Wild win. Frost lose.
Wolves in Denver tonight. Gopher MBB in the Big 10 tourney vs. Northwestern today.
Tiger Woods ruptured his Achilles and is out for the season.
While QB Daniel Jones is heading to the Colts, the Vikings have agreed to terms with DL Jonathan Allen and Guard Will Fries. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/41ZxCnS
Minneapolis and Xcel Energy will open the nation’s first “biochar” facility this summer. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/3FocYFi
As of today, 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports are in effect. Donald Trump says they would have been 50% tariffs if Ontario hadn’t paused its surcharge on electricity. CNN: https://fluence-media.co/43Fmfmd
Nearly half of U.S. adults, 47%, report that their life is completely back to the normal that existed before the pandemic, while 13% expect to eventually return to pre-pandemic normalcy and 40% think life will never get back to normal. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/3Du6W5n
Honor National Working Moms Day.
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Today’s morning take with VIneeta Sawkar on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ih9WB4
GOP Rep. Brad Finstad was on Sunday Take to discuss tariffs, the Farm Bill, the federal deficit and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3FgLa5G
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Medicaid Supports Health Care for All of Us. It keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan—regardless of income or health status—can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: Medicaid in Minnesota – Protect MN Patients (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)
MN HOUSE: The special election in House District 40B between DFLer David Gottfried and Republican Paul Wikstrom has concluded. Here are the preliminary results from the Office of the Sec. of State:
● GOTTFRIED: 70%, 9,352 votes
● WIKSTROM: 30%, 3,966 votes
With Gottfried’s victory, the Minnesota House will soon be tied 67-67, and a power-sharing agreement will go into effect. RESULTS: https://fluence-media.co/41Jc7pV
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The [special election] result brings the House into a tie – with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats – and prompts a reset at the Capitol under a bipartisan power-sharing agreement reached earlier this year. Under that deal, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth will retain her role and the GOP will also keep a majority on a new committee focused on proposals to fight fraud and abuse in government-funded programs. … But other committees will come under joint leadership with even numbers of Republicans and Democrats represented. Those committees will have co-chairs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4imTm2H
WALZ: via Vox, Gov. Tim Walz at SXSW last weekend, VERBATIM: “The national narrative over the top of that was going to drive it, and it felt like we were there. And I [was], you know, drinking my own Kool-Aid or whatever. And that’s on me. I said I own that….Q: You’re talking to us right now at SXSW. I saw you on Maddow. I saw you talking to Molly Jong-Fast, David Remnick. Are you running for somethin’ right now?...I am not. I have the potential, if I would be given the privilege, to run for a third term of governor of Minnesota. We just need to make sure that we have a winning candidate for ’28 — not because they’re [a Democrat], but because they care about people and they adhere to our values.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kLKSUr
MORE: Gov. Tim Walz was interviewed on WCCO Radio yesterday morning to discuss his thoughts on handling the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago and his future political prospects. Walz said he doesn’t “need to be on” the 2028 presidential ticket, but he is continuing to do national interviews because he has a “national voice” now and there is a “void” in Democratic leadership responding to Pres. Donald Trump. Walz also expressed doubts about supporting a total exemption on state taxes for Social Security income. QUOTE: “We'll see where it gets to. I'm not going to exempt billionaires. … The richest Minnesotans can pay their Social Security taxes.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3DARJPQ
