Timberwolves win. Twins sweep Baltimore.
Evernest reports that Minnesota has the nation’s highest rate of homeownership for people under 35, at 50.8%. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4k8xNn3
Pope Leo XIV of Chicago is the first American to serve in the role. Here’s how Minnesota Catholics are reacting. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4k7RAmz
Expect temperatures near 90 degrees on Mother’s Day.
Sunday Take at 9AM on WCCO Radio will discuss the last week of the legislative session. Tune-in.
Happy National Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
Blois
TIPS: BloisOlson@gmail.com
MORE TIPS: All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
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Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4385PBd
Sunday Take discussed what schools need from the legislature with Kirk Schneidewind (Minnesota Association of School Boards) and Scott Croonquist (Association of Metropolitan School Districts). LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Yt4Gm9
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OIG: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate passed a bill Thursday that would establish a new spending oversight entity known as the Office of Inspector General. Backers of the bill, which passed on a lopsided [60-7] vote, say it’s meant to cut down on fraud in state spending. … Sen. Heather Gustafson, DFL-Vadnais Heights, [co-sponsored] the bill with Sen. Michael Kreun, R-Blaine. … They say the new agency would track state spending and is authorized to track money that moves through private entities. An amendment to the bill added a law enforcement arm to take legal action in fraud cases, [and] the office would be set up in the executive branch to allow for that law enforcement ability. It would have subpoena power and could refer cases for criminal or civil action. It would also be able to make policy recommendations. Appointments to the office would be made through a bipartisan process. … The House has yet to take action on a similar bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/433g7Cs
MORE: Via Axios’ Torey Van Oot, some DFL senators expressed strong opposition to the OIG bill over concerns it was rushed to completion. The seven DFLers who voted nay were Sens. Omar Fateh, John Hoffman, John Marty, Jennifer McEwen, Nicole Mitchell, Ann Rest and Melissa Wiklund. From the floor debate, HOFFMAN: “You’re going to make headlines with this bill…but you didn’t do your due diligence. … It’s not ready for prime time.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3SqoItV TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3GLqfbr
NEGOTIATIONS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Ahead of the governor's fishing opener in Crosslake, Governor Tim Walz says he's confident lawmakers can strike a budget deal ahead of the close of the legislative session. … The governor says he'll be with all of the legislative leaders during Saturday's opener.” WALZ: “All of the legislative leaders will be up there Saturday morning [for] walleye diplomacy. … There's some things that have been proposed that, no, there's no compromise on. But on the rest of it, as long as the core principles of what we've done [are there], I'm open to that.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4k3TIvE
MORE: Via Axios’ Torey Van Oot, Gov. Tim Walz told reporters that one possible compromise he is considering for budget negotiations would be restricting which undocumented immigrants are allowed to enroll in MinnesotaCare — a topic that has sharply divided the Legislature for weeks. Walz said he still thinks the current policy makes financial sense, but “If there’s a red line in here, morally, we just have to cover children.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4jPnYL8
LIFELINE OF RURAL HEALTH CARE — WHY LOCAL PHARMACIES MATTER IN 340B: In the heart of Greater Minnesota, access to local 24/7 health care services isn’t just a necessity – it’s the cornerstone to vibrant rural communities. The 340B Drug Pricing Program has been instrumental in enabling nonprofit hospitals like Essentia Health to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to the state’s rural and underserved communities. Unfortunately, out-of-state pharmaceutical companies continue to blatantly ignore Minnesota’s law that protects safety net providers’ access to 340B discounted drugs. Legislators should stand up to these drug manufacturers and protect the 340B Program, ensuring that Minnesota’s rural communities continue to have access to life-saving — and community sustaining — health care services. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/42D8kLo (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
From yesterday’s health take:
IMMIGRANTS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “[During] the Senate floor debate on Wednesday…a handful of senators insinuated that subsidizing the health care of undocumented immigrants is leading to nursing homes in peril and county governments forced to consider property tax hikes. … As of April 24, [Minnesota] has spent $3.9 million to reimburse the health care claims of 4,306 program enrollees who were undocumented. … [Over a full year], that would put the total cost of health care for undocumented immigrants at 0.17% of the DHS budget.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3GK8Lw6
Sign up for health take or read it at The Daily Agenda: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7
WALZ: Gov. Tim Walz was interviewed on MSNBC’s “The Briefing with Jen Psaki” on Democratic messaging, the effects of Pres. Donald Trump’s tariffs, political corruption and more. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/433nw4I
