media.co/4cO7Zur
ETHICS: Via KSTP’s Tom Hauser, House ethics committee members will conduct a hearing this week to discuss complaints against GOP Rep. Elliott Engen, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson and DFL Rep. Alex Falconer. The exact time and date is not confirmed yet. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3QzuhbX
GUNS: via House DFL advisory, VERBATIM: “DFL House members issued a letter to House Speaker Lisa Demuth requesting a full ban of guns in House spaces for any non-law enforcement individuals. … The Minnesota Senate banned guns in their gallery, which Senate Republicans agreed to. While this could be handled with House policy announced by the leader, a bill to ban guns on the Capitol Complex was introduced and debated in the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee in early March. The bill was voted down on party lines.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4w10oBM
RETIREMENTS: Via FOX 9, more info on the scope of legislative retirements in 2026. VERBATIM: “A total of 42 lawmakers out of 201 will not be returning to the Minnesota legislature in 2027. This number is higher than two years ago, when 23 left, but lower than the 60 departures in 2022. The reasons vary — some are seeking higher office, others are retiring, and a significant number are stepping away due to concerns about political violence. … ‘That’s at least part of the decision,’ said Rep. Chris Swedzinski, a Republican from Ghent.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4d88sZQ
PENSIONS: via Center for Fiscal Excellence, VERBATIM: “The Legislative Commission on Pension and Retirement [is considering] a proposal that would cut employee contributions and raise retiree cost-of-living adjustments for a fund that is only 70 percent funded — with the entire cost shifted to state taxpayers. … In 2023, lawmakers passed an early retirement provision for SPTRFA enabling its teachers to retire with full benefits at age 62. … SF 4860/HF 4812, currently laid over for consideration in the omnibus pension bill, would reverse half of the 2023 employee contribution increases, raise the post-retirement cost-of-living adjustment for retirees from 1% to 1.5%, and increase the employer contribution rate beginning from the current rate of 13.59% of salary to 16.29%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u8lSKX
RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “In their competing campaign bids to join the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker and state Rep. Maria Isa Perez-Vega both sought the endorsement of the Ramsey County DFL this weekend, without success. A virtual tie in the first ballot left the two candidates quickly agreeing to walk away empty-handed. … As a result, they will meet again in the Aug. 11 primary if a third candidate files. Otherwise, without a third challenger, they both move on to the Nov. 3 election.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48t4HLR
Fluence Media introduces more — Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
SESSION
SECURITY: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “House Ways and Means Committee members approved spending $24.2 million this biennium on enhanced security measures at the State Capitol and state courts. … Heading to the House Floor is the [bill] that, as amended, would appropriate funding to keep in place the extra Capitol security personnel and screening stations at entrances to the building that were installed before the first day of the 2026 session.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eeiz0g
BUDGET: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “In a non-budgetary year, the House plans to spend nearly $41.13 million in new money compared to the February forecast base for the 2026-2027 biennium. That is the budget resolution approved Monday by the House Ways and Means Committee, [although] it may not be the final numbers. … $15.44 million is for a public safety finance bill; almost $1.51 million for a higher education finance bill; $358,000 for a workforce, labor and economic development finance bill; and $185,000 for an elections finance bill. A $2 million reduction is sought in a housing finance bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cRUJF6
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES CONTINUE TO SOAR: While Minnesota’s safety net hospitals navigate bleak financial outlooks, drug manufacturers continue to raise drug prices at rates that far outpace inflation, rising 23% in the last year alone. By strengthening the 340B drug pricing program, local hospitals can weather these soaring prices and continue to deliver the care and treatments that Minnesotans need. MNLEG REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/48xEXhB (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
RELIEF: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Despite questions about whether there are enough safeguards against fraud, a $100 million ‘economic recovery’ bill passed the Senate Finance Committee and is headed to the Senate floor. … [The] bill would allow businesses across the state impacted by the ICE surge to apply for five-year, interest-free loans ranging from a minimum of $2,500 to $200,000, with the maximum determined by the size of the business. The money would come from the $400 million Minnesota Forward fund.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48qIfD6
ICE STUDY: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “So far, the cost of Operation Metro Surge is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. … [But] quantifying the economic impact of the immigration enforcement surge has been a topic of debate this legislative session — and at least one bill would fund a nonpartisan study to gauge those impacts. … That bill remains in committee with less than a month left in the legislative session, however. … The measure has drawn criticism from GOP lawmakers, who also point to the costs of illegal immigration and protest activity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eeBGar
CRYPTO: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers are on the verge of banning cryptocurrency kiosks in Minnesota, citing a surge in scams and growing concerns from law enforcement. The Minnesota House has passed S.F. 3868, which [had] previously passed the Minnesota Senate earlier this month and now heads to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature. … If signed, Minnesota would become one of the first states to ban cryptocurrency kiosks.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eNExY5
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
THE FEED
WAGE THEFT: Via DLI advisory, an update on a wage theft story previewed in yesterday’s lunch take. VERBATIM: “Construction contractors agree to pay $1.28 million in back wages and liquidated damages after the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) found that 26 workers were denied overtime and other wages for work performed on various construction projects, including the Viking Lakes project in Eagan, Minnesota. … It is the largest recovery in a wage and hour violation investigation by DLI.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEybis
SOMALIS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The third annual Somali Day at the Minnesota State Capitol took on a different tone Monday, with community leaders vowing resilience after months of turmoil from Operation Metro Surge. The Somali Day rally lasted more than two hours in the Capitol Rotunda, featuring speeches from all five Somali-American state legislators currently serving at the capitol as well as many other politicians and public officials.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vSLXiO
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