REVENUE: via an MMB press release, VERBATIM: “Net general fund revenues totaled $1.279 billion for the month of February, $116 million (10 percent) more than forecast. Net receipts from individual income, corporate franchise, and other taxes for the month were higher than forecast, and net sales tax revenues were less than forecast. For fiscal year 2025, year-to-date receipts are now $20.122 billion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kJ4BnN
FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Researcher Bill Glahn with the Center of the American Experiment told a Minnesota House committee on Monday there’s been an estimated $611 million in government fraud and waste since 2019. … Glahn told the committee he favored the establishment of an independent Inspector General who has the authority to investigate fraud and waste in every state agency in the state. Rep. Dave Pinto (D-St. Paul), the DFL leader of the committee, criticized the Center of the American Experiment as a partisan, conservative non-profit.” PINTO: “[Glahn] provided statistics that have been debunked and cherrypicked. … Preventing and fighting fraud requires the use of real facts and real information, [but] the committee gave a platform to deceptive information given [by] a Republican-aligned outfit for political gain.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4inLuxW
SOB: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Renovation and expansion of the State Office Building is to be finished by July 29, 2027. So how are things going since work began gutting the current structure, erecting steel, pouring concrete and wall framing? … A brief update was provided to the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee Tuesday. … As of last week, $483.76 million of project expenses has been allocated with $29.77 million remaining. … The current timeline calls for substantial completion of the existing State Office Building by Dec. 31, 2026, and substantial completion of the new space, including hearing rooms, by June 25, 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hpJcwX
FEDBUDGET: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The House passed legislation Tuesday to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September, providing critical momentum as the measure now moves to the Senate, where bipartisan support will be needed [from] at least eight Democrats. … The bill would trim $13 billion in non-defense spending from the levels in the 2024 budget year and increase defense spending by $6 billion. … Democrats [are] mostly worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump Administration on spending decisions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ik3069
MORE: The continuing resolution to fund the federal government passed 217-213 in the U.S. House yesterday, with just one Republican and one Democrat breaking party lines. All four Minnesota Democrats voted against it, while all four Minnesota Republicans voted in favor.
RESPONSES: Minnesota representatives shared partisan reactions to the passage of the continuing resolution for government funding.
● Via a GOP Rep. Pete Stauber statement, STAUBER: “My Republican colleagues and I are keeping the government open for the American people and ensuring that we can continue to enact President [Donald] Trump’s America-First agenda. … Our Republican conference will not be deterred by the Democrats’ glaring lack of effort to work together. We will get this funding bill to the president’s desk.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DM5DP8
● On the House floor, DFL Rep. Betty McCollum condemned the continuing resolution. McCOLLUM: “This bill abdicates our Constitutional responsibilities to direct funding and gives it to Elon Musk and President [Donald] Trump. … This CR cuts $13 billion from domestic priorities that Americans rely on…[including a] $2.2 billion reduction to health care. … The ramifications of these cuts will be felt everywhere, but especially by the most vulnerable Americans.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ifOTPo
● Via a GOP Rep. Tom Emmer post, EMMER: “The House GOP just passed a responsible CR to keep the government open and working for the American people. Meanwhile, 212 House Democrats voted for a government shutdown. Americans will not forget.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4hpBqDm
● Via a DFL Rep. Angie Craig on X, CRAIG: “Not only have Republicans used their funding bill to slash programs for our veterans and seniors, and refuse funding for community projects Congress already negotiated, but they’ve also handed complete control over to the President to implement his disastrous tariff agenda. I voted no.”