KLOBUCHAR: Sen. Amy Klobuchar was interviewed on CBS News on the Russia-Ukraine war, and why she thinks it’s imperative to put more economic pressure on Russia. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44pRdPR
MEDICAID SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OF US: Medicaid keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan — regardless of income or health status — can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3FtrCuH (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)
TAXES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate Tax Committee approved a bill Thursday morning that would impose the first ‘social media tax’ in the nation — just one of many provisions that add up to about $365 million in new taxes over the next two years. … Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, [said] the social media tax [would] be imposed primarily on big corporations that mine data from Minnesotans through social media. … The bill also reduces aid to local governments and cuts back, but does not eliminate, tax credits for filmmakers and other media production in Minnesota. The bill also includes a provision to study the potential impact of sports betting in Minnesota.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dfeqqs
(DISCLOSURE: Sports Betting Alliance is a client and sponsor of Fluence)
MENTAL HEALTH: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Across the state, an increasing number of children are being held in Minnesota hospitals and — in some cases — detention facilities as they await mental health care. … It’s known as boarding, [and] it’s an issue that families, providers and lawmakers hope to address this year at the Minnesota Legislature. But with a rapidly approaching deadline, it’s not clear that they’ll reach an accord in time. … Both chambers have a provision in their health bills that would boost Medical Assistance rates to bring them in line with Medicare rates if the federal government signs off. But a separate bill is needed to explicitly adjust rates for mental health services.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dszZ73
SECLUSION: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Advocacy groups rallied at the state capitol on Thursday to oppose an amendment in the Senate education policy bill that carves out exceptions for the practice of ‘seclusion,’ where students with disabilities are placed in separate rooms at school during emergencies. Two years ago, the legislature banned seclusion for kids in third grade and younger, over concerns that the technique could be harmful and used in abusive ways. However, this session, the Senate approved a bipartisan amendment as part of a broader education bill [that] expands the ban through sixth grade while also creating a new exemption to allow seclusion if ‘explicitly agreed to by the student's parents and the rest of the individualized education program team.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jES1oG
TRANSPORTATION: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “When it comes to transportation funding in the next biennium, the House is focusing more on specific large highway projects and less on public transit. Meanwhile, the Senate would like to see the State Patrol get up in the air and those on the ground think about another way to get to Duluth besides passenger rail. Those are some of the big differences between the omnibus transportation bills that passed the House and Senate. A conference committee met for the first time on Thursday to reconcile the differences between the chambers’ two different versions of HF2438. … They plan to meet again Friday to hear public testimony.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4557tWH
TRANSITIONS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Next year’s election could bring a new array of state leaders, [meaning] there is the potential for transitions from the current occupants to newcomers. The state government finance bill approved by the Senate last week — and [now] headed to conference committee — includes money for possible transitions. There is $50,000 each for the secretary of state and auditor transitions (if there are new ones) and $75,000 for the potential of a new attorney general to get set up. There is mention of governor and lieutenant governor, but no specific money allocated for those transitions. The House bill doesn’t contain those provisions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m8MPej
MINNESOTA INSURANCE COVERAGE TAX WILL COST FAMILIES, SMALL BUSINESSES AND SENIORS MORE: Governor Walz and the Department of Commerce want to create a new tax that will, at a minimum, double the tax rate paid on supplemental non-medical insurance coverage including dental, vision, private paid family medical leave, long-term care, and wage replacement insurance products to fund reinsurance. This tax hike will make these critically important products more expensive for consumers, force more seniors onto Medicaid and public programs, make Minnesota-based insurers less competitive nationally, and make it more difficult for employers to provide competitive benefits. These products provide Minnesota families with peace of mind and everyday security, and we should not ask them to pay more to subsidize other insurance products. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4lNcE3n (SPONSORED: Minnesota Insurance and Financial Services Council)
