FINALLY FRIDAY
On Tuesday The State of Health Care – a Fluence Forum with legislators, experts and the a big view on a disrupted market. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/StateofHealthCare
Gov. Tim Walz will make another move to try to deal with fraud today, by naming a new Director of Program Integrity and highlight state actions to address and prevent fraud.
Last night Mike Lindell spoke to Action 4 Liberty – my high school classmate seems to be his campaign manager.
A week and a half until Christmas – start shopping.
Wild beat Dallas. Wolves at Golden State.
Forecast has the Twin Cities will hit -11 tomorrow night. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/3KUMLBe
The president signed an order to block state AI regulations. Expect legal challenges from Minnesota and other states. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/4q8kbeL
Happy National Gingerbread Day!
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This week’s Sunday Take covered civility, immigration, and Republican Ron Schutz’s campaign for attorney general. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4iEm5B2
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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/
FRIDAY FEED…
Republicans will gather over the weekend with state party and conduct a straw poll to see who has early support in the GOP primary for the 2026 governor race. There are currently 13 declared candidates.
Get smart about the race… Fluence Brief for MNSider subscribers – a deep dive on the GOP Field for Governor. Subscribing is supporting. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4pogmSB
GUN BAN: Lumaris Research on a Minnesota polling with a statewide survey on gun control. EXCERPT: “More than two-thirds of Minnesotans (69%) support banning the sale of assault-style weapons such as the AR-15. … Twin Cities suburbs show the strongest support at 79%, exceeding Minneapolis and St. Paul proper (71%). This inverts the typical urban-suburban pattern in national polling. … While 52% of Republicans oppose the ban, 46% support it.” POLL: https://fluence-media.co/44ob29v
GOV RACE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Mike Lindell, the fervent supporter of President Donald Trump known to TV viewers as the ‘MyPillow Guy,’ officially entered the race for Minnesota governor Thursday. … Almost immediately, [Gov. Tim] Walz fired off a fundraising appeal that described Lindell as the GOP frontrunner: ‘He’s a snake oil salesman caught up in multiple legal fights who wants to bring Trump extremism to Minnesota.’ … Trump’s endorsement could be the key to which of several candidates wins the GOP nomination to challenge Walz. But Lindell said he doesn’t know what Trump will do, even though they’re friends, and said his campaign isn’t contingent on the president’s support. … Lindell wouldn’t commit to abiding by the Minnesota GOP endorsement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48UkX87
SENATE RACE: via Semafor, VERBATIM: “Lieutenant Governor [Peggy Flanagan] is campaigning as the pugnacious, liberal choice in her matchup against Rep. Angie Craig. … Craig is preferred by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. But Flanagan has amassed seven endorsements from sitting senators, revealing an unusual level of internal disagreement over what type of senator should replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith.” FLANAGAN: “I think Chuck Schumer is just not that into me. And I feel the same way about Chuck Schumer that he feels about me, which is uncommitted.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pz6Oo1
MOVE: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign hired Lexi Byler as communications director.
NEXTWK: The MNSider Brief will be a deep dive into the DFL Senate race.
