RIP Willard Ikola Minnesota high school hockey legend.
Gopher MBB win. Kansas plays TCU tonight.
Timberwolves in Dallas tonight
The Vikings and Coach Kevin O’Connell have agreed to a multi-year contract extension. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hmZmrx
Paisley Park is Condé Nast Traveler’s pick for Minnesota’s best museum. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/40HN07W
Will Duluth ever have a Bob Dylan museum? DNT: https://fluence-media.co/4jpYAM8
Minnesota legal experts say Donald Trump’s executive orders can’t override state law. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/40phE4y
Most Americans, 61%, remain dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in the U.S. However, the 34% who are satisfied is up from the record-low 28% recorded a year ago. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3E2w0Ah
About 2 in 10 U.S. adults favor pardoning most people who participated in the attack, according to the AP-NORC poll. A larger share — about 6 in 10 — oppose it, including half who are strongly opposed…Republicans are divided on the the issue. About 4 in 10 Republicans favor pardoning many of the Jan. 6 participants, while about 3 in 10 are opposed. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3WvK2kh
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3CqGoRN
Senate DFL Leader Erin Murphy and Senate GOP Leader Mark Johnson were both on Sunday Take to discuss fraud, co-equal governing and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42lWBCv
SPECIAL ELECTIONS: Via Star Tribune’s Briana Bierschbach, House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman said March 11 is the “most likely” date for a rescheduled special election in House District 40B, with Gov. Tim Walz expected to issue a writ on Feb. 5. The special election in Senate District 60 will still proceed on Jan. 28 as originally planned. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/40olLOm
CONTRAST: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The power struggle in the House of Representatives has produced a stark difference in levels of efficiency in Minnesota’s two legislative bodies. Senators have authored well over 400 bills, including several bipartisan efforts. Meanwhile, the half-empty House has generated 10 bills [featuring] mostly partisan priorities. Minnesota’s Supreme Court could pave the way for less dysfunction in the House with its decision in a case over what constitutes a quorum, [but] the House seems unlikely to function as normal until at least Thursday, and possibly for weeks afterward.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4jrIC41
FRAUD: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “The first bill heard — and approved — by any House committee this year addresses [fraud] and aims to provide consistency. Sponsored by Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia), HF3 would require a report by Feb. 1 each year from the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor to committees with jurisdiction over an entity subject to audit. … Legislative Auditor Judy Randall said her office conducts some follow-ups, but does not have enough staff to thoroughly ensure recommendations are met. … Approved Tuesday by the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee, the bill’s next stop is the House Ways and Means Committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PMenrc
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Two of the House GOP [anti-fraud] proposals could garner bipartisan support, at least in the Senate. Sen. Heather Gustafson, DFL-Vadnais Heights, has also proposed establishing an independent Office of Inspector General. … Asked about the GOP’s fraud proposals Tuesday, House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman said she hadn’t seen them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ef1bZ3
MORE: via a House GOP press release, VERBATIM: “House [Republicans] have introduced a series of bills aimed at curbing fraud, waste, and abuse in state programs. Representative Jim Nash (R-Waconia), Representative Ben Davis (R-Merrifield), and Representative Patti Anderson (R-Dellwood) chief-author the bills, which will each have their first hearings in the coming weeks.