FED FUNDING: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The city of Carver…wants to upgrade a levee that has kept the river from flooding the town. So the city sought the help of Rep. Tom Emmer, R-6th District. … But that request, as well as the rest of Emmer’s requests and hundreds of millions of dollars in earmark appeals from other Minnesota federal lawmakers, aren’t likely to be approved, having fallen victim to Congress’ inability to approve appropriations bills. … That has dashed the hopes for federal money for local transportation projects, new firehouses, police stations, airports, recreation centers, wastewater treatment plans and money to nonprofits that provide medical care and housing help.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DzT9tW
ELECTRICITY: via CBS News, VERBATIM: “Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Canada would suspend its new 25% surcharge on electricity exports [after] Donald Trump said he would double the levy on all steel and aluminum imports. … Although Trump had backed off his threat of a 50% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, the 25% tariffs will still take effect Wednesday, as announced last month. … The president also [said] he will be declaring a ‘national emergency on electricity’ in the areas affected by Canada's electricity surcharge, [including] New York, Minnesota and Michigan.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bLnpP2
RESPONSIBLE GAMING: Legal sports betting platforms offer responsible game tools that offshore and illegal sports betting don’t offer. In fact, age verification is not required with most offshore providers. Learn more about why legalized sports betting is more responsible. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kgJoS4 (SPONSORED: Sports Betting Alliance)
2026: Speaking to WZFG’s Steve Hallstrom in Fargo, Alpha News reporter Liz Collin would not confirm or deny if she plans to run for a statewide office in 2026 when asked. COLLIN: “I’m flattered by the question. … I think we just need to ‘DOGE’ Minnesota — that’s what somebody could run on, I feel like. … I’ve never kind of been one thinking that politics is in my future, but I’m doing a lot of stuff in my life that I never thought was in the cards either. So, again — where the Lord leads me.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/41IRKsX
NOTE: Collin has told others privately she is not running.
MAYORS: On social media, Sen. Amy Klobuchar posted statements supporting both Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter in their 2025 reelection bids. KLOBUCHAR: “Frey’s experience and leadership are incredibly important to Minneapolis right now. He is tenacious, purposeful, and committed to the people he represents. … Under Melvin’s leadership, Saint Paul has become a stronger, safer, and more equitable city. He has taken bold steps to reduce crime, expand economic opportunity, and ensure that every child gets a great start in life.” FREY: https://fluence-media.co/4iCNKRI CARTER: https://fluence-media.co/4iJwASn
ST PAUL: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Several business owners [had] received a letter from the Alliance Center LLC, which is owned by Madison Equities. The unsigned letter stated that the landlord can’t continue to pay operating costs and is closing the building, but it doesn’t specify a date. The letter advised tenants to leave the building immediately because the utilities will soon be shut off. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter spent the morning talking with business owners about the closure. This afternoon, he returned to tell them about an agreement he’s working on with Xcel Energy Center and District Energy to keep the power going until the end of the month.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41ZyOHS
REINSURANCE: via a Senate GOP press release, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, March 11, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard legislation authored by Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls) to extend Minnesota’s reinsurance program: Senate File 333. … The bill was previously passed by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee with bipartisan support. … This legislation would allocate $512 million from the state’s general fund to the Premium Security Plan account in fiscal year 2026. This one-time appropriation would ensure continued oversight and reporting to maintain the program’s effectiveness.” BILL: https://fluence-media.co/3FwXJcY
ENERGY: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Could North Dakota sue Minnesota? Our neighbor to the west is threatening to do just that. And it’s all because of Minnesota’s move toward carbon-free electricity. … HF787, a bill sponsored by Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck), [would] change the language in statute about the mandatory targets that electric utilities must meet…to say that it applies only to sources generated within the state of Minnesota. The committee approved the bill on an 8-7 party-line vote and sent it to the House floor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ht1jCa
WEATHER: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The National Weather Service has a network of weather radar across the region to track storms, [but] there are eight places in Minnesota in atmospheric blind spots. A Minnesota meteorologist-turned-lawmaker is hoping to eliminate those gaps. DFL state Sen. Robert Kupec, who represents the region including Moorhead and Detroit Lakes, [said] he thinks the state should invest more than $3 million over the next two fiscal years in the project. … Nearly 2.5 million Minnesotans live in a low-level weather radar gap, according to the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers. The group says tribal nations, rural areas and other vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FpLoaD