SIGNED: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today signed a bill into law giving service dogs in training the same protections and support as active service dogs. The Governor signed the bill alongside bill authors Senator Bonnie Westlin and Representative Cedrick Frazier, advocates, and service dogs. … [Also], the Governor signed two additional bills today. … Senate File 2847 amends the statutory forms used to garnish the wages and bank accounts of a person who has a court ordered judgement against them. These forms now conform with the changes to garnishment laws that passed last year. … Senate File 3196 allocates $9 million to the Department of Corrections to address a fiscal year 2025 budget deficiency.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m8OgJJ
MORE: The Star Tribune notes that Jeff Johnson, Gov. Tim Walz’s Republican opponent in the 2018 gubernatorial race, was a speaker at Thursday’s bill signing ceremony. Johnson has been the executive director of Can Do Canines since 2020. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4337ZSn
BWCAW: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Sen. Tina Smith and advocates for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area rallied Thursday, May 8, as the federal government makes moves on mining projects and public land sales. Thursday’s rally at the Capitol featured roughly 200 advocates and comes as Congress advanced a bill on Tuesday with language introduced by Rep. Pete Stauber, R-CD8, to lift a 20-year mining moratorium covering federal land south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and reinstate two federal mineral leases to Twin Metals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m8g7ty
UMN: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota is citing an active investigation of an assistant professor in its continued refusal to discuss allegations of research misconduct first reported by 5 INVESTIGATES. In a letter from the U.S. Department of Energy, obtained through a confidential source, federal investigators allege that Dr. Sayan Biswas ‘fabricated research results.’ … During the U of M Board of Regents meeting on Thursday, administrators provided a briefing about more than 70 grants terminated by a variety of federal agencies, but there was no discussion of the grant for which Biswas was the principal investigator. … The university says its own policy and state laws prevent it from sharing anything more about its ongoing review.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/438pQHJ
BETTING POLL: Support is surging among Minnesotans who want legal wagering on sporting events. New polling by the Sports Betting Alliance of Minnesota indicates 60% of voters in the state support the legalization of sports betting. The survey of 1,000 Minnesota voters also revealed overwhelming support for legal wagering among 18–29-year-olds, with 75% of females and 73% of males in favor of allowing sports betting in Minnesota — something that is available in 39 states. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/49uj4OF (SPONSORED: Sports Betting Alliance)
MEDICAID: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Rep. Kelly Morrison is one of many Democrats sounding an alarm about the Trump Administration's proposed tax cuts, which could include cuts to Medicaid as well. … MORRISON: ‘This isn’t speculation. The basic math has repeatedly shown that if Medicaid were to be cut by $880 billion, millions of people would lose health coverage across the country, and hospitals in Minnesota will be forced to cut services or shut down entirely.’ … [However], House Republicans are said to have backed off the most drastic possibilities after hearing from constituents. … Morrison says now is the time to speak up.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4m3A8Sh
MORE: Via MinnPost, a look at the past and possible future of Medicaid in Minnesota. VERBATIM: “For decades, Minnesota has been a national leader in helping its residents access health insurance. As of 2023, 4% of Minnesotans did not have health insurance compared to 8% nationally. … But the state squeezing all it can from Medicaid dovetails with spiraling costs in long-term care. It also makes Minnesota exceedingly vulnerable if Donald Trump and a GOP-controlled Congress really put Medicaid dollars on the chopping block.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iVoTsg
GULF: via Patch News, VERBATIM: “The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The measure also directs federal agencies to update their documents to incorporate the new name. President Donald Trump already signed an executive order during his first day in office to rename the Gulf. House Republicans are looking to show their support, though it is unclear whether the Senate will go along. The House bill passed by a vote of 211-206. The Minnesota delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives split [4-4 on party lines] on the proposal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jVWUtF
IT’S POSSIBLE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY UPHOLD ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY AND GROW OUR ECONOMY: Minnesota’s lengthy and uncertain permitting process has frustrated businesses for decades. A recent report found that air permitting in Minnesota can take up to six times longer than comparable states. A coalition of business and labor groups are advocating for reform that will shorten timelines and increase certainty while maintaining our strong environmental standards. Contact your legislators and tell them to support streamlining the permitting process. CONTACT: https://fluence-media.co/3Ea5Tbe (SPONSORED: Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)
1ST AMENDMENT: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led her Judiciary Committee colleagues in pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding her decision to change Justice Department policies to make it easier for the Justice Department to subpoena journalists to obtain information about their confidential sources and potentially harass journalists who write stories critical of the Administration.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3F0pevF