● House File 3 (Nash) establishes ‘fraud notes.’ … Similar to fiscal notes, fraud notes would provide lawmakers with an evaluation of potential fraud risks before enacting new programs or policies. …
● House File 2 (Davis) strengthens fraud prevention by mandating stricter reporting requirements for state agencies and equipping them with additional tools to identify and prevent fraudulent activities. …
● House File 1 (Anderson) establishes a centralized Office of the Inspector General. … The bill consolidates agency-based inspector general offices into a unified entity, requires agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected, and mandates the creation of a fraud reporting hotline. …
The authors emphasized the urgency of addressing systemic vulnerabilities in state programs [and] called for bipartisan support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42pHOqm
TABKE: Via a House DFL press release, DFL leaders Melissa Hortman and Jamie Long held a press conference urging Republicans to guarantee that Rep. Brad Tabke (D-54A) will be seated. Notably, Long said the DFL is “ready to return to the Capitol” if Republicans agree to their terms. HORTMAN: “Tabke won on election night, he won in a recount, and he won in court. But Republicans want to kick him out and disenfranchise 22,000 Minnesotans.” LONG: “Democrats are ready to return to the Capitol right away — all we’re asking is for Republicans to honor the will of the voters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4atkjyT
MORE: Rep. Drew Roach (R-58B) tweeted this week that refusing to seat Rep. Brad Tabke (D-54A) should be something his party prioritizes this session. ROACH: “Unseating Brad Tabke should be the [House Republican caucus’s] top priority. We can't afford to settle for elections with missing ballots. … Not on my watch!” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3PJU11D
REMINDER: As reported in morning take, the GOP House Caucus does not have enough votes to unseat Tabke. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ci7oD7
PROPERTY TAX: via a Senate GOP press release, VERBATIM: “A bill authored by Senator Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) aimed at providing direct property tax relief to Minnesota homeowners received its first hearing Tuesday in the Senate Taxes Committee. The bipartisan proposal, Senate File 105, seeks to change how ROTH retirement income is defined when determining eligibility for property tax refunds, potentially increasing the amount of relief many families receive. … Under the Drazkowski proposal, approximately 11,000 Minnesota homeowners would see an average increase of $180 in their property tax refunds. The change would take effect for refunds based on property taxes payable in 2025. This would amount to $2 million in relief annually, starting in FY 2026.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/4h4egmz
SALES TAX: via a Senate DFL press release, VERBATIM: “Senator Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) said Governor Tim Walz’s proposed plan to lower the state sales tax for the first time in state history would make the system fairer, less volatile, and make Minnesota more competitive with neighboring states. … Rest, who is currently Co-Chair of the Senate Taxes Committee, said the plan modernizes the state sales tax system by recognizing the state has moved toward a service-oriented economy.” REST: “Lowering the sales tax rate for everyone and expanding the [number] of services covered by that lower rate is good tax policy. … The proposal will be part of the budget discussion as we move through the legislative session.”
SOCSECURITY: via House and Senate GOP press release, VERBATIM: “Representative Aaron Repinski (R-Winona) and Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) announced a joint effort to eliminate the state tax on Social Security benefits. The bill, introduced by Rep. Repinski in the Minnesota House and by Sen. Miller in the Minnesota Senate, aims to provide much-needed financial relief to Minnesota’s seniors by exempting Social Security income from state taxation. REPINKSKI: “Eliminating the state tax on Social Security is a common-sense step we can take to make life more affordable for our seniors,” said Rep. Repinski. “Minnesotans who have spent their lives working and paying into the system deserve to keep the benefits they’ve earned, without facing additional tax burdens in retirement.”…Currently, Minnesota is one of only nine states that taxes Social Security income. Repinski and Miller argue that eliminating this tax will not only help seniors but also make Minnesota a more attractive and affordable place to retire.”
PROTEST: A group of LGBTQ activists gathered at the state capitol yesterday to protest House Republicans over what they called a “coup attempt” in the chamber. Via a press release, VERBATIM: “On January 21st, trans and queer activists [gathered] at the Minnesota Capitol to protest the illegal power grab currently instigated by the Minnesota House Republican members. … We the transgender community of Minnesota call out this coup attempt in the Minnesota Congress for what it is: fascism coming home to the Trans Refuge State.”
MORE: via the MN House GOP War Room, VERBATIM: “Instead of showing up for work, Rep. Finke and the House DFL are collecting a taxpayer-funded paychecks while encouraging left-wing activists to disrupt committee hearings.” WATCH/SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3PKMYFV
WOLGAMOTT: via the St. Cloud Times , VERBATIM: “Benton County is taking a stand against Minnesota Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, and his DFL colleagues, who aren’t attending Minnesota House of Representatives meetings. Wolgamott told the St. Cloud Times he is joining the DFL boycott until a shared powers agreement is made between the two political parties…The county board on Tuesday approved the resolution scolding Wolgamott for his absence, saying his absence "deprives Benton County residents of their voice in critical early legislative deliberations." READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hIbnrR
LAWSUITS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday about whether the Republican-led sessions in the House are lawful. … In a newly filed response [to DFL lawsuits] Tuesday, lawyers for House Republicans said the DFL's position would create a separation-of-powers nightmare where the courts would effectively choose a presiding officer in the House. The GOP brief described it as a ‘hostile takeover’ of the Legislature's independence. … Written arguments are due Wednesday ahead of the Thursday hearing, with a swift ruling expected.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Ih3fq
MORE: A 39-page brief for the Republican House petition can be viewed online. Its four main arguments are that legislative organizing disputes should only be resolved by the legislature; the DFL lacks standing; the DFL cannot seek extraordinary-writ relief due to misconduct; and the House has a quorum under settled law. BRIEF: https://fluence-media.co/4aqS57E
ENERGY: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Sponsored by Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent), HF9 would revise a handful of provisions in state law regarding the use of renewable energy sources, and lifting the state’s moratorium on new construction of nuclear power plants is among its aims. On Tuesday, the House Energy Finance and Policy Committee approved the bill, as amended, and sent it to the House Taxes Committee. … The [bill] would also: lift restrictions on the maximum output for a hydroelectric facility to meet the renewable energy standard; delay for three years the deadline for electric utilities to meet renewable, solar or carbon-free standards; prohibit the demolition of electric generating plants powered by fossil fuels; make it state policy to support carbon capture and sequestration technologies; and expand the sales tax exemption for residential heating fuels and electricity.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WoE6tu
MORE: via a Jobs for Minnesotans press release, VERBATIM: “Jobs for Minnesotans released the following statement in response to action taken yesterday by President Donald Trump to declare a national energy emergency and unlock domestic mineral production.” STATEMENT: “Critical minerals essential to battery and renewable energy production…can be safely sourced right here in Minnesota. We urge the new administration to continue to take swift action and provide an expeditious path forward for nonferrous mining projects in our state. … There needs to be a predictable, timely and transparent permitting process that also protects the environment.”