PUBLIC SAFETY: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “A panel created in 2020 in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer is no longer needed, according to…Rep. Paul Novotny (R-Elk River). [He] said the Public Safety Advisory Council is ‘obsolete’ and no longer needs citizen input on the council to assist the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. … Novotny, chair of the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, [sponsors] HF1257 to eliminate the council. It was approved by the committee on a split-voice vote Tuesday and sent to the House floor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XEg1PF
GRAIN: via AgWeek, VERBATIM: “Smaller grain buyers in Minnesota faced with challenges of finding and paying for services of an accountant to review their finances may have some pressure released under a bill that has passed the Minnesota House and Senate. It now moves on to Gov. Tim Walz for consideration. Minnesota Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, [said] it was the result of a lot of compromise among the grain elevators and grain buyers in Minnesota, as well as between legislators.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FzdAYv
‘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)
UMN: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota says it’s working to address antisemitism on campus amid federal investigations spurred by protests against Israel. … U of M President Rebecca Cunningham outlined the U’s steps to combat antisemitism in an email to students and staff. … She named improvements to the school’s bias reporting and response system, and said the school has joined the Hillel Campus Climate Initiative. … The moves have alarmed pro-Palestinian groups and free speech advocates who say the federal government is cracking down on the right to protest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DANALM
MSU: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Minnesota State officials are requesting $465 million in new funding for the next biennium to support its 54 campuses around the state. … Leaders told the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee Tuesday the system needs help to meet the demand. No action was taken. Minnesota State officials’ biggest request is for $285 million for ‘student affordability and system operations.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4igfLPg
USDA: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture is cancelling roughly $1 billion in already-promised spending on local food purchases for schools and food banks nationwide. … The Local Food for Schools program provides funding for states to purchase food from local farmers and distribute it to schools and child care programs. A similar initiative [buys] locally-produced food for in-state food banks. … Minnesota had been awarded roughly $13.3 million to purchase food for schools, and an additional $4.7 million to cover products for food banks. Those funds will no longer be distributed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41KU8iW
RESPONSE: via a Senate DFL press release, VERBATIM: “Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development Chair Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud) and Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights), chief author of the Farm to School legislation, expressed outrage over the USDA’s decision. Minnesota was set to receive…$9,226,348 for school food purchasing; $4,045,518 for child care institution food purchasing; [and] $4,732,009 through the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) program.” PUTNAM: “This decision is a direct attack on Minnesota farmers, our local food shelves, and the people who depend on both.”
AG GRANTS: via an MDA press release, VERBATIM: “Three community development organizations in Minnesota will receive grant funding to strengthen agriculture-focused financial services through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA)’s new Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Technical Assistance Grant. The MDA awarded $270,000 in total to three CDFIs.” READ/LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3Dyg6xH
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)
HOCKEY: via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “A fight is underway to keep the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth. The Minnesota Wild and some Twin Cities-area legislators are making a bid to move the hall of fame museum to St. Paul, according to some United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum board members. … However, a contingent of Iron Range [board] members are making a stand against efforts to move the hall. … Dante Tomassoni, a member of the 14-person board, [said] board members have been asked to ‘keep the dealings confidential,’ [but] advocates of moving the hall have been working behind the scenes with legislators and feeding ‘misinformation’ to lawmakers and local leaders.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43FfHnD
MORE: via a Sen. Grant Hauschild post, HAUSCHILD: “Congressman Pete Stauber [met] with Twin Cities Republican [Sen.] Karin Housley, who is actively trying to steal the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame from the Iron Range, instead of with constituents in Northern Minnesota. Hopefully he told her to stop the steal.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3XJFIyl
CRYPTO: via a Rep. Tom Emmer press release, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Tom Emmer spoke on the dangers of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) during the House Financial Services Committee hearing, ‘Navigating the Digital Payments Ecosystem: Examining a Federal Framework for Payment Stablecoins and Consequences of a U.S. CBDC.’ Congressman Emmer recently reintroduced his flagship legislation to prevent the development of a CBDC.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R2K3ce
