Super Bowl week. Wild play at Boston tomorrow. Wolves host Sacramento tonight.
Canadian hockey fans audibly booed the U.S. national anthem before the Wild-Senators game Saturday. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3EvLY61
The curling national championship was Duluth versus Minneapolis, and Duluth won. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3WKkz6Z
Markets projecting lower today due to tariff announcements.
Donald Trump said his tariffs on Canada and Mexico could cause Americans “some pain,” but he is “definitely” planning tariffs for the EU as well. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/40YcePl
Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/3CHHb0Q
Morning commutes could be disrupted by snow in central Minnesota today. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3CwGW8Y
Prince was given a posthumous lifetime achievement award at the Grammy Awards. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3Ej3uud
A good read on the Democrats challenge from the New York Times. READ: https://fluence-media.co/40UHIG5
Sunday Take discusses Capitol security, what the Democrats need to do to win and further analysis of Ken Martin’s DNC chair election featuring TPT Almanac’s Mary Lahammer. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jJBIHy
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Today’s morning take on Sen. Tina Smith at the RFJ Jr. hearings WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42va37d
On Sunday Take House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and GOP Rep. Kristin Robbins about the current state of the chamber. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jLC4xF
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THIS WEEK: The Minnesota Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Thursday morning in the case brought against Sec. Steve Simon by the state House GOP, which alleges that Simon is overstepping his authority as provisional House leader by refusing to acknowledge Republican motions.
TRIAL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Three years after FBI agents raided Aimee Bock’s home and business to kickstart one of the largest fraud investigations in Minnesota history, the alleged ringleader of [Feeding Our Future] will finally get her day in court Tuesday. … Her trial will be only the second in the sprawling case. Security measures will be bolstered after last year’s trial ended with an attempted bribe of a juror. … At least 13 of the defendants who pleaded guilty have been identified as potential witnesses for the prosecution in the coming trial. … The trial is scheduled to last more than a month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40Wdlz7
DFL CHAIR: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “DFL Chair Ken Martin was chosen Saturday to lead the [DNC], opening the party chair position for the first time in nearly 15 years. … Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is throwing his support behind a longtime behind-the-scenes political operative, and the architect of the state’s same-sex marriage law, to be the state’s next DFL Party chair. Walz is endorsing Richard Carlbom, who works in his office as a deputy chief of staff, to take over as head of the party. … Others are considering a run for the job, including Alana Petersen, who has worked on the campaigns and in the offices of U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and former Sen. Al Franken. … Ron Harris, a DNC member who worked as the state campaign director for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign last fall, is also seeking the job.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hHCWBg
MORE: Rep. Angie Craig (D-2nd) also announced that she is supporting Richard Carlbom to be the next DFL chair. CRAIG: “The fight for marriage equality was literally what got me involved in politics. Richard Carlbom led the fight to engage Minnesotans where they were — and help them see us all as neighbors with the same hopes and dreams. As Chair of the DFL, he'll help us do the same with voters across our state. I'm proud to support him for DFL Chair.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3WDSnST
MORE: On Sunday, Carlbom announced he was running with a slate that includes many DFL incumbent officers.