(DISCLOSURE: Jobs for Minnesotans is a sponsor of Fluence Media)
JUDICIARY: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “There is a common refrain that public defenders are overworked and underpaid. That still holds true, says Kevin Kajer, chief administrator of the Board of Public Defense, who made the board’s 2026-27 budget request to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee Tuesday. The judicial branch budget request was also discussed. … Kajer pitched a $26.7 million 2026-27 budget increase to the committee. … The judicial branch’s request is a $112.1 million increase to operate the state’s court system in the 2026-27 biennium.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4atoMSb
PFAS: via a Senate DFL press release, VERBATIM: “Last week, Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton) met with a film crew from Japan and an Australian MP to discuss her legislation to prohibit the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. … Senator Seeberger was interviewed by a film crew from Japan about her legislation, the impact that PFAS contamination has had on the people of Senate District 41, and the ongoing clean-up efforts. The following Friday, Senator Seeberger was visited by an Australian Member of Parliament and self-described environmentalist, Cate Faehrmann, who is looking to replicate Minnesota’s global-leading efforts to protect people from the harmful consequences of these chemicals.”
LISTENING, LEARNING AND REDEFINING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS: “We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that’s informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America,” said CEO Greg Ebel of Enbridge’s approach to be the “first-choice partner” for Indigenous Nations interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Yht20R (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
CITIZENSHIP: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison today announced that he and the attorneys general of 20 states along with the City of San Francisco have sued to block President Donald Trump’s [new] executive order that purports to end birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship is guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment…[and] the Supreme Court has twice ruled that birthright citizenship extends to everyone born in the United States, including the children of immigrants, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. … Ellison and the coalition of attorneys general ask the court to invalidate the executive order and block any actions taken to implement it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WslbOo
IMMIGRANTS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Hours after President Donald Trump was sworn into office, Minnesota organizations were fielding calls about immigration. Hanne Sandison, director of the refugee and immigrant program at Advocates for Human Rights, said the executive orders signed by Trump targeting immigration are not surprising, but it has left people worried. … Sandison said it's already impacting the way immigrants go about their day — ‘being afraid to drive, or take their kids to school, or being afraid to report crimes that happen to them to the police because they don’t know who to trust.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40DyPk5
MINING: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The new Congress and Donald Trump’s return to the White House has created new opportunities for Rep. Pete Stauber when it comes to his efforts to promote copper and nickel mining on the Iron Range. … On Monday, one of the many executive orders Trump signed directed the Interior and Agriculture Departments to ‘reassess any public lands withdrawals for potential revision.’ That could affect a moratorium the Biden Administration placed on sulfide ore mining on 225,504 acres of federal land and waters. … Stauber said he plans to reintroduce his marquee bill, the Superior National Forest Restoration Act, this week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aoOuXV
BWCAW: via a Save the Boundary Waters press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U. S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) re-introduced legislation to permanently protect Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park [from] sulfide-ore copper mining. The [bill] permanently withdraws 225,504 acres of federal land and waters within the Superior National Forest, [banning] sulfide-ore copper mining in the headwaters of the Wilderness and of Minnesota’s only National Park. The bill does not restrict taconite or iron-ore mining anywhere in the State of Minnesota. … Co-sponsors [include] Reps. Kelly Morrison [and] Ilhan Omar.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g1Ryu8
CABINET: At least 25 Congressional Republicans, including Rep. Michelle Fischbach and several members of the far-right “Freedom Caucus,” have signed a letter to the leaders of the U.S. Senate calling for swift confirmations of Pres. Donald Trump’s cabinet picks. EXCERPT: “I respectfully urge my Senate colleagues to proceed swiftly with the confirmation of President Trump's executive branch nominees. … It is imperative that we do all in our power to allow President Trump to effect lasting change from day one, and that begins with the Senate’s confirmation of new leadership to federal agencies.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4hogkWy
JAN 6: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump on Monday issued a sweeping pardon for the roughly 1,500 defendants charged or convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including 15 people from Minnesota. … Pardoned Minnesotans [include] Aaron James, of Lindstrom, who was charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon, [and] Brian Mock, of Minneapolis, who was charged and convicted of assaulting four police officers. … Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer, [said] ‘This decision puts Americans at risk as these violent criminals return to their communities.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3E22rih
