TUESDAY START
Wolves at Lakers tonight. Wild host Utah.
Total attendance at the Boys’ Hockey State Tournament was a record high 140,846. MSHSL: https://fluence-media.co/4sB1LV4
Lake Placid is considering another bid to host the Olympics.
The Minnesota Senate held a moment of silence in memory of Nicole Amor, who was posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/3N8JJKU
Pew has a major survey on caregiving impact on families. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/47BcqH7
A nice drive to St. Cloud today for CentraSota’s meeting this morning. Might mean a stop at Nelson’s for treats. If you’re looking for a summer conference speaker or moderator, the schedule is filling up. bloisolson@gmail.com
Happy National Blueberry Popover day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take discussed the state of Minnesota’s workforce with MN Chamber’s Sean O’Neil and Doug Loon, UMN Pres. Rebecca Cunningham, MSU Chancellor Scott Olson and UST Pres. Rob Vischer. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bxGdmo
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker. https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
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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/
FRAUD FIX?
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz and DHS Commissioner Shireen Gandhi will announce plans to “transform Minnesota’s human service system to strengthen program integrity and improve how services are delivered,” per a release. The event is at 11:45 a.m.
INTEGRITY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “After six weeks or so on the job, Minnesota’s Director of Program Integrity Tim O’Malley on Monday morning told the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight committee that his work was coming to an end soon. … O’MALLEY: ‘I plan to stay around and provide some advice, to work with some of the committees, and to help with the transition for whoever it is that will be the monitor and oversight person.’ … Rep. Kristin Robbins, the Republican chair of the House Fraud Prevention Committee, [said] ‘I was stunned. When his appointment was announced, we were under the impression he was staying through the end of the Walz Administration.’” O’Malley told reporters he thinks he should be quickly replaced. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ln1ym0
DHS: Via House Session Daily, longtime Dept. of Human Services employee Faye Bernstein told the House fraud committee yesterday that DHS leadership allegedly retaliated against her for questioning “contract irregularities” when distributing benefits. BERNSTEIN: “I was locked out of the building. I was banned from all DHS owned and licensed property. … I do not see how we can come through this without a massive change at the Department of Human Services in our leadership. There just really simply has to be firings. … The need to retaliate against people like me is so ingrained.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lqdrI2
UPGRADES: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers are looking at more anti-fraud measures this week, including updating decades-old county technology used to administer Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Several Association of Minnesota County employees testified Monday, March 9, before the House Ways and Means Committee, asking for an update to the 1989 technology used to administer several social service programs. … Technology updates in the name of fraud oversight have strong bipartisan support. What complicates the updates is the price tag. … Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services Tarek Tomes gave a rough estimate of ‘north of $500 million’ to lawmakers on Monday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NfimPg
MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A wholesale [upgrade] could increase the short-term pain to enrollees and civil servants as information gets lost in the transition. [GOP Rep. Paul] Torkelson noted that prior attempts to update systems, like when the Legislature allocated $300 million in 2023, have not really helped in the short or long term. ‘The history of system modernization in the state is bumpy at best,’ Torkelson said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dcV8np
BILLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Ideas to combat fraud in state programs are piling up in the early weeks of the legislative session, [but] in a narrowly divided Legislature during a contentious midterm election year, it’s unclear which proposals will succeed with a House and Senate that’s short on time and dollars. … Democrats plan to prioritize decreasing privatization, while Republicans want more oversight power for legislators. But all sides seem to agree on some basics.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4blbqrV
BUSES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate on Monday unanimously approved a bill that clarifies when motorists are required to stop for school buses. … If the bill becomes law, drivers will be required to stop at least 20 feet from any school bus displaying flashing red lights, regardless of whether the stop arm is extended.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3MWJ9zQ
TICKETS
TICKETS: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The Justice Department touted a tentative settlement of its antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment on Monday as a victory for consumers that would end an illegal monopoly over live events in America, but over two dozen states planned to keep fighting the companies in court. … Now, states will be left to press claims that Live Nation was squelching competition and driving up prices for fans. … The trial would resume next week [for] states unwilling to settle, [including] Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b5XstC
RESPONSE: via Live Nation, VERBATIM: “Today marks a major step in improving the concert experience for artists and fans throughout the United States. Live Nation is proud to lead the way enhancing this experience with our amphitheaters, which will be open to all promoters, allowing these promoters to decide how best to distribute up to 50% of the tickets, and capping ticketing service fees at 15%. By giving artists greater flexibility in choosing their promotional partners and ticketing strategy while also keeping the cost of a concert more affordable for fans, we are putting more power where it should be – with artists and fans,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment.”
