TEMPO TUESDAY
Twins open in Baltimore on Thursday.
Wild at Lightning tonight.
Bruce Springsteen will perform at St. Paul’s “No Kings” rally on Saturday.
Niche ranked Minnesota the 9th best state to live in, with Falcon Heights as the state’s best city to live in. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3PpCkrj
ICE agents are now deployed to at least 14 airports, but MSP Airport is not one of them. CNN: https://fluence-media.co/3PupWWW
Markwayne Mullin confirmed as the new DHS Secretary.
Senate GOP Leader John Thune privately supports funding ICE and the rest of DHS separately to end the shutdown, but the president wants Republicans to keep fighting. PUCK: https://fluence-media.co/3NYqB2q
I’ll be with the MN Municipal Utilities today, and at the Ag Day Gala tonight. See you there.
ICYMI yesterday in lunch take several stories about Minnesota’s economy including the State of Rural report and a reversal of new business starts in Minnesota. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/3NCgpwA
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take featured GOP Rep. Jon Koznick and DFL Sen. Scott Dibble discussing transportation in Minnesota. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4t1X5aP
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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 ISSUES
CAR TABS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “If you have a newer car, you may be in for some sticker shock when you renew your Minnesota license tabs. That’s because the formula for calculating fees has changed due to a 2023 bill. … The new formula means the average driver paid $178 in registration taxes this year — a 20% increase. … GOP state Sen. John Jasinski has a bill to roll back the changes [that] is moving forward in the GOP-controlled House, but it’s stalled in the state Senate.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4tppHeH
SMALL BIZ: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate advanced a measure through committee on Monday that would offer financial relief to small businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge by establishing a new grant program totaling $100 million. The DFL-led Jobs and Economic Development Committee voted to move the bill forward for possible inclusion in a larger bill later this session. Sponsored by DFL Sen. Susan Pha of Brooklyn Park, the measure would determine grant recipients through a lottery system along with competitive bidding for businesses that aren’t selected initially.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uS50ti
SAFETY: via news release from Rep. Keith Allen, VERBATIM: “Legislation authored by Rep. Keith Allen to close a dangerous loophole in student transportation safety passed the Minnesota House this afternoon with a commanding 133 - 0 vote. The bill is the first of the session that has passed both chambers and will therefore be sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law….The bill updates state law to require vehicles to stop for a school bus once its red lights begin flashing, closing a previously allowed loophole that inadvertently protected reckless drivers and put students at risk. This change ensures clearer expectations for drivers and stronger protections for students as they get on and off the bus. ALLEN: “This is a straightforward fix to a serious safety issue,” said Rep. Allen. “Students should never be put at risk on their way to school because of a gap in the law. This bill makes sure drivers know exactly when they need to stop and helps keep kids safe.”
FRAUD TALKS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz put a series of fraud fighting proposals on the table last week as part of his supplemental budget, and now the work begins on compromises with the Legislature. … Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, [said] she supports the Office of Inspector General bill passed by the Minnesota Senate last year over what the governor is proposing. ROBBINS: ‘We have an independent inspector general with law enforcement powers. … What they want is an appointed by the governor inspector general without all the law enforcement authority.’ … [But] there is one area of agreement when it comes to spending money to upgrade county computer systems.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4suVaf6
MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The chair of the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee says the amount of money in cash passing [internationally] through the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has risen dramatically over the past 25 years, from $70 million in 2000 to well over $300 million per year now. ‘We are an outlier as a state in terms of the amount of cash leaving our airport,’ says Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove. … The chief of the Metropolitan Airports Police Department said they are aware of all the cash passing through the airport, but it’s up to the federal government to monitor.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rPAugQ
HEMP: via MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville) led the Senate in a 41-26 vote to pass legislation helping low-dose hemp consumable businesses continue their operations (HF 3615). The bill would push a 2026 deadline for in-state testing requirement to May 31, 2027, allowing these businesses to continue using qualified out-of-state testing facilities.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4dF0uIg
(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a client of Fluence Advisory)
A new level of insight and information….