TAX CUT: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “Today, during Small Business Week, U.S. Representative Angie Craig re-introduced her bill to cut taxes for small businesses and put more money back into Minnesotans’ pockets. Rep. Craig’s Small Business Tax Relief Act will cut the corporate tax rate for small businesses to 18%, increase the self-employment tax deduction for small business owners and help reduce the national deficit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kdMdCA
MOTHERS: via a Rep. Michelle Fischbach press release, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) reintroduced the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act, which will provide critical support to new moms during and after their pregnancy, empower women to choose life, and help them to raise happy, healthy babies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44weTC6
SUPPORT SF 2929 AND HF 2677: Third-party lawsuit funding (TPLF) — or “lawsuit lending” — is a growing and extremely concerning trend in courts across the state and throughout the country that encourages frivolous lawsuits and threatens to drive up the costs of products, services, and insurance for Minnesota consumers. Fortunately, lawmakers are considering legislation — the Consumers in Crisis Protection Act (SF 2929 & HF 2677) — to increase transparency around this highly secretive practice and reasonably regulate third-party lawsuit funders to protect consumers and help keep premiums low. MORE INFO: https://fluence-media.co/4jivOfT (SPONSORED: ASPCIA)
FARMERS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Members of the National Farmers Union came to Washington this week to lobby their representatives and let them know that things are not going well for them. … The last time farm country faced a farm trade crisis, President Donald Trump also sat in office. But that’s where the similarities end, the farmers said. Back in 2018, there’d been strong commodity prices for crop farmers. That’s not the case now. Moreover, Congress is two years behind in renewing the farm bill. And there are rumblings of significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. … At a news conference Wednesday, farmers and SNAP recipients called for keeping the program whole.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m8RvAZ
POLICE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Police chiefs from across Minnesota are working on mental health challenges together for the very first time. This week, 32 police chiefs and command staff completed 30 hours of peer support training in Bloomington. The Bloomington Police Department said it was a ‘first-of-its-kind event’ in Minnesota, with the goal of creating a support network for police leadership. … They gave police chiefs resources for supporting each other during difficult situations…[and] personal stress reduction techniques.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iTiptG
FOOD SAFETY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis conducted a food safety inspection of Target Center [revealing] a lengthy list of violations. Dozens of issues were documented throughout the arena’s concession stands and food prep areas. … Among the more concerning discoveries, four concession locations were cited after the inspector found mouse droppings on the floors along the walls. … Target Center was not alone in seeing issues. Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium were also listed as having violations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3GKJvWy
WATER SAFETY: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A report to determine the quality of water available to Minnesota’s residents found that 97% of the state meets federal safety standards, but 3% of communities have fallen below them due to excessive levels of nitrate and arsenic contaminations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iPq7oJ
PUSH BACK AGAINST TAX BREAKS FOR BIG TECH DATA CENTERS: Our tax money should be going to essential services for Minnesotans, like education, health care, and infrastructure — not subsidies for billionaire owned data centers. The current tax credit has already cost our state an estimated $5 million a year since 2011. In 2025 it will be over $100 million. It’s time to stop these skyrocketing numbers. Tell your legislators, ‘No big tax breaks for Big Tech.’ LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3ErmQh8 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy)
HENN CTY: via Hennepin County Board, VERBATIM: “At the State of the County address Thursday morning, Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando shared the county’s commitment to serving residents and highlighted its ongoing work to reduce disparities in seven key areas: connectivity, education, employment, health, housing, income, and justice. Fernando also reaffirmed that Hennepin County is dedicated to progress and committed to implementing programs that foster stability, opportunity, and growth for all county residents despite uncertainties and challenges the county may face ahead.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42P2RCF
WASH CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “There are several new speed bumps on a rural Washington County road, but it’s who put them there that has the city taking action. The city of Grant says a man had them put in illegally, but that homeowner argues he had every right to do so. The move has many neighbors upset. … Grant Mayor Jeff Giefer [said] ‘The speed bumps will be removed and the roadway restored to its original condition as quickly as possible.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Z6RqDY