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A federal judge followed through on President Donald Trump’s blanket pardon…dismissing the charges Tuesday for father and son Kenneth and Caleb Fuller over their involvement in [Jan. 6]. The charges were dismissed less than 24 hours after Trump’s blanket pardon as they were in the middle of a trial in a federal district court in D.C. Kenneth and Caleb Fuller are from Cleveland, Minn.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gb5li5
PERMITTING REFORM FOR RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRIES: Jobs for Minnesotans is committed to advancing responsible industrial projects through a predictable, timely and transparent permitting process. Broad permitting reform for all responsible industries is essential to strengthening Minnesota’s communities and advancing our state’s clean energy future. (SPONSORED: Jobs for Minnesotans)
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter confirmed Tuesday that he will run for a third term in office come November. … Carter, who handily won re-election in 2021, has not made an official campaign announcement but responded to a question about his political plans during a ‘Breakfast with the Mayors’ event. … Carter said there was no ‘foreseeable future’ in which he would not run. Carter appeared alongside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for the breakfast, a longstanding New Year’s tradition for the two Twin Cities mayors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4atK1Db
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Luana Nelson-Brown, who was in charge of the city’s violence prevention department, announced her resignation this week. Nelson-Brown was appointed director of the Neighborhood Safety Department, formerly known as the Office of Violence Prevention, in 2023. … Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette informed council members on Tuesday that Nelson-Brown had accepted a new job outside the city and will be leaving her position on Saturday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gas7Xc
DOWNTOWNS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “At the ‘Breakfast with the Mayors’ event with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter…both [mayors] said revitalizing their cities’ downtowns was a key issue. Office building vacancies have become a growing problem, and developers are now looking to converting some commercial real estate to residential units. … The mayors said attracting major events to both city centers will help. They also realize they need to address the perception that downtown areas are not safe.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40pkgzo
HENN CTY: Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt spoke to WCCO Radio about her role in enforcing federal immigration laws and why she thinks it’s not part of her agency’s job. WITT: “We have not been asked [about immigration], and I anticipate we probably will. I will stand by that that is not part of our job. … We're gonna deal with it as the questions [and] the demands come, but you know what? I think we can all agree, when you look at Hennepin County and we look at the crimes that we're seeing right here, we're busy.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/40rsI0Z
POT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “As the delayed process to license legal cannabis dispensaries continues, Minnesota is trying to keep a lid on its growing illegal cannabis market. According to a 2025 report by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), the agency found more than 199 pounds of illicit cannabis flower at 134 sites from January to October of 2024. That’s around $607,000 worth of flower voluntarily destroyed by businesses upon inspection. Four business entities were fined $10,000 each in civil penalties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42m3ROI
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.-Elect Kari Rehauer
Rep.-Elect Wayne Johnson
Rep. Elect Julie Greene
Rep. Elect Keith Allen
Rep. Elect Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
POLK CTY: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Over the past five years, hundreds of people in Polk County, Minnesota, have been charged with possessing drugs in ‘drug-free zones’ despite not setting foot on those properties. … Violations of Minnesota’s drug-free zone statutes are uncommon. They make up just a sliver — about 1% — of all drug crimes charged in the state. … But things are different in Polk County, a largely rural county in the [northwest]. … Between 2019 and 2023, [there] were 1,621 drug-free zone possession charges in the entire state. Prosecutors in Polk County, home to about 0.5% of the state population, filed 40% of them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jp8BZR
STEARNS CTY: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Using Stearns County archives in 2023, students from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University found 101 racial covenants in the county. Assistant professor of history Brittany Merritt Nash says there are more…[but] limitations to the county’s database slowed the search. Nash and the researchers asked the county to share its records with the University of Minnesota’s software system to help complete the project. … The Stearns County commissioners Tuesday approved an agreement with the University of Minnesota to share records to help find racial housing covenants in the county.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ws7ZsE
AUSTIN: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A $4.3 million project to renovate and expand the iconic Paramount Theatre in Austin kicks off this week. … The far-reaching renovation project, which is scheduled to wrap up in August, will improve accessibility for both patrons and performers at the venue, which was built in 1929. Spaces that will be brought up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards include restrooms, audience seating areas, stage accesses and dressing rooms.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CrM0ez