SESSION
CARECENTERS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “ the Minnesota Department of Human Services was months late in seeking federal approval to pay each nursing home employee at least $19 an hour, with many workers entitled to more based on their nursing license… All that explanation you just read means that if the Tim Walz administration wanted to do all they could to make sure the wage floor went into effect as intended, they would have submitted their request for federal approval at least 120 days before Jan. 1, which was Sept. 3…Instead, the Department of Human Services, which runs Minnesota Medicaid and so is responsible for such federal petitions, submitted the request Jan. 9 of this year….DHS officials apologized and said it was an honest mistake. Meanwhile, a DHS spokesperson said they have “not heard any substantive feedback” on their request from federal officials.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Vd9iO
(DISCLOSURE: The Long-Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence Advisory)
MORTICIANS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is one of only four states across the country that requires a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science to practice, a requirement Rep. John Huot (DFL-Rosemount) says is exacerbating a workforce shortage. He sponsors HF84 to establish a mortuary science licensure compact to allow morticians who have practiced in states that don’t require four-year degrees to practice in Minnesota. The bill was laid over Monday by the House Health Finance and Policy Committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bEAj1J
POLL: PUBLIC WORRIES AS PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS REACH NEW HIGH, HARMING PATIENTS AND SAFETY NET HOSPITALS: Despite bipartisan attempts to lower the cost of drugs, a growing majority of Americans are worried about being able to afford prescription drugs, and majorities across parties want the government to do more to regulate prices, a new KFF Health Tracking Poll finds. At the same time, drug prices in Minnesota have increased, on average, more than 37% over the past five years — three times the rate of inflation on medical goods. With 30% of Minnesota’s hospitals operating in the red, immediate relief from the world’s highest drug prices is critical. Lawmakers should pass HF 3609/SF 3769 this session and stop drug companies from robbing resources from rural and safety net hospitals that Minnesotans rely on every day. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3P6gitA (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
RAIL LINES: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Sponsored by Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park), [HF3176] would require the state to apply to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program for planning and development of two intercity passenger rail corridors that would originate in St. Paul — one line ending in Kansas City, Missouri, the other in Fargo, North Dakota. It would appropriate $1 million in General Fund dollars for the purpose. … [But] the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee derailed it, as amended, on a split-voice vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NZJl1z
EGGS: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Rep. Andrew Myers (R-Tonka Bay) [sponsors] HF3579, which would permit eggs past their quality assurance date to be donated to and distributed by charitable food assistance programs. MYERS: ‘Hunger relief organizations face increasing demand, [but] safe, nutritious eggs are being discarded due to date labeling restrictions here in Minnesota.’ … The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee approved the bill Monday on a voice vote. Its next stop is the House Floor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bEAI4f
CHAVEZ: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota House unanimously passed a repeal Monday of César Chávez Day after sexual abuse allegations surfaced against the late civil rights icon. … The bill passed the House 129-0 [with] little discussion after lawmakers sidestepped the committee process, citing urgency with March 31 quickly approaching. It’s not yet clear when the Senate will take up the bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40UGb22
YOUR NEIGHBORS RIDE ATVs: From the Twin Cities to the Iron Range, thousands of Minnesotans own and ride ATVs. They are families, veterans, teachers and small business owners who rely on Minnesota’s trail system for recreation, tourism, and economic activity. ATV riders aren’t just “up north” — they live in the Twin Cities metro area, and they care deeply about maintaining safe, well-managed trails. As the legislature considers trail policy, funding, and land-use decisions this session, ask them to support Minnesota’s ATV community and the outdoor opportunities they value. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4u4dGw9 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
STATE STUFF
SENATE RACE: GOP Senate candidate Michele Tafoya discussed why she’s running, abortion policy in Minnesota and more during an interview on the Political Pitchforks podcast, hosted by former state Rep. Jeremy Munson. TAFOYA: “I’ve been concerned about the fragility of our country, number one, and then watching a state that I moved to and fell in love with many, many moons ago consistently in decline over the last 10 years or so. … Even in sports, I started to see politics pulling us apart, and that made me sad.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3PpJko5
NODAK: GOP Senate candidate Royce White is scheduled to speak to the North Dakota State GOP convention.