RESPONSE: via a Rep. Rick Hansen (D-53B) post, HANSEN: “There should be a contest, not a coronation. Let candidates make their case. Ken Martin won the DNC Chair contest by methodically making his case to the DNC members. The next Minnesota DFL Chair should do the same. [It’s] what is best for [the party] for 2025 and beyond.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4hGCIKN
DNC: via NBC News, VERBATIM: “Ken Martin, the longtime leader of the state Democratic Party organization in Minnesota, will be the new Democratic National Committee chair. … He clinched a majority of the voting members on the first ballot, more than 100 votes above the second place finisher, Wisconsin Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler. … Martin said that his first priorities as chair will be looking ‘at the state of the party, the finances,’ looking at the party's ‘contracts’ and starting a ‘post-election review process.’” MARTIN: “The fight right now is against Donald Trump and the billionaires who bought this country. … I’ve always viewed my role as a chair of the Democratic Party to take the low road, so my candidates and elected officials can take the high road — meaning, I’m going to throw a punch.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42DFAUk
MORE: A full list of the newly elected DNC officers can be found on their official website. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4jK1Sdd
ANALYSIS: via Politico, VERBATIM: “[DNC] members delivered a clear message to their party’s power-brokers in picking Ken Martin as chair: They largely think billionaire donors and big-name elected officials are out of touch with the core of the base. … LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and George Soros’ Democracy PAC kicked in $250,000 each to [back] Ben Wikler for chair. … Also backing Wikler [were] Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several high-profile governors. … DNC voting members bucked them by picking Martin.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gnWmdE
MORE: Yesterday’s Sunday Take has further analysis of Ken Martin’s DNC chair election featuring TPT Almanac’s Mary Lahammer. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4jJBIHy
RESPONSE: Via Star Tribune’s Sydney Kashiwagi, Idaho DNC National Committeeman David Roth said he did not back Ken Martin for chair because he thinks Martin has not taken responsibility for the DFL’s support of Curtis Johnson, the House District 40B candidate who was not seated due to residency issues. ROTH: “They could have put any Democrat in that seat and won. And they put someone who didn’t live there. … The Minnesota Legislature, the one that you were claiming credit for…you were there to take credit when it was working, and now that it’s got a problem, it’s not your fault?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40YK2vO
MORE: via Andrew Wagner, executive director of the Minnesota House GOP, WAGNER: “Congrats to [Ken Martin] — here’s to hoping your successor is not nearly as effective as you’ve been as Minnesota DFL chair.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4hIjbth
TIEBREAKER: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Bipartisan interest is forming in the idea of changing state law to create a mechanism to break any future ties in the state House of Representatives. That could prevent another circumstance where the 134-member chamber lands in a 67-67 deadlock. … House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman [said] on the federal level, the vice president can break a tie in the U.S. Senate. ‘There’s a whole lot of things that are cropping up here that we don’t want to happen again.’ Rep. Harry Niska, R-Ramsey, said a tiebreaker is an ‘interesting conversation.’” NISKA: “I think it is worth probably having that conversation. Do we have three [representatives] for each senator so that we have an uneven number in both houses? … Maybe this experience can lead to some bipartisan agreement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CwJrYW
SECURITY: Via TPT Almanac, Senate DFL Leader Erin Murphy said in a statement that “there’s been a steady rise of threats directed at elected officials” recently, and “a dedicated team of members and leadership staff” are considering increased security measures at the Minnesota Capitol in response. Recommendations include adding metal detectors, X-ray machines and check points. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42DI4lV
MN SENATE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Over the first two weeks of the Minnesota legislative session, the Senate operated under a ‘power-sharing’ agreement because Democrats and Republicans were tied 33-33. … That’s all going to change [this] week when the DFL takes back the majority after the victory of Sen.-elect Doron Clark, DFL-Minneapolis, in a special election.” CLARK: “As I ran, I heard people say we need to work on education, we need to work on lowering the cost of housing and we need to get better at health care. … When I talk to folks across the aisle, there is this commonality of [concerns]. … There are clear spots we can work together.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42Ev7YR
2026: via news release this morning from Sen. Grant Hauschild, VERBATIM: “State Senator Grant Hauschild has announced a record-breaking fundraising total for the 2023-2024 cycle, raising an impressive $100,485 over the two-year period.”
