Capitol Report

The chair of the Senate Finance Committee is one of the most powerful positions in the Senate.  Any bill with a fiscal impact must get its final approval from the committee, and the chair ultimately decides which bills to consider.  Senator John Marty, DFL-Roseville, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the budget surplus and proposals for a MinnesotaCare public option, universal health care, legalizing sports betting, and prohibiting cashless establishments.Despite substantive investments in E-12 education during the 2023 budget-setting legislative session, many school districts are facing budget shortfalls. Senator Jason Rarick, R-Pine City, lead Republican of the Education Finance Committee, joins Shannon to outline a plan intended to help school districts' finances by delaying the implementation of new educational mandates.Also in the program, Republican lawmakers call for changes to the new state seal and for a statewide vote on the new state flag, and DFLers promote legislation that would reform the prior authorization process, clarify employee misclassification fraud, and enhance business competition.

Minnesota has a surplus of $3.7 billion for the current biennium, according to the just-released February Budget and Economic Forecast. Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders respond to the report as they prepare to finalize supplemental spending proposals for the 2024 legislative session.During the 2023 legislative session, one billion dollars from the budget surplus was directed to housing initiatives.  Last week, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and advocates called a press conference to outline policies intended to spark the construction of more affordable housing options throughout the state.  Senator Lindsey Port, chair of the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to walk through some of the proposed changes.The Emergency Medical Services Task Force, created by the legislature during the 2023 session, held its first meeting in December, followed by field hearings around Minnesota.  A final report is due to the legislature by mid-August.  Meanwhile, the situation is dire for some EMS and ambulance services, and recommendations will be considered this session.  Senator Judy Seeberger, DFL-Afton, co-chair of the task force, joins Shannon to explain.Also in the program, Senate Republican leaders unveil the first part of their "Repair Minnesota" agenda, aspiring educators and DFL lawmakers call for a tuition waiver for student teachers, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers and EMS professions urge passage of an emergency funding bill.

The 2023 legislature passed a law prohibiting school employees, including school resource officers (SROs), from using certain types of restraints on students. The law caused confusion among law enforcement and school officials, resulting in the removal of some SROs from schools.  Senator Bonnie Westlin, DFL-Plymouth, and Senator Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, are working to clarify the law. They join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the SRO issue and other legislation they are sponsoring.  Also in the program, Minnesota students share their concerns with members of the Senate Education Policy Committee, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and advocates highlight policy proposals to improve housing affordability, and the Reproductive Freedom Caucus outlines legislative priorities. Finally, Senate photographers A.J. Olmscheid and Catherine J. Davis capture the first two weeks of the 2024 legislative session.

It was a sweet and bipartisan start to the 2024 legislative session, initiated by Governor Tim Walz sharing homemade apple blondies with lawmakers. After the gavel, Senate leaders offered hopeful sentiments for a cooperative session, followed by press events outlying their respective outlooks for the coming months.The Senate tax chair, one of the most powerful positions in the Senate, decides which proposals will come before the committee for consideration. Senator Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, the current chair, has said no to any significant new spending or tax increases for the 2024 session. She joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about why she does not favor costly proposals this session, the need to fix several inadvertent errors in the 2023 tax law, her position on fully eliminating the tax on social security benefits, and the potential of Artificial Intelligence.With the Superbowl in the rearview mirror, where a reported 68 million adults placed bets according to the American Gaming Association, Minnesota remains an island of non-betting. Senator Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, joins Shannon to talk about his updated proposal to legalize sports betting in Minnesota.Also in the program, lawmakers grapple with resolving the 2023 law change that prompted some law enforcement agencies to remove school resource officers (SROs) from schools, and highlights of recent press conferences where lawmakers outline their priorities for the 2024 session.

Following an announcement that Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic will step away from leadership due to a recurrence of cancer, Senate DFLers elected Erin Murphy as the next majority leader. The legislature created the Metropolitan Governance Task Force during the 2023 session to study options for reforming the governance structure of the Metropolitan Council, a policy-making body, planning agency and provider of essential services for the Twin Cities metro area. The task force has completed its work, and the report has been forwarded to the legislature. Senator Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake, co-chair of the task force, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to assess the success of the panel's efforts.Lawmakers have been meeting with their respective caucuses to decide on priorities and strategies for the 2024 legislative session. House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth joins Shannon to talk about some of the Republican goals for the 2024 session.One of the most unique civil war artifacts on display in the State Capitol is a flagstaff that barely survived the Battle of Gettysburg, and now symbolizes the joining of the North and the South.  Historian Brian Pease explains.

Even-year legislative sessions are typically focused on supplemental spending, policy concerns and a bonding bill. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson and DFL House Majority Leader Jamie Long join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about some of the goals of their respective caucuses for the 2024 legislative session. Also in the program, Representative Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley, and individuals with terminal diagnoses advocate for passage of the Minnesota End-of-Life Options Act, and an overview of the life of Minnesota's eighth governor, John Sargent Pillsbury.