BURNSVILLE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “A large contingent of family members, friends and police colleagues will travel to the nation's capital starting this weekend to honor and celebrate the lives of fallen Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge. … Donations from residents of Burnsville, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Burnsville Police and Fire Foundation and people across the country will allow 167 officers, family members and supporters to make the trip to Washington, D.C. The names of Elmstrand and Ruge will be among 148 on the 2025 Roll Call of Heroes.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43iloHD
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
ST CLOUD: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud middle schoolers will have their activities fees waived over the next two years thanks to grant money. The Local Education & Activities Foundation 742 (LEAF) recently announced plans to commit $100,000 to fund activities for middle school students at St. Cloud Area School District 742 over the next two years. … So far, LEAF says it has raised more than $30,000 to go toward waiving activities fees for the upcoming school year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43gcitY
MOORHEAD: via InForum, VERBATIM: “As the school year winds down, the Moorhead Police Department is calling on parents to help keep juvenile crime rates low through open communication and early reporting. While overall youth-related incidents are trending downward in the city, police say proactive involvement from the community is crucial — especially as summer approaches.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EKlvT7
MARSHALL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Residents of the Broadmoor Valley mobile home park voiced fear, frustration and pleas for help at a city-convened public hearing on the park’s impending closure. The hearing, a required step under Minnesota law, saw the Marshall City Council appoint a neutral third party to navigate the complex process of closing the park, which has been embroiled in litigation in recent years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F0OYrV
FREE AND LOW-COST FAMILY FUN: The beloved Flint Hills Family Festival is celebrating 25 years in downtown Saint Paul, May 30-31. This year’s festival, presented by the Ordway and Flint Hills Resources, welcomes outstanding headliners, including Grammy winners Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band and Ada Twist, Scientist, as well as the returning NOOMA, an Opera for Babies. Bring kids of all ages to enjoy free outdoor entertainment and activities, visit food trucks and take in an indoor show where tickets start at just $8. GET TICKETS: https://fluence-media.co/FHFestival (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
FRAUD: via a Rep. Brad Finstad press release, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) led Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) in sending a letter to Governor [Tim] Walz and leadership of the Minnesota Legislature communicating their urgent and growing concern related to widespread fraud, waste, and abuse within public programs administered by the State of Minnesota, many of which involve federal funding and oversight. In the letter, the Representatives outline repeated cases of failed oversight and accountability across multiple state agencies and programs.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3GMn1oa
MINING: via Wall Street Journal, VERBATIM: “Cleveland-Cliffs will pause or slow operations at plants after logging a wider loss and lower revenue in the first quarter. The steelmaker on Wednesday said it is fully or partially idling six facilities, [including two in Minnesota], between March and May, and cited the need to optimize its footprint and shift away from loss-making operations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44ZTAZJ
JOBS: via a DEED press release,VERBATIM: “Minnesota Governor Tim Walz today announced that state business development programs have helped create or retain a record 4,750 jobs in Minnesota this fiscal year. Since July 1, 2024, the Department of Employment and Economic Development's (DEED) Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund have supported 23 business expansions that will collectively create or retain nearly 4,750 jobs – the most since the programs' inception in 2004. The two programs have provided $35 million in funding, leveraging nearly $1.2 billion in outside business investment this fiscal year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d7WyNX
SESSION: House floor session at 11:00 a.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. FLOOR: The House floor will hear the state government, jobs, labor and economic development omnibus. CONFERENCE: Conference committees will hear omnibus bills for state government; agriculture and broadband; environment and natural resources; transportation; and higher education. HOUSE: Ways & Means will hear a bill on settlement of claims against the state. SENATE: Labor hears Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council recommendations. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4iVBnQq
TODAY: Via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz will participate in media row interviews, join DNR fisheries staff for walleye fry stocking on Big Trout Lake, and present a Fishing Education Day proclamation to Crosslake students during an event promoting youth fishing. Later, he will visit the National Loon Center and the Bay View Lodge and meet with area mayors. In the evening, he will attend a Crosslake community celebration.”