MORE: Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that Minnesota’s case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster will continue, joined by the attorneys general of 26 other states and DC, despite a federal settlement. ELLISON: “Unfortunately, the Department of Justice’s settlement with Live Nation does very little to actually change the status quo and stop the harms being done. … While the federal government may be ready to throw in the towel, I am not. I will be working with partner states to continue this litigation in order to hold Live Nation accountable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4d7EA04
RESPONSE: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar statement, KLOBUCHAR: “The only way to make live events truly affordable and competitive for fans, artists, and venues is to break up Live Nation. … I am glad state attorneys general of both parties are already standing against this deal and pledging to continue the case to protect consumers. It is also troubling that the Justice Department settled this case less than a month after ousting the head of the Antitrust Division.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4byVqDR
A new level of insight and information….
SESSION
DENTISTS: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota is working to tackle a growing shortage of dentists in the state, particularly in rural areas, and it’s requesting a substantial investment into its dental school from Minnesota lawmakers to help meet the demand… HASTINGS: “In Minnesota, 160 dentists are retiring annually, and we’re graduating about 120 dentists. Not all of them stay in Minnesota,” said Dr. Angela Hastings, the school’s director of community outreach and engagement. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dcDm3y
PRICING: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers in Minnesota are proposing restrictions on a specific AI tool known as ‘surveillance pricing’ that sets prices based on consumer information. DFL Rep. Emma Greenman sponsors a bill in the Minnesota House that would ban the practice of surveillance pricing. A Democratic colleague, Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, is carrying a bill that would specifically ban surveillance pricing in retail and grocery settings. … The fate of these specific bills in Minnesota’s divided legislature remains murky, [but] Republicans were not outright against the idea of banning surveillance pricing.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sAYIw8
AI: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota senators weighed a variety of new guardrails on artificial intelligence companies on Monday, including one that would create a new penalty for firms that allow their chatbot technologies to be used by minors. … Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, [introduced] five bills during a Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee hearing that were held for additional workshopping later. Some had bipartisan backing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dcnuhy
ELECTRONIC ID: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Sponsored by Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee), HF1335 would authorize electronic versions of driver’s licenses and Minnesota identification cards. On Monday, the panel that Tabke co-chairs – the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee – discussed the bill, as amended and amended again, before it ultimately failed on a voice vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4riuz3x
APPEALS COURT REJECTS PHRMA’S ATTACK ON MINNESOTA’S CONTRACT PHARMACY PROTECTIONS: A recent Minnesota Court of Appeals decision upheld the state’s 340B contract pharmacy law — a win for rural and underserved communities. The 340B program allows eligible hospitals to purchase outpatient drugs at reduced prices so they can reinvest in 24/7 access to local health care. Still, many drug companies are not complying with Minnesota law, denying these essential savings to hospitals and the communities that rely on them. Legislators have an opportunity to protect access to affordable health care across Minnesota by supporting SF 3769 and HF 3609, which ensure that 340B is protected and enforced. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4bwC3v9 (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
TABS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault) [has] authored a bill this session to revert license tab fees to pre-2023 levels. … Democrats say the higher fees are necessary to raise revenue for roads and bridges because gas tax revenue is declining. … So far, Jasinski’s bill hasn’t been scheduled for a hearing.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Ntbyxu
TAXES: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A key state leader dealing with Minnesota taxes says she’s not onboard with efforts to exempt state tax on tips or offering state subsidies for professional sports teams’ stadium upgrades. House Taxes Committee Co-chair Aisha Gomez, DFL-Minneapolis, [said] she views the effort to exempt taxes on worker tips as an ‘expensive gimmick’ that wouldn’t impact many Minnesota workers. … Gomez also suggested that she would not be supportive of efforts to get state money to help with improvements for Minnesota’s pro sports team stadiums.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ddJ6tT
PROPTAXES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Should voters have final say on whether their property taxes increase? There’s an effort at the Capitol to make that happen. KREUN: “I do believe in local control, but we’re at a crisis mode here when it comes to property taxes,” Senator Mike Kreun (R-Blaine) said about his proposal. “I’ve been hearing a lot about it from my constituents,” Sen. Kreun said…He wants local governments to make their pitch to voters for any property tax increase higher than the rate of inflation, and a bit more for growing cities and counties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4syKxaN
MINNESOTA’S ATV RIDERS ARE YOUR CONSTITUENTS: Last September, hundreds of riders joined the ATV Minnesota President’s Ride — families, veterans, small business owners, and volunteers from across the state. They represent thousands of Minnesotans who responsibly use and maintain Minnesota’s ATV trail system. As decision makers evaluate trail policy, funding, and land-use decisions this session, we invite you to hear directly from the people they represent. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4u4dGw9 (SPONSORED: ATV Minnesota)
CAMPAIGN 2026
SENATE RACE: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan spoke to WCCO-TV about her Senate campaign and what she thinks of Rep. Angie Craig’s admission last week that she regrets voting for the Laken Riley Act as immigration becomes a central issue in the DFL primary. FLANAGAN: “My opponent was the only [Minnesota Democrat] who voted for it. I appreciate that she regrets the vote, but I also think we are in a time where we deserve leaders who vote their values all of the time.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ulLGEg
MORE: DFL Sen. John Hoffman endorsed Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s campaign for U.S. Senate. Via a statement, HOFFMAN: “I’ve spent my career focused on stabilizing children and families. That’s what matters to Minnesota. I know what real leadership looks like and Peggy Flanagan embodies that.”