One significant negotiation expected in the 2024 legislative session is the size and scope of a bonding bill to fund infrastructure around the state. In mid-January, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan outlined their vision for a $982 million infrastructure package that prioritizes drinking water, community safety, maintenance of existing state facilities and housing. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the bonding bill, the new state flag and seal, changes to school curriculum and the importance of sharing one’s personal experience as a leader.Last year, lawmakers approved a $2.6 billion bonding bill to fund statewide infrastructure projects. Because bills that take on debt require a supermajority, Republican members of the legislature will have a say in whether another bonding bill is passed during the 2024 legislative session. Senator Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, lead Republican of the Capital Investment Committee, joins Shannon to offer her perspective. Also in the program, Senator Omar Fateh, DFL-Minneapolis, and supporters advocate for the elimination of minimum parking mandates statewide, and Brian Pease of the Minnesota Historical Society highlights the history of the Minnesota Capitol’s Senate Chamber.

A tension exists between those who seek to protect Minnesota’s waters and those who seek to utilize the state’s mineral resources to create jobs and economic development. Senator Jenn McEwen, DFL-Duluth, is promoting legislation called “Prove It First,” which would require that certain standards be met before copper-sulfide mining permits can be issued.  Senator Robert Farnsworth, R-Hibbing, is the chief sponsor of a bill that would streamline the review and permitting process for metallic mineral mining projects.  The lawmakers join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain the proposals.Also in the program, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and DFL lawmakers celebrate new laws aimed at protecting the rights of tenants and eliminating the gender and racial pay gap.

A budget surplus of $2.4 billion for the current fiscal biennium was recently announced as part of the November Budget and Economic Forecast. Erin Campbell, Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the implications of the surplus and the possible warning signs on the horizon.The mission of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone. The agency exists to recruit, expand and retain businesses, encourage international trade, and develop the workforce and communities. Commissioner Matt Varilek joins Shannon to highlight some of the agency's initiatives.Also in the program, leaders of a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Task Force describe the challenges they intend to tackle, and Governor Tim Walz and leaders promote resources to help Minnesotans afford their heating costs.  Plus, a brief tour of the Minnesota State Capitol.

The November Budget and Economic Forecast, a financial snapshot prepared by Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), projects a budget surplus of $2.4 billion dollars for the current fiscal biennium, which runs through June 2025. That number is $808 million more than was projected at the end of the 2023 legislative session. The report attributes the increase to stronger than expected consumer spending, business investment and employment. On this week's program, Dr. Laura Kalambokidis, State Economist, talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about the latest economic trends. Plus, Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders react to the latest budget news.The Legislative Task Force on Child Protection was created in 2015 to identify additional areas within the child welfare system that need to be addressed by the legislature. Senator Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, is the newly appointed co-chair of the group, and she joins Shannon to talk about the work before them.Also on the program, a new state law ensures that the Capitol’s electrolier will shine when lawmakers are in session. State Capitol Historian Brian Pease offers a look at the history of the unique chandelier.

Senator Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, was recently elected to serve as the chair of the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators, a group that works to raise the profile of tribal issues in state legislatures and to improve public policy.  She joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the needs of indigenous people and to outline her priorities as the new leader of the caucus.The people of Oregon voted in 1994 to approve medical aid in dying, the first state to do so.  Since then, nine more states and the District of Columbia have followed suit, either by ballot initiative, court action or law change.  Representative Heather Edelson, DFL-Edina, is author of the End-of-Life Option Act, a bill that would allow terminally ill adults who qualify the option of ending their suffering.  She joins Shannon to explain.Also in the program, Senator Ron Latz and members of Jewish advocacy groups called a press conference to condemn the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement. Plus, the State Emblems Redesign Commission met to whittle down the thousands of state flag and seal entries to six flag finalists and five seal finalists. Finally, when the current Minnesota State Capitol opened to the public in 1905, about a quarter of Minnesotans hailed from Germany. The Capitol's Rathskeller is a tribute to that heritage.

Advances in technology have dramatically changed how people live, and Minnesotans expect the highest level of efficiency and security from state government, whether renewing license tabs, buying a fishing license or applying for a state service. Tarek Tomes, Minnesota's Chief Information Officer and Commissioner of MNIT, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the agency's efforts to protect data and the possibilities for Artificial Intelligence.Minnesota’s agricultural production is valued at $21.3 billion, seventh in the United States, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Thom Petersen, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, joins  Shannon to talk about the health of the state's agricultural economy, efforts to diversify the industry, the newly established grain indemnity fund and the importance of international trade relations.Also in the program, public school technology professionals provide testimony to members of the Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity and a look at the life of Minnesota's eighth governor, John Sargent Pillsbury.

Since 2014, Minnesota has had a petition-based system for people with low-level criminal convictions to have their records expunged. The Minnesota Clean Slate Act of 2023 will automate the expungement process, beginning January 1, 2025. The Senate’s chief author of the new law, Senator Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain the new efforts providing second chances.Burnout, stress and low wages are some of the challenges facing Minnesota’s emergency medical services personnel. The legislature has created a Joint Task Force on Emergency Medical Services to look for ways to bolster these essential services. Senator Judy Seeberger, DFL-Afton, is a co-chair of the task force, and she joins Shannon to discuss the challenges facing the profession.Plus, Governor Tim Walz holds a press conference to announce a new $10 million dollar initiative that will provide low-interest loans to small businesses, and a look at the life of Governor Cushman Kellogg Davis.