TODAY: Via his office, Sec. Steve Simon will travel to Milaca and Brainerd today. He will start the day at an event with students from Milaca High School, visit with Crow Wing County Election Officials, and attend a League of Women Voters event in Brainerd.
TODAY: via a Rep. Pete Stauber advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Forest Lake Chamber in hosting a roundtable on the need to extend pro-growth business tax provisions before portions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of the year.” The event is at 8:00 a.m.
TODAY: via a joint release, VERBATIM: “Mayor Hollies J. Winston, Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley, Senator John Hoffman, other members of Brooklyn Park’s legislative delegation, and youth athletes [will] discuss the need for upgrading the Northwest Metro Regional Athletics Facility and what the new facility would mean for tourism and making Brooklyn Park a first-class city. … The City of Brooklyn Park is requesting $9.5 million.” The event is at 9:00 a.m.
TODAY: The St. Paul Area Chamber and partners are hosting a Small Business Summit and Small Business Administration Luncheon on Friday starting at 8:00 a.m. Special guests include Sen. Tina Smith and Mayor Melvin Carter.
TOMORROW: Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders will attend the Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake.
TOMORROW: via a YDA advisory, VERBATIM: “The Young Democrats of America (YDA) will host its Spring National Committee Meeting in Minneapolis, bringing together 125 young Democratic leaders, organizers, and activists from across the country. On Saturday evening, U.S. Senate candidate and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will deliver keynote remarks highlighting Minnesota’s progressive leadership and vision for the future. She will be joined by a slate of prominent Democratic voices, including Minnesota DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom and New York State Senator James Skoufis.” The event is at 5:45 p.m.
MONDAY: via a DOC advisory, VERBATIM: “Grace Arnold, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, [will hold a] media event to explain how Minnesotans will be impacted by a federal budget proposal to eliminate funding for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program.” The event is at 11:00 a.m. in Duluth.
MONDAY: via an ISAIAH advisory, VERBATIM: “Childcare providers, parents, teachers, community members, and legislators will participate in a rally and press conference at the Capitol [addressing] cuts to federal funding for state programs, notably the threat of the elimination of Head Start. … This event is being held in conjunction with National Day Without Child Care events across the country on Monday, May 12.” The event is at 2:00 p.m.
MONDAY: The MN GOP announced its annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner will be held on Monday, May 12 with former Rep. Doug Collins as the keynote speaker. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4cTG9Nc
NEXT WEEK: Via his office, Sec. Steve Simon will travel to south central Minnesota on Friday, May 16. Simon will meet with county auditors in McLeod, Chippewa, Renville, and Sibley Counties.
BDAYS: lobbyist Ann Lenczewski, fmr. Fox 9 anchor Alix Kendall, golfing writer Rick Shefchick, Hennepin Health Care’s Jessica Oaxaca. SAT: State Rep. Chris Swedzinksi, JCRC’s Ethan Roberts, St. Paul School’s Ryan Staenzel SUN: Rep. Brad Tabke, lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel, Walmart’s Lisa Nelson
TIPS: How do we get the best news and most buzzed about stories? Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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