MINING: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The end of the mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is now official. President Donald Trump has signed a Congressional resolution that passed the Senate earlier this month on a 50-49 vote, reversing a moratorium on mining [in] the Superior National Forest. … Any mining project in the state would need to undergo environmental review and secure permits from state and federal agencies. That process could take several years, if not decades.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEyrhr
RESPONSE: via GOP Rep. Pete Stauber, who carried the legislation, STAUBER: “Never again will any Democrat President be able to unilaterally ban mining in this strategic area of the Superior National Forest. Now, proposed mining projects aimed at unlocking trillions of dollars’ worth of critical minerals can move forward through the proper state and federal environmental review and permitting process. President [Donald] Trump is the most pro-mining president in American history.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cPEjgB
CHILDREN: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP) for Separated Children Act. The legislation would protect children affected by immigration enforcement actions or proceedings against their parents. … [The bill] prohibits Federal personnel from using excessive force in the arrest or apprehension of individuals while children are present…and from deceiving a child for the purposes of immigration enforcement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49cv0pM
REJECT 340B EXPANSION: A new Minnesota Department of Health report shows hospitals made at least $1 billion dollars from a federal drug discount program known as 340B. The program should help patients, but experts say there is little accountability for where the money goes. The report was delayed and only recently released, showing the program isn’t working as intended. But Minnesota politicians are fast tracking a bill to expand the 340B program anyway. Lawmakers: reject House File 3609 / Senate File 3769. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4uUobCQ (SPONSORED: Community Action for Responsible Hospitals)
METRO
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority is poised to work with two developers interested in land for 60 to 80 units of affordable housing on Jackson Street in the North End. … The $22.3 million project is a mix of workforce or family-friendly units spanning one to four bedrooms, 100 units of surface and structured parking, and an outdoor playground and amenity space. … The units would be targeted to those earning 30%, 50% and 60% of area median income, with 12 units set aside for very low-income residents with disabilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tEBg21
GRANDMAS RIDE ATVs TOO: Check out Donna’s story — a powerful reminder that ATV riding is about more than trails; it’s about people, community, and connection. Donna’s message reflects what so many riders across Minnesota believe: responsible riding, strong local economies, and protecting access for future generations all go hand in hand. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your story and helping put a face to what “I Ride” truly means. Check out Donna’s story HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4tDeK9r (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
EXCELSIOR: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “New details [are out] about a fire chief in the west metro who was forced out of his job earlier this month. … The Excelsior Fire District board says the now-former fire chief’s actions led them to take action. The allegations centered on financial misconduct. … The fire district board was split on how to handle the situation, saying Chief Curt Mackey had done a lot to move the district’s operations forward. But, while some argued for a second chance, the majority said some of his actions violated state law and put the district in legal jeopardy.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4txsS4h
HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
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)
ACROSS MN
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Duluth announced Monday that a new dean will lead the College of Education and Human Services Professions. Kimberly Zoder-Martell, Ph.D., has accepted the position, pending final approval from the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents. … Zoder-Martell will be taking over the role from Dr. Scott Carlson, who served as interim dean.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tMFhkX
BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “A ballot measure to amend the Bemidji City Charter may become a reality for voters this November. The proposed amendment would add a new section to penalize elected and appointed city officials who violate Bemidji’s charter under Minnesota Statutes 609.43. This amendment applies to those who serve on the city council, planning commission and charter commission, among other boards.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Oxb0Y9
BAXTER: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “A proposed new city slogan and updated logo, which was described as a modernization rather than an entirely new concept, was before the Baxter City Council for a workshop discussion. … Brad Chapulis, city administrator, [said] everything from letterhead to business cards to entrance signs, city water towers, parks and city vehicles would all be part of a logo update. … Council consensus was to follow the framework of a subcommittee presenting a few concepts for council review and then defining a public process after that and bringing something back to the council toward the end of the year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sTiiDr
PRODUCTIVE FARMS, STEWARDSHIP GO HAND IN HAND: via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Corn farmers are demonstrating that productive agriculture and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through widespread adoption of practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, crop rotations, and targeted nutrient management, farmers have improved soil health, reduced erosion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and protected water quality across millions of acres in Minnesota. That’s all while implementing advances in seed genetics, fertility management, and precision technology that have improved on-farm productivity.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4stHjG5 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
FOR PLANNING
SESSION: House floor session at 6:00 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The Senate will hear a crypto kiosk ban, the health and human services omnibus and more. HOUSE: Rules & Leg. Admin. hears a ban on monetary bail. Fraud Prevention & Oversight hears from DCYF on the state’s Child Care Assistance Program. SENATE: Finance hears a gun violence prevention package. Commerce & Consumer Protection hears bills on social media rules, data privacy and more. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4eMPCbU
TOMORROW: GOP Sen. Carla Nelson, GOP Rep. Spencer Igo and advocates will host a press conference to “highlight the success of Minnesota’s innovative State Housing Tax Credit (SHTC) and Contribution Fund,” per a release. The event is at 9:00 a.m.
THURSDAY: via MNA advisory, VERBATIM: “Registered nurses will gather in Minneapolis on April 30 for a rally and community event to press lawmakers for long-term, sustainable financial solutions before legislative session ends to keep [HCMC] open.” The event is at 12:00 noon.
SATURDAY: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will host a rally with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Rochester on Saturday, May 2 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The event is at 5:00 p.m.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.