ELECTIONS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “An election judge in northern Minnesota’s Hubbard County pleaded guilty to a felony Monday for allowing 11 unregistered people to vote in November 2024. … The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office said in a statement [that] his actions were caught immediately. Officials in the office said they are unaware of any other instance of an election judge knowingly allowing people to vote without registering. … He is prohibited by the county from serving in that role again.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PrSkcs
CAPITOL: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Weapons screening at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul has been ‘running smoothly’ since it started last month, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Over 61,000 visitors have been screened by troopers and security officers at Capitol entrances. … The state patrol says 28 prohibited items have been turned away at checkpoints and 283 permit-to-carry holders have been verified by officials.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dFJWQr
TIKTOK: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that Minnesota has prevailed against TikTok’s attempt to dismiss Minnesota’s lawsuit against the social media platform. … Ellison sued TikTok for ensnaring young users into cycles of harmful, excessive use of its app through design features that prey on young people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40LBlEl
WASHINGTON
SCOTUS: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Prosecutors will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review a local attempted murder conviction that was overturned by the state’s appeals courts. In a rare move, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is seeking to have the nation’s highest court intervene in the Duluth case of Seneca Warrior Steeprock. … Still, it’s a long shot for any case to be heard. The Supreme Court receives approximately 7,000-8,000 petitions every year and grants review in only about 80.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Po9I1H
USDA: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in suing the Trump Administration over its [new] conditions on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, grants, cooperative agreements and mutual interest agreements. … Ellison and the coalition assert that USDA has threatened harsh penalties if states do not comply with the agency’s vague and expansive funding conditions relating to immigration, diversity, equity and inclusion, and gender identity, which are unrelated to the purpose of USDA funding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lN6Uap
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)
MISC.
CONSTRUCTION: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Many builders were afraid to go to work during Operation Metro Surge as federal agents targeted construction sites, delaying projects across the Twin Cities. … While winter is usually a slow season for construction, some contractors and union representatives say they’re worried immigration arrests and subsequent fear among workers will cause a labor shortage and delays on projects this spring and summer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NDc6B6
INMATES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Eden Prairie-based Anagram International pulled nearly $3 million of business from work programs at Minnesota prisons, leaving hundreds of inmates without a source of income or the opportunity for more time outside of their cells. The company employed more than 700 people to package balloons. … The change will reduce work hours for about 600 inmates at correctional sites in Faribault, Shakopee, Stillwater and Oak Park Heights. It will eliminate all 160 Anagram jobs at Rush City.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sw6Z4V
MOOSE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s once-beleaguered moose population continues to hold steady at nearly 4,500 animals, according to the most recent population survey released this week by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. After peaking at around 8,800 moose in 2006, the animal’s population in the northeastern part of the state crashed to an estimated low of about 2,800 animals in 2013. But since then, Minnesota’s moose population appears to have leveled off.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4soBMjW
LOCAL
MPLS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Community leaders are calling on the Minneapolis City Council to override Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto of the ‘Pause Evictions, Save Lives’ ordinance. … This push comes as legal advocates report an 87% surge in rental-aid requests and record-breaking eviction filings following the federal surge of immigration enforcement. … Frey told WCCO Radio’s Chad Hartman why he vetoed the ordinance and [prefers] emergency rental assistance.” FREY: “The reason that I am against the eviction moratorium pause is that we’ve tried it before and it didn’t work.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3NGnf3W
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “When the city of St. Paul asked the public to approve a new 1% sales tax to fund parks and roads, it listed specific facilities the tax would support. … The city [later] added two priorities to its laundry list of ‘Common Cent’ projects in February 2024, quickly drawing a lawsuit from Peter Butler. … On Monday, the Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed a pre-trial judicial decision in the lower court that would have blocked Butler’s lawsuit from proceeding. … The decision finds the lower court erred when it determined that lawmakers had ‘broadened the scope’ of the projects on which the city could use its [funds].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sW5I6M