(DISCLOSURE: Fluence provides media support for the Hoffman family related to the assassination attempt)
13A: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “A fourth candidate has announced his intention to succeed Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, as the representative for Minnesota District 13A. Eden Lake Township resident Arlis Sayler, a retired agricultural engineer and project manager, announced his candidacy on Monday. … His campaign platform, according to the release, includes working on rural health care [and] restoring public safety and local control.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Nvrorr
SD26: Republican Cherie Johnson announced that she received the GOP endorsement in Senate District 26. Her campaign’s list of priorities include fighting fraud, keeping state budgets “in check” and ending “oppressive taxes and mandates.” QUOTE: “I will serve the people of District 26 with integrity, open communication, prayer, and relentless hard work.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4lmOA7O
SD20: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “In the GOP stronghold of Senate District 20 — with its accompanying House Districts, 20A and 20B — roughly 170 delegates [have] selected state Rep. Pam Altendorf to run again for the seat she currently holds, House District 20A; state Rep. Steve Jacob to replace state Sen. Steve Drazkowski — who is not running for re-election — in Senate District 20; and newcomer Sara Bertschinger to take Jacob’s current seat, House District 20B.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lmOOMc
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)
CONGRESS
IRAN: Rep. Tom Emmer spoke to CNBC about Iran and gas prices this week. Although Pres. Donald Trump has referred to the situation in Iran as a “war” on several occasions — most recently in a Times of Israel interview — some Congressional Republicans argue that the Iran conflict is not a true war, with Emmer calling it a “short-term experience” yesterday. EMMER: “This is a short-term experience. … This is a very focused approach to eliminate their offensive capabilities. Yes, there are going to be some temporary effects on our domestic economy, but as soon as this is taken care of, those prices will tumble.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4sxT11Z
MORE: via Axios, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump said the war with Iran will be over ‘very soon’ but made clear it will not happen this week. … ‘It is going to be ended soon, and if it starts up again, [Iran] will be getting hit even harder,’ Trump said. … Some U.S. officials think Trump’s comments are aimed at calming the stock markets in the U.S. and around the world, which were shaken by the war.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lq85MW
FED FUNDS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “There’s a court hearing scheduled this week in the state’s case aiming to prevent the federal government from freezing Medicaid funding. … District Court Judge Eric C. Tostrud will consider a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on Thursday morning.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ddJ6tT
IMMIGRATION: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “[As of] Monday, people facing deportation have less time to file an appeal if they disagree with an immigration judge’s ruling. It went from 30 days down to 10. There will no longer be an automatic review. Advocates call it a rapid loss of due process. It’s just one of the rules immigration court observers say they’re seeing changed.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bkS469
ISSUES
COURTHOUSES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “For the second time in two years, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson has declined to issue an order setting limits on how federal agents carry out immigration enforcement in and around state courthouses, citing a lack of constitutional authority and potential conflict from being ‘perceived as taking a stand on a political issue.’ … She added that while she was concerned about disruptions in courthouses, the judiciary could not be seen as stepping into a political debate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uzOWfE
POT: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Today, Governor Tim Walz and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced the signing of a new Tribal-state cannabis compact [with] the Lower Sioux Indian Community. … To date, the state has signed compacts or cooperative agreements with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, the Prairie Island Indian Community, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, and the White Earth Nation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bgYT8K
MSU: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Replacing outdated software essential to everything from payroll to class registration at the Minnesota State school system has cost $48 million more than initially approved and is four years behind schedule. … The cost increases and delays aren’t the only aspects of the project that have drawn scrutiny. Employees say they struggle with the new system daily and even had to prepare budgets by hand or with spreadsheets last year. If the project’s second phase — aimed at technology students will use — is as clunky as the first, administrators and faculty fear that some students, especially those facing obstacles, could become too frustrated and won’t sign up.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sskn9y