AFRICA: via a Rep. Ilhan Omar press release, VERBATIM: “Today, the U.S.-Africa Policy Working Group convened its first meeting of the 119th Congress. Members of the Working Group heard from a variety of expert briefers on the escalating human rights and humanitarian catastrophes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. … Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, the Chair of the Working Group, expressed her ongoing concerns about the effects of the Trump Administration’s dismantling of USAID, illegal mining, and foreign aid freeze as they relate to the urgent humanitarian and global health needs in DRC.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XJHorD
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. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
RAMSEY CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County Board is back at full strength after Garrison McMurtrey was sworn in Tuesday to represent District 3. McMurtrey won a special election Feb. 11 and is the first Black man to be elected to a county board in Minnesota. … McMurtrey replaces former Board Chair Trista Martinson, who resigned last summer to lead Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DAPKLo
WASH CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a multi-million dollar settlement Tuesday morning, ending a civil lawsuit against one of its sheriff’s deputies who shot and killed a suicidal man. In 2018, Deputy Brian Krook shot and killed Benjamin Evans. The 23-year-old was armed with a handgun and threatening to kill himself when deputies found him. … The board voted Tuesday to approve the $4.5 million dollar settlement. The county is responsible for $2.5 million, and the remaining funds will come from the insurance trust.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43KYJnQ
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A former Rochester City Council member’s federal lawsuit against the city will continue to move through the courts. U.S. District Court of Minnesota Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz issued an order Tuesday, March 11, supporting a recommendation Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko made in October, which calls for three of nine discrimination complaints filed by Molly Dennis to move forward for added review.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DASpF6
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “With the legislative session underway, representatives of Duluth Public Schools have been traveling to St. Paul to discuss the district's needs with legislators. School board members returned Monday to participate in Minnesota School Boards Association Capitol Days, where they spoke about finance, curriculum investment and special education.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Foe18c
PRODUCING THE FUELS THAT HELP KEEP MINNESOTA MOVING: Flint Hills Resources, one of the Midwest’s leading producers of transportation fuels is hiring! With openings in IT, accounting, engineering, operations, procurement and asset management, Flint Hills Resources’ goal is to match talented individuals with their passions and interests to truly shine. APPLY TODAY: Flint Hills jobs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
CHILD CARE: via Stateline, VERBATIM: “The cost of child care now exceeds the price of college tuition in 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to a new analysis conducted by the Economic Policy Institute. The left-leaning think tank, based in Washington, D.C., used 2023 federal and nonprofit data to compare the monthly cost of infant child care to that of tuition at public colleges. The tally increased by five states since the pandemic began.” At $22,569, Minnesota’s average annual cost of infant care is third highest in the nation. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kHYEY6
SENIOR CARE: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Representatives from various community resources attended a listening session Monday with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s staff. They addressed some concerns they are seeing when it comes to senior care in Minnesota. Discussions ranged from lack of transportation for those who can’t drive to engaging seniors in online resources. However, a big concern revolved around potential federal cuts to health care seniors tend to rely on.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kzmbKS
DST: via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “[DFL Rep. Mike Freiberg] has introduced a bill that, if passed, would eliminate Daylight Saving Time and keep Minnesota on standard time year-round.” FREIBERG: “Personally, I don’t really care which, whether we go to standard time permanently or daylight saving time permanently, I just want to get rid of the clock changes. Right now, under federal law, we do have the ability to go to standard time permanently.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bJEhFV
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: Workforce, Labor & Econ. Dev. hears two changes to paid leave. Taxes will hear a property tax refund for childcare providers. Elections & Govt. Ops. will hear a bill making certain lobbyist communications exempt from disclosure requirements. Housing hears two bills to change local housing regulations. Public Safety hears a bill prohibiting non-cooperation with immigration enforcement. SENATE: Education Finance hears a requirement for cardiac emergency response plans in schools. Health & Human Services will hear the OIG bill. Education Policy hears a requirement for charter schools to publish financial information and a bill to allow school years to begin before Labor Day. Judiciary & Public Safety hears a resolution condemning Pres. Donald Trump’s pardon of violent Jan. 6 convicts. CALENDAR: https://fluence-media.co/4kK6ZKU
TODAY: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz will visit an elementary school in Fridley to outline the impact on Minnesota students and families if President Donald Trump were to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Minnesota relies on federal funding…for students with disabilities, early learning programs, broadband access, transportation, career and technical education, and teacher training.” Education Commissioner Willie Jett will attend. The event is at 10:15 a.m.