ANOKA-HENN: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools are planning another round of budget cuts, and parents say this time, the reductions will be felt in student support services. … The district is planning $8.1 million in cuts and 75 position reductions. The district said those cuts include six school counselors, 26 social workers and other employees who work in classrooms and with technology across the district.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47lX6hH
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)
STATEWIDE
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A proposed three-month program to provide an extra hour of free parking for Rochester Public Library users is expected to start in June. While Minneapolis-based MSR Design recommended a six-month pilot program, [but] RPL Director Karen Lemke said limited funding led to scaling back the effort. ‘It’s unclear how many people will actually use the additional validation,’ she said, noting the six-month effort was estimated to cost $95,000 to $165,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uL6KnU
RICE LAKE: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Power is eyeing a plot of land near the Duluth International Airport as the site of its new service center. The new Rice Lake facility would replace the utility’s Herbert Service Center [in] Duluth. … Some construction activity could begin by next year and ramp up in a few years, [but] the project — estimated at between $75 million and $100 million — will likely not be completed until 2032.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41kTM2O
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)
BRAINERD: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “When liquids [make] their way through garbage at the landfill, it is contaminated, collected and given a new name — leachate. The leachate is collected in ponds and later sprayed on fields. … Crow Wing County commissioners heard the cost to treat leachate is expected to rise for the county following changes from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. … Crow Wing County is one of about five counties in the state that applies leachate to land, [but] in 2024, the MPCA gave the county five years to come up with a solution to get rid of PFAS.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47giwge
CRITICAL MARKETS FOR MINNESOTA: via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers export hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of corn, ethanol, and dried distillers grains (DDG) to Canada and Mexico each year. Those exports support consumers in those countries and account for thousands of Minnesota jobs and over $1 billion in economic activity. That’s why the Minnesota Corn Growers Association supports a full renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the landmark trade agreement that modernized North American agricultural trade.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
LOOKING AHEAD…
SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Human Services will hear Medical Assistance prepayment review requirements. State Govt. hears the OIG bill. Judiciary & Civil Law hears multiple bills on data privacy. Taxes will hear a sales tax exemption on school supplies. Environment & Natural Resources will hear bills on permitting efficiency and PFAS rules. Children & Families will hear bills on SNAP and childcare costs. SENATE: Health & Human Services will hear several new requirements for Medical Assistance providers. State & Local Govt. hears a repeal of Cezar Chavez Day and a ban on NDAs for elected officials. Elections will hear its policy omnibus. Higher Education hears a bill on children’s saving accounts for college. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4szCpY4
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will visit a business in honor of Women’s History Month and attend the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Day on the Hill. Later, he will meet with Sutter Health leadership, attend the IBEW Day on the Hill, and meet with ARB Interactive leadership.
TODAY: The Upper Midwest Law Center will hold a press conference announcing a new legal challenge to the 2024 omnibus bill, alleging in a release that the bill’s “key labor and employment mandates” violated the state constitution’s Single Subject Clause. The event is at 9:00 a.m.
TODAY: MN Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (MNASCA) will host its “Day at the Capitol” on Tuesday, March 24.
FRIDAY: The Minnesota Legislature has its 1st and 2nd deadlines on Friday, March 27, both at 5:00 p.m. Most bills that have not received favorable action by this time will be considered dead, with exceptions for major finance bills and budget-related committees. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4skPm7Q
FRIDAY: The Minnesota Legislature will be on break for Easter and Passover starting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Lawmakers will resume their work on Tuesday, April 7.
SATURDAY: National protest groups will host a flagship “No Kings” rally in St. Paul on Saturday, March 28. Speakers will include Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, DFL Rep. Shelley Buck and numerous celebrity activists and union leaders. Organizers will livestream the event nationwide. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4bxA3l3
MARCH 31: via MDA advisory, VERBATIM: “Network with agricultural leaders at the 28th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference (WALC) on Tuesday, March 31 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This year’s WALC theme, ‘Local Leadership: Global Impact,’ will focus on developing and uplifting women in agriculture.”
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.