HOUSING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s rollout of one of the nation’s first Medicaid-funded programs to help people find and keep housing has been deeply flawed, some providers warn. They say issues with the program have made it harder for them to house people and created conditions ripe for fraud. … Housing organizations have been comparing similar stories of how difficult it has been to work with the Housing Stabilization Services program since it started four years ago. Among their complaints: the monthslong process for participants to sign up, Medicaid’s complicated billing process, homeless people left to languish in the streets.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3EncqPk
KLOBUCHAR: Sen. Amy Klobuchar was interviewed by Jen Psaki on MSNBC and Brian Tyler Cohen on the No Lie podcast to discuss Pres. Donald Trump’s recent executive actions, particularly his 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. KLOBUCHAR: “This is just the latest example [of] chaos up, corruption up, and sadly, prices of eggs up. And we’re going to see more of this. … The average American family is going to have their costs increased by $1,200 for one year. [Trump] hasn’t even acknowledged that this is going to happen.” MSNBC: https://fluence-media.co/42Gr7Hk PODCAST: https://fluence-media.co/40Z3dWu
LIGHT RAIL: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Two years after the Minnesota Legislature passed the first-ever dedicated tax source for transit in the Twin Cities, hailed by advocates as a historic move to expand and support transit, a proposal deep inside Gov. Tim Walz’s budget proposal would use that regional tax to reduce state support for transit. Transit and environmental advocates who pushed for the three-quarters of a cent sales tax in the seven-county region in 2023 are not pleased.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42JUvg5
DEI: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Law School is halting the hiring of a new assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion as President Donald Trump continues to crack down on DEI in federal programs. Dean William McGeveran said he ‘had no choice but to pause the search’ for an assistant dean of DEI. McGeveran made the comments in an email on Friday. The school has spent at least the last three months searching for a new assistant DEI dean and is canceling scheduled visits for the finalists.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hHJeRq
MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “As the new federal administration ushers in a flurry of changes to [DEI], Rochester Public Schools has stepped forward to say that it is ‘staying the course’ on the commitments it has made. … Superintendent Kent Pekel released a brief statement [last] week, indicating that the district is not planning on changing the priorities that it has focused on over the last few years, although they may face increased scrutiny amid the changes in the larger political environment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jIPnyQ
RESPONSE: Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a joint statement with 11 other state attorneys general denouncing Pres. Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle diversity programs. EXCERPT: “President Trump’s executive orders are unnecessary and disingenuous. … The Trump administration has longstanding civil rights laws at its disposal to combat real discrimination, and we would be willing partners if it chose to pursue this path. Instead, the administration is targeting lawful policies and programs that are beneficial to all Americans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7H7KR
SOMALIA: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State operatives in Somalia, the first attacks in the African nation during President Donald Trump’s second term. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Saturday that the strikes by U.S. Africa Command were directed by Trump and coordinated with Somalia’s government. An initial assessment by the Pentagon indicated that ‘multiple’ operatives were killed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40DwB37
RESPONSE: Rep. Ilhan Omar shared multiple posts on her official X/Twitter account commending Pres. Donald Trump’s military action in Somalia. Omar also released her own short statement praising the attack. OMAR: “It’s my sincere hope that ISIS and Alshabab will be defeated and the people of Somalia will see an end to terrorism.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3WIeAzk
PROTEST: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Since Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, America hasn’t felt the same to Antonio Hernandez, [saying] ‘It feels very dystopian.’ Hernandez, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, joined the ranks of demonstrators in Minneapolis on Saturday to protest President Trump's immigration policies. … Supporters rallied on Minneapolis’ East Lake Street — a vibrant corridor of Mexican, Somali and other immigrant-owned businesses. … They carried signs reading ‘All are welcome here’ and ‘Immigrants Make America Great.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WIS7T0
‘MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED’ — EMPOWERMENT TRAINING OPENS PATHWAY INTO THE TRADES: Since 2019, a partnership between Five Skies Empowerment Training and Enbridge has broadened as unions, contractors and other groups look to connect Native American job seekers to meaningful careers. “They’re gonna open the door for you,” says Joel, a program graduate. “Before the 5 Skies program, I wasn’t aware there were so many opportunities,” explains Ashley. “My whole life changed,” says Melissa. Click here to submit an application, and find out more on upcoming training. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XoPg0D (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
SPENDING: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis leaders emphasized Friday what they call the ‘devastating’ impacts of President Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar hosted the morning news conference with community leaders, as well as state and local elected officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and the city's police chief, Brian O'Hara. Omar says the funding freeze could cut off ‘vital’ resources. … A federal judge issued a stay against the spending freeze until at least Monday at 5 p.m. to allow for further litigation.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42Ehp8p
MAYOR: Via Star Tribune’s Deena Winter, campaign finance reports show Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has a substantial fundraising advantage over other candidates in the 2025 mayoral race. Frey has raised $108,503 so far, while Sen. Omar Fateh has raised $49,794, Rev. DeWayne Davis has raised $36,569 and Council Member Emily Koski has raised $750. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3Q0Jkb3
MPLS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “[Minneapolis] has been accused of awarding violence prevention contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars without verifying how the funding was actually used. … Lea Lakes, deputy director of the Neighborhood Safety Department, is scheduled to deliver an update on the status of violence prevention efforts in Minneapolis during a city council committee hearing Monday afternoon. … As part of a recent legal settlement, the city will also start auditing violence interrupter groups in February.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Q0ZdOU
TARIFFS: via New York Times, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump’s [new] tariffs target countries that are major suppliers of a wide range of goods to the United States. For American families, the likely result is higher prices nearly everywhere they turn — in grocery aisles, car dealerships, electronics stores and at the pump. … All goods imported from Canada and Mexico will be subject to a 25% tariff, except Canadian energy products, which will face a 10% tariff. … Fresh produce, much of which is imported from Mexico, is one of the first categories where shoppers might notice an uptick in prices, potentially within a couple of weeks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jDWVmn
RESPONSES: Minnesota’s Democratic officials responded to Pres. Donald Trump’s tariff plan with condemnation this weekend.