AG RACE: Republican attorney general candidate Ron Schutz criticized Attorney General Keith Ellison for not correcting an MSNBC anchor who implied the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme was an “isolated instance” during an interview. Ellison did correct the anchor on other facts. SCHUTZ: “Not even MSNBC could save Keith Ellison. … To downplay over $1B in stolen taxpayer dollars as an isolated incident is exactly why Ellison doesn’t deserve another term as MN AG.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3MT9G0e
ELLISON: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Internal emails obtained by 5 INVESTIGATES reveal outgoing city council member Jeremiah Ellison asked, through an aide, to use city funds to pay for flights between Harvard and Minneapolis to attend city council meetings twice a month. The emails, which have not been reported, were recently released through a public records request. … The city clerk ultimately denied the request, and in a text message, Ellison called this report ‘flimsy’ and a ‘non-story.’ … Ellison still earns his $110,000 salary from the city on top of a $57,000 stipend from Harvard.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48EMwC0
43A: Via Instagram, Kyrstin Schuette, founder of the School Board Integrity Project, announced a run for House District 43A as a DFLer. SCHUETTE: “For more than 15 years, I’ve proudly helped people harness their power, defend their rights, and build communities rooted in care and possibility. … Right now our democracy and institutions are under attack and families are stretched thin. Our community deserves a representative who understands real life and leads with real values.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3MUo7RK
20B: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Sara Bertschinger, a Republican, said she is running for the state House of Representatives in House District 20B. The seat opened up when its current occupant, GOP Rep. Steve Jacob, announced his candidacy for the state Senate.” BERTSCHINGER: “Burdensome bureaucracy and government overreach stifles everything from small business owners to farmers. As an elected MN House Representative, I will prioritize creating business opportunities and reigniting the classic ‘American Dream.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/452iQxG
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STATE STUFF
FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Over the course of 14 meetings, the Republican-controlled House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee successfully focused attention on fraud that seems to pervade several state agencies. However, there’s no evidence the committee has stopped any fraud since its first meeting in February of 2025. … Committee chairwoman Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, [has] acknowledged that the committee so far has been more of a spotlight than a stoplight.” ROBBINS: “We’re not a law enforcement body. We’re an oversight body.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pv6PJn
MPCA: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “As federal immigration actions continue in Minnesota, the state pollution control agency sent a letter to employees about how they should respond if ICE shows up. The letter lays out steps for MPCA employees to take in the event of an ICE raid or enforcement action. … GOP Rep. Josh Heintzeman has asked for reasoning why the agency believes something like this could happen at one of its facilities, and wants an explanation from the agency on why the memo was sent out. He also asks whether the memo was sent out at the direction of agency leaders, or at the direction of the governor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Bnwgk
FED FUNDS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and a coalition of 22 other states today won their lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its unlawful attempt to shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, designed to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike. … In Minnesota, BRIC funding is used by counties to update their hazard mitigation plans. The funding the Trump Administration attempted to terminate was slated to support 34 Minnesota counties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48Q1pl6
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)
DC
MENTAL HEALTH: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, which would improve access to mental health services nationwide. This bill would make it easier for seniors on Medicare to get care at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. … The bill would also ensure that these specialized clinics can continue to provide quality care to patients by ensuring that they receive adequate reimbursements from Medicaid. “ READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oPMq0I
SUBSIDIES: Yesterday’s health take featured coverage of the U.S. Senate’s healthcare subsidy votes and Minnesota reactions. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4oNxdNm
WORKERS: via Rep. Ilhan Omar advisory, VERBATIM: “Representatives Ilhan Omar [and others] are introducing legislation to promote transparency and accountability for app-based workers. The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would put guardrails on digital labor platforms, including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Amazon, to ensure that automated decisions do not lead to discrimination and price-gouging, and provide transparency to workers on how their data is used.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KuSE89
IVF: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03) called out President [Donald] Trump and Congressional Republicans’ betrayal of American families after blocking critical IVF treatment expansion for military families. President Trump has called himself the ‘fertilization president’ and promised to expand IVF treatment — but Congressional Republicans are sending a [defense] bill to President Trump’s desk that fails to expand coverage of IVF treatment for military families.” MORRISON: “The brave service members who put their lives on the line for our country and our freedoms will not be able to access the care they need to grow their families if they suffer from infertility.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oVAbzD
MPLS + MSP