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)
METRO
MPLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Housing advocates in Minneapolis are urging Mayor Jacob Frey to sign a measure giving tenants more time to catch up on rent before facing eviction. The City Council passed the measure last week. It requires landlords to give tenants 60 days’ notice before filing for eviction, instead of 30 days. The extension would expire at the end of July. Frey has not yet said if he’ll support the policy. … Frey’s office said the mayor is meeting with housing experts this week to get more input.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4s6Paco
BLAINE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A Blaine resident wanted to build the city’s first backyard tiny home. But after learning that homeowner Alex Pepin wanted to rent out the home to a family exiting homelessness, a neighborhood dispute and a legal fight ensued. Now the city of Blaine might prohibit Pepin — and anyone else — from building backyard dwellings altogether. Blaine officials had already put a yearlong moratorium on the accessory dwelling units. … Now, the City Council on March 16 is expected to consider prohibiting the detached, backyard units.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sVmhjB
TRANSIT: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The interim Metro Transit police chief now has the job permanently, the Metropolitan Council announced Monday. Joe Dotseth has nearly 25 years of experience with Metro Transit police, and his appointment followed a national search. … Dotseth has been interim chief since 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4czkhZe
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)
REST OF MN
ST LOUIS CTY: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Kris Eilers announced Monday she will challenge Commissioner Annie Harala for her seat representing eastern Duluth on the St. Louis County Board. While Eilers expressed gratitude for Harala’s service, she described the present moment as ‘a critical time for local government.’ … ‘I am running to advance the next crucial steps: strong local protections for our environment; fighting corporate influence; and increased transparency and community input,’ Eilers said in a news release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47CsgkO
BOIS FORTE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa held its state of the band address [this weekend]. Chairman Carlos Hernandez delivered his first state of the band address as elected leader. … He spoke on financial, community and government updates, including the conversations to remove the Secretary of the Interior from the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s constitution.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sbdY2X
NEXT
SESSION: No House floor session. No Senate floor session. HOUSE: Commerce hears a ban on “nudification” AI. State Govt. hears a bill to end daylight savings. Judiciary & Civil Law hears multiple anti-fraud bills. Higher Ed. hears a ban on noncitizens using financial aid programs. Public Safety hears several bills on domestic abuse and firearm restrictions. SENATE: Education Finance hears a suicide prevention curriculum. State & Local Govt. hears funding for public TV in Greater Minnesota. Elections will hear a bill “reversing Citizens United” at the state level. Senate commerce will hear about “freeing the happy hour” in senior care settings. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/40oiD5r
TODAY: Speaker Lisa Demuth and other House Republicans will host a press conference discussing a bill that would “align Minnesota law with recent federal changes regarding tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will introduce a proposal to transform Minnesota’s human services system and meet with leaders from the sugar beet cooperatives. In the afternoon, he will attend the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and AFSCME Days on the Hill.
TODAY: DFL Rep. Kelly Morrison will discuss the impact of tariffs with a small business owner from her district at 12:30 p.m.
TOMORROW: The CD2 GOP is hosting a gubernatorial debate between Speaker Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls and Patrick Knight in Apple Valley at 7:00 p.m. Promotional material refers to it as the “abiding candidates debate,” likely in reference to Demuth, Qualls and Knight saying they intend to abide by the party’s endorsement this spring and drop out if they are not endorsed.
TOMORROW: The MN Homeless Coalition will host “Homeless Day on the Hill” in the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 11. The event will focus on protecting supportive housing, per a release.
TOMORROW: ATV Minnesota will host a “Day on the Hill” in the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 11, with a reception at 4:30 p.m.
(DISCLOSURE: ATV Minnesota is a Fluence sponsor)
THURSDAY: MN Home Care Association will host “Home Care Day at the Capitol” on Thursday, March 12 at 9:00 a.m.
MARCH 24: MN Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (MNASCA) will host its “Day at the Capitol” on Tuesday, March 24.
BDAYS: business woman Jill Lloyd, ag advocate Amanda Bilek
SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.