● Via a Gov. Tim Walz post, WALZ: “Trump’s tariffs are a tax increase for Minnesota families, plain and simple. While Trump raises prices, I’m proposing the first sales tax rate cut in our state’s history to help Minnesotans weather the storm.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3ElF8QK
● Via a Rep. Betty McCollum post, McCOLLUM: “Whether or not you think the tariffs are good, one has to ask why Canada — our best friend and closest trading partner — is hit with a 25% tariff while our top adversary, China, faces just a 10% tariff. … All of us in the Great Lakes area will feel the impact of these tariffs more than any other part of the United States.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/3CpRjvk
● Via a Rep. Angie Craig post, CRAIG: “At a time when farmers are struggling with high input costs and Minnesotans are being crippled by the cost of gas and groceries, sweeping tariffs will make it more expensive for farmers to grow food and for consumers to buy it. Nobody wins in a trade war.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4grlAaK
● Via a state Sen. Grant Hauschild post, HAUSCHILD: “Strategic Tariffs on critical domestic interests like the steel industry make sense. Imposing import taxes on adversaries can be an important tool. But across the board tariffs on key trade allies like Canada? Minnesota gets 1/5 [of] our energy from Canada. Buckle up.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4gm6Rhn
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul City Council will meet in a closed-door session [on] Wednesday to discuss potential litigation by a former aide. Details of what’s described in a calendar notice as ‘threatened’ legal action by former city employee Jon Berry have not been disclosed. Berry, a marketing professional, worked for City Council Member Anika Bowie’s office as a legislative aide. … Bowie then terminated him, but he was rehired that same month in a lesser capacity by Council Member Cheniqua Johnson, who had recommended him to Bowie. … Bowie [published] a series of accusations against both Johnson and Berry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q1bRxa
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)
CHILDCARE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Child care providers are seeing an increase in demand as more workers return to the office. … At a center in Maple Grove, Liz Leavitt-Tofte [said] ‘We’ve started to see an uptick in inquiries [saying] ‘Hey, we’re going to have to go back to work,’ or people who were full time at home and that’s changing for them. … Sometimes we’re lucky and we have a spot we can add them in. Most of the time, that’s not the case.’ … The Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze proposal raised concerns [last] week. … ‘The thought of federal funding that exists right now ending would be catastrophic,’ said Leavitt-Tofte. ‘We need more funding as it is.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42GiL2E
EMS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A group of EMS officials from throughout the state gathered in St. Paul to highlight a need for more funding and a restructuring of systems. Erik Simonson, a lobbyist with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, an organization that lobbied for EMS funding last session, feels hopeful the Legislature will continue to fund the industry beyond a one-time infusion last year to stay afloat – even amid uncertainty with current negotiations. … EMS is one of the top priorities for the House Health Finance and Policy Committee, said Rep. Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40BeTNA
CLIMATE: via Energy News Network, VERBATIM: “A state-funded climate financing authority will begin ramping up lending in Minnesota this year after hiring its first executive director in October. The Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority…is charged with annually lending at least $25 million to stimulate clean energy development and greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects. The timing — as the Trump Administration sows chaos and confusion around federal grant funding — is coincidental, but could help some projects withstand the uncertainty.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WMiZBh
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)
METRO: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Brightly colored banners on Richfield street lights remind drivers there’s a new speed limit in town: ‘Slower is scenic. Richfield drives 25.’ The 5 mph decrease in speed limits on residential streets took effect in June, when Richfield joined other metro-area cities, from Minneapolis and St. Paul to Bloomington, Victoria and New Brighton, pushing drivers to slow down. Now Farmington is also considering changes; this month its City Council asked staff to look into the cost of studying the southern suburb’s speed limits. … Research from the University of Minnesota found St. Louis Park drivers slowed down an average of 1 to 2 mph after the city lowered its default speed limit to 20 mph.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aIAIzk
EDINA: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Buyer's market? Seller's market? The Edina real estate scene seems to be neither at the moment, as evidenced by the closing of the city's longtime down-payment assistance initiative. The ‘Come Home 2 Edina Mortgage Program,’ which since the 1980s has sought to help families purchase homes in the city, stopped accepting applications on Friday and is officially suspended ‘due to funds running out.’ The reason? Not enough people willing to list their homes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42JYeu5