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will have a call with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Business Council and attend the Friends of the Teamsters Reception.
TODAY: Via Flanagan for Senate, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is taking her “Kitchen Table Conversations” tour to Rochester today at 3:00 p.m.
TODAY: via DGA advisory, VERBATIM: “Democratic governors who have previously served as educators will hold a video press call to discuss the catastrophic impact of Donald Trump’s impending executive order that will dismantle the Department of Education and how Democratic governors are preparing to fight to protect students and public schools in their states.”
TODAY: Via a House GOP advisory, Rep. Max Rymer (R-North Branch) will host a press conference on HF 16, a bill to “prohibit noncooperation ordinances and policies in immigration law enforcement, allow the use of immigration-related data, and require county attorneys to notify federal immigration authorities when an undocumented person is arrested for a violent crime.” The event is at 10:15 a.m.
TODAY: Protect Minnesota announced they will hold a press conference Wednesday to “discuss gun violence prevention legislation,” per a release. Rep. Athena Hollins will attend. The event is at 11:00 a.m.
TODAY: via an ELEFA advisory, VERBATIM: “Effective Law Enforcement For All (ELEFA) will host a public meeting on March 12 to share updates on our role as the independent evaluator of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ (MDHR) Settlement Agreement with the City of Minneapolis on police reform. Community members are invited to attend.” The event is at 6:00 p.m.
TOMORROW: The American Heart Association announced it’s holding a Day at the Capitol on Thursday, March 13. Per a release, attendees can “learn hands-only CPR and support our efforts toward passing CERP legislation” via HF 1175 and SF 1457. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
TOMORROW: via an LSP advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will keynote the Land Stewardship Project’s Family Farm Breakfast at the Capitol on Thursday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Christ Lutheran Church. … After the breakfast, participants will have an opportunity to meet with lawmakers and other public officials at the Capitol to discuss issues they are concerned about.”
TOMORROW: via an MCEC advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Civic Education Coalition (MCEC) is launching a bipartisan effort to establish a Minnesota Civic Seal, a prestigious designation for high school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and community engagement. … Minnesota would join eight other states in offering this.” Sen. Steve Cwodzinski and Rep. Patricia Mueller will attend. The event is at 10:30 a.m.
FRIDAY: via a MNLEG advisory, VERBATIM: “At 12:30 p.m., Representative Larry Kraft and Senator Ron Latz will join workers, advocates, families of victims, and others impacted at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park to announce bipartisan legislation reforming Minnesota’s DWI policies. Last September, an impaired driver drove his vehicle into the restaurant's patio. Two people were killed, and nine others were injured.” St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed will attend.
SATURDAY: via a Senate DFL advisory, VERBATIM: “On Saturday, March 15, Rochester-area legislators will join Attorney General Keith Ellison at a town hall meeting in Rochester. Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester), Representative Kim Hicks (DFL-Rochester), Representative Andy Smith (DFL-Rochester), Representative Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) and Attorney General Ellison will be talking with constituents about protecting Minnesotans from the Trump Administration’s executive overreach, as well as continued efforts to help Minnesotans struggling with medical debt.” The event is at 1:00 p.m.
APRIL 10: Citizens League will honor Peter Bell, former Metropolitan Council chair, and Sharon McMahon at the 2025 Civic Celebration. The annual Civic Celebration is an inspiring evening, gathering hundreds of Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, parties and ideologies to celebrate our state’s enduring civic culture, leadership, and commitment to public service. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/3EKmNge (SPONSORED: Citizens League)
BDAYS: comms pro Julie Reuvers, lobbyist Staci Martin, Sen. Erin Maye Quade, Fox 9’s Sean Skinner
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