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Following years of litigation, the fate of the Paul Robeson Ballroom and Pastoret Terrace [could] finally be coming into costly focus. On Wednesday evening, the Duluth Economic Development Authority will be asked to vote on a resolution approving a $2.13 million settlement with the former owner of the property. … If it signs off Wednesday, DEDA will be responsible for the payment of $700,000 of that sum. In turn, the Duluth City Council will be asked Monday to provide the remaining $1.43 million required to settle the case.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gdI3YS
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are 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, Rookie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: Wild About Reading SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
PHILLIPS: Former Rep. Dean Phillips spoke to WCCO Radio about his thoughts on the presidential inauguration. QUOTE: "I think we're going to see some good from this administration. I think you will address some of the issues that have been existing for some time going unaddressed, and I just hope and pray that the United States Congress, particularly my Republican colleagues, put the Constitution first, put our country first, and do their jobs." LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3CtzQ4V
CRAIG: Current Rep. Angie Craig also spoke to WCCO Radio about the presidential inauguration. QUOTE: “It is certainly important, I think, that we keep showing up. That’s what I’ve done no matter who the president is – I show up and I support them when I believe the policy is right for the Second District, and I stand up to them when I don’t.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3CijwE3
POLICE: via KNSI Radio, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota has given the group Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) the Outstanding Community Service Award. … The Minnesota Peace and Police Officers Association called the move ‘shocking and inappropriate’ for the U to partner with and award CUAPB, calling it ‘an extremist organization that spreads misleading and harmful narratives about law enforcement.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aI6uNb
ALL THE TAKES: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in your inbox and on our new website, The Daily Agenda. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets and share our web content with your friends. SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7
SESSION: House floor session at 12:00 noon. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Human Services will hear an OLA presentation on Medicaid audits. Agriculture hears info on UMN research and broadband deployment, noting that “the Walz Administration has declined the committee’s invitation to participate.” Transportation hears a bill to repeal the state’s retail delivery fee. Education Policy hears education system reforms. SENATE: Taxes will hear five bills on tax exemptions, limitations and requirements. Education Policy will hear from over a dozen school district officials discussing what they want from the legislature this year along with READ Act changes. Energy, Utilities, Environment & Climate hears presentations on the impact of data centers and nuclear energy. Jobs & Economic Dev. hears a presentation on AI. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4g6ACmo
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will interview candidates for vacancies in the Fifth Judicial District and have meetings with Minnesota Chamber of Commerce leadership and State Auditor Julie Blaha.
TODAY: via House GOP news advisory, Bill authors Rep. Jim Joy (HF 5), Rep. Wayne Johnson (HF 4), Rep. Chris Swedzinski (HF 9) will hold a news conference to highlight Republican bills making life more affordable for Minnesotans at 11:30.
TODAY: via Senate DFL news advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton) will preview a proposal to fund improvements to the City of Hastings’ water treatment plant - to be included in a 2025 bonding bill. Hastings and other cities in the Southeast Metro have been dealing with PFAS contamination, and improvements to water treatment infrastructure are critically needed.”
FRIDAY: via a DEED advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is delighted to invite you to join Governor Tim Walz, Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen at a luncheon event to honor this year’s recipients of the Governor’s International Trade Awards.” The event is at 11:30 a.m. in Bloomington. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4jdSQ8m
FRIDAY: via a VFMN advisory, VERBATIM: “Violence Free Minnesota, the statewide coalition of programs working to end relationship abuse, will host its annual Intimate Partner Homicide Memorial to honor Minnesota’s 23 confirmed victims of domestic violence homicide and 2 suspicious death victims in 2024.” The event is at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul.
JAN 28: A special election will be held to fill a legislative vacancy for Senate District 60. Note that the special election previously scheduled on this day for House District 40B has been canceled.
JAN 29: Via Jacob Frey for Our City, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will formally kick off his 2025 reelection campaign on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4h9lRjw
BDAYS: AP’s Steve Karnowski, Winthrop lobbyist Haley Cobb, fmr. Mpls City Councilor Elizabeth Glidden, KARE’s Boyd Huppert
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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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