COUNCIL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council approved changes to an ordinance Thursday that prohibits city employees from enforcing federal immigration laws. Among other things, the new ordinance codifies the mayor’s executive order that forbids federal immigration agents from using city owned parking lots, ramps, vacant lots and garages as part of their operations. The updated ordinance also prohibits the city from entering into agreements with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MEJDd8
FLOYD SQR: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis is moving forward with a layout for George Floyd Square. On Thursday, the City Council approved the ‘flexible-open’ plan, which will keep Chicago Avenue open to traffic — including buses — but will allow for temporary closures for special events. The 9-4 vote follows a prolonged debate about the future of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aKxflS
HENN CTY: via Hennepin County Board, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, the Hennepin County Board approved a 2026 budget of $3.15 billion. It includes a net property tax levy totaling $1.13 billion, a 7.79 percent increase from 2025. Both the operating and the capital budgets are reflected in the budget and levy. The 2026 budget focuses on disparity elimination and climate action across all lines of county business and invests in programs and services. … The operating portion of the 2026 budget totals $2.78 billion, an increase of 9.0 percent or $229 million from the 2025 adjusted budget. … The capital portion of the 2026 budget totals $374 million, which is $194 million less than the 2025 adjusted capital budget.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4q3TdVk
RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Ramsey County is poised to increase its property tax levy by 9.75% for taxes payable in 2026. … The proposed budget totals $929.25 million in 2026 — a 6.57% increase from the 2025 supplemental budget of $848.5 million. The 2027 proposed budget of $968.45 million is a 4.22% increase from 2026. … About 46% of the county’s proposed budget is funded through property taxes. County officials have cited rising costs, limited revenue growth, increasing demand for services, as well as uncertainty on the federal and state level as budget pressures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MBLBej
MAPLE GROVE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The business association behind the popular Maple Grove Chalkfest will cease to exist at the end of the week, leaving the summer festival in limbo. The Maple Grove Business Association shared the news it will dissolve come Friday, December 12. Citing insufficient financial resources and support, the group says it is unable to continue operations. … City officials [are] having conversations about if there’s a way to continue Chalkfest in some capacity, but no plans are finalized yet.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/496cdgh
FOREST LAKE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Following an eight-hour meeting of the Forest Lake Area Schools board last week that failed to fill a vacancy — or accomplish other pressing board business — the board met again [this week] and narrowed the candidate list down to three. … The three candidates moving forward are Andi Courneya, Princesa Hansen and Paul Pease. Candidates Scot Doboszenski, Laura Ndirangu and Jim Smith were eliminated from consideration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pxHajd
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/46lTpIs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
KIESTER: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Residents of a small, rural town in southern Minnesota are bracing for the loss of their local grocery store at the end of the month. The Board of Directors of the community-owned Kiester Market announced Monday that the store will close Dec. 31. … Approximately 500 people reside in Kiester, which is roughly two miles from the Iowa border in Faribault County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48I8JiI
LAND: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is auctioning off [188] acres of land in rural Minnesota, with proceeds set to benefit schools across the state through the Permanent School Fund. … During the 2024-2025 school year, the fund distributed nearly $58 million to schools across Minnesota. … The minimum amount that would be generated if all four parcels [are] sold would be $300,000.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Kt7ThT
AHEAD…
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will announce a new Director of Program Integrity at 10:30 a.m. and “highlight state actions to address and prevent fraud, including hiring outside experts at WayPoint to create a statewide fraud prevention program,” per a release. BCA’s Drew Evans and DHS’s Shireen Gandhi will attend.
TODAY: via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “Twice a year, regional economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis survey construction firms to gauge the sector’s performance and overall outlook. Join Regional Outreach Director Erick Garcia Luna to discuss these and other results from the fall survey of construction firms across the Ninth District.” The virtual event is at 9:00 a.m.
TODAY: Via Citizens League, DFL Rep. Sandra Feist will host GOP Rep. Bernie Perryman for bipartisan activities in St. Anthony as part of the Minnesota Legislative Exchange. The event is at 10:30 a.m.
MONDAY: via MN Senate, VERBATIM: “On Monday, December 15, Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester) will host a Renter Roundtable event to hear from constituents about their experiences, concerns, and perspectives as renters. The event [is] from 5:30-7:00 p.m.”
TUESDAY: Special primaries will be held in House Districts 64A and 47A to determine final matchups for the special elections on Jan. 27. Candidates are seeking to replace Kaohly Her and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger after they moved to other offices.
BDAYS: Secretary of State Steve Simon, Poul Haas’ Laura Harris, DOC’s Safia Khan, fmr. Sen. Kent Eken, communication pro Maria Surma Manka SAT: Freehouse’s Jo Jo Rood, attorney Tad Jude, developer Robb Bader, attorney Tom Foley, policy pro Jeremy Drucker. SUN: White House rapid response leader Jacob Schneider, MPR’s Nina Mioni, community leader Art Rolnick, retiree Nancy Hylden
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