OLMSTED CTY: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The History Center of Olmsted County is looking to St. Paul to help bolster its future. … Legislation has already been submitted asking for $850,000 from the state’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to support continued rehabilitation of the George Stoppel farmstead on the northern portion of the grounds. … State Sen. Liz Boldon, DFL-Rochester, said the request is expected to be followed by a $3 million capital investment bill, which would help the Stoppel farm, as well as efforts to upgrade the History Center. … Rep. Tina Liebling, DFL- Rochester, said she plans to submit a similar request when the House is officially reconvened.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hj5bqp
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 Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
H-2A: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Aaron Brand, [the] owner and operator of Brand Farms in Farmington, Minn., says these days, it’s been harder to find labor. … Brand is one of about 400 farmers in Minnesota who currently depend on the H-2A visa worker program, [which] allows him to hire temporary migrant workers from southern Mexico to help with operations. … Amid widespread changes to immigration policies, the program so far remains unaffected by President Donald Trump’s recent orders and reforms.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42DbSiy
CONVICTIONS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Experts estimate between 6% and 15% of [convicts] are wrongfully convicted. … Marvina Haynes and families of loved ones wrongfully incarcerated gathered at the Capitol in St. Paul on Jan. 24 to tell their stories. Marvina Haynes organized the event, and her brother Marvin Haynes was one of the speakers. He was accused of a murder in 2004 when a man attempted to rob a family-run flower shop in north Minneapolis and shot and killed one of the family members who walked in on the scene.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4hugtHY
STRIKE: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Nurses at Essentia Health Sandstone could go on strike soon. Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) leaders voted to authorize a possible strike Wednesday night, saying their ongoing contract talks with hospital leaders continue to stall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hzKqGw
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 3:30 p.m. Senate floor session at 11:00 a.m. HOUSE: Due to a Supreme Court ruling, there are still no House committee meetings scheduled. SENATE: Education Policy will hear presentations on student attendance and truancy. Jobs & Economic Dev. hears a presentation from Explore Minnesota. Judiciary & Public Safety hears bills on political contribution refunds, firearm storage units and fentanyl. Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband & Rural Dev. hears a change to paid leave. Human Services will hear bills on medical assistance. Transportation hears fines for violating school bus stop arm laws. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/3EkZoC1
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will speak at Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Minnesota State Capitol. Later, he will meet with leadership from the Lower Sioux Indian Community, White Earth Nation, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
TODAY: via news advisory from the Senate POCI Caucus, VERBATIM: “On Monday, February 3, members of the Senate POCI Caucus will hold a press conference to announce their legislative priorities for the 2025 session. Members will highlight fundamental principles that will guide their work on the 2025-26 budget and highlight individual bills that serve the needs of POCI communities.”
TODAY: via news advisory from House GOP, Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, Deputy Leader Harry Niska, R-Ramsey will hold a news availability at 2PM.
TODAY: Black business owners will host Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Minnesota Capitol today. Via KSTP, House DFLers will not be in attendance, but Rep. Betty McCollum will attend. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/40FLzFS
WEDNESDAY: via a POCI Caucus advisory, VERBATIM: “From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., members of the Minnesota House People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus will hold a community town hall. The event will focus on the unprecedented start of the 2025 legislative session and how the actions of the House GOP will [affect] historically underserved communities.”
FRIDAY: The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is hosting a webinar to discuss the latest results from its annual survey of manufacturers, which is conducted in partnership with MN DEED. The virtual event is at 9:00 a.m.
MARCH 6: Minnesota Management and Budget announced that the next state budget forecast will be released on Thursday, March 6. In a press release, MMB said “the February forecast announcement is scheduled about a week later than usual this year due to a later-than-usual release of key federal employment data.”
BDAYS: WCCO Radio’s Sheletta Brudidge, Jax Café’s Bill Kozlak, fmr. Rep. Phil Krinkie, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, fmr. Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon, fmr. Mpls Councilor Gary Schiff, fmr. Sen. Al DeKruif
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