Minnesota’s agricultural production is valued at $21.3 billion, seventh in the United States, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Thom Petersen, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the health of the state's agricultural economy, efforts to diversify the industry, the newly established grain indemnity fund and the importance of international trade relations.The 2024 legislative session convenes Monday, February 12, and committee chairs are beginning preparations for the non-budget-setting session. Senator John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, joins Shannon to talk about the challenges facing nursing homes, workforce concerns, aging in place and top priorities for the coming session.Also in the program, Governor Tim Walz signs an executive order making it easier for people to qualify for state jobs, lawmakers promote a new law that allows for second chances and the Metropolitan Governance Task Force considers the regional planning system of Portland, Oregon.

Last May, in front of a crowd of DFL leaders, committee chairs and lawmakers, Governor Tim Walz held a One Minnesota Budget signing ceremony, signaling a major shift to progressive policies in the state. Governor Tim Walz joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the cost of raising kids, new state agencies, the attack on Israel, international trade and his plans for the 2024 legislative session.The budget approved during the 2023 legislative session included an E-12 education policy and funding bill that used a portion of the budget surplus to boost spending by more than $2.2 billion. Senator Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, chair of the Senate Education Finance Committee, recently toured several Minnesota schools to see how the additional dollars are being used.  She joins Shannon to talk about the visits, the future work of the committee, Indigenous Peoples' Day as a state holiday and the importance of libraries.Also in the program, highlights of the most recent meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Aging and a look at the Minnesota Capitol's "Spiral for Justice" Memorial honoring Roy Wilkins.

Sarah Strommen, Commissioner of Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources, called the legislature’s 2023 budget a “truly historic investment in natural resources and outdoor recreation.” She joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about her agency's efforts, including the "Get our MORE" initiative, improved mechanisms for conservation and outdoor recreation and upgrades to state park services and infrastructure.President Harry S. Truman signed the National School Lunch Act in 1946 to ensure that schools provide meals for students. In March, Minnesota became the fourth state to make those meals – both breakfast and lunch – free to all students. Senator Heather Gustafson, DFL-Vadnais Heights, sponsored legislation to expand the farm-to-school food program, providing students with Minnesota grown, minimally processed foods. She joins Shannon to discuss ways the state is supporting school districts' goals of offering students healthy, locally grown foods.Also on this week's program, historian Brian Pease talks about the life and legacy of State Capitol architect Cass Gilbert.

A result of the 2023 legislative session was the creation of a Task Force on Aging, to identify and develop state resources for an aging population.  Representative Ginny Klevorn, DFL-Plymouth, is the task force chair, and she joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the group's priorities.Minnesotan’s awareness of the Metropolitan Council has likely increased over the past few years due to the cost overruns and other problems with the Southwest Light Rail Transit project. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers created a task force to recommend changes to the regional planning organization. Senator Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake, a member of the Metropolitan Governance Task Force,  joins Shannon to offer his perspective.Also in the program, an up-close look at the Capitol's "Progress of the State" quadriga and a reminder to book your tickets for the "Shadows and Spirits of the Capitol" tour.

A new apartment complex called Identity Dinkytown near the University of Minnesota has delayed opening, leaving the students who signed leases with limited housing options as the fall semester begins. Senator Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, Chair of the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee and Senator Eric Lucero, R-Saint Michael, Lead Republican of the committee, join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the unfinished Dinkytown apartment complex, reforming landlord/tenant laws, the high cost of housing in Minnesota and homelessness prevention efforts.Also in the program, historian Brian Pease explains the history and significance of the battle flags on display in the Minnesota State Capitol.

The 2023 legislative session provoked the formation a task force to study and evaluate options to reform and reconstitute the Metropolitan Council, a regional taxing authority, planning agency and provider of services like sewage, parks, and transportation in the Twin Cities. Senator Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the task force, the latest with the Southwest Light Rail Transit project, driver’s license testing backlogs and to preview issues likely to come up in the 2024 legislative session.Minnesota Public Radio and Fox9 News recently reported that parents and teenagers are again frustrated by difficulties in navigating the system for scheduling a road test as part of getting a driver's license. Senator Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, authored a bill in 2020 that would allow third parties to offer road tests. She plans to reintroduce the proposal in the coming legislative session and joins Shannon to outline the details.Also in the program, highlights from an informational Senate hearing regarding the unfinished Dinkytown apartment complex that left a number of students at University of Minnesota without a place to live. Plus, the second meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Aging yields public testimony from advocates for older Minnesotans.

Republican lawmakers, law enforcement officers and school officials have recently called on Governor Tim Walz to convene a special legislative session in order to repeal or amend a new law that prohibits school staff, including School Resource Officers, from using certain physical restraints on students. On this week's program, Senator Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, ranking member of the Senate Education Policy Committee, is leading the effort to change the law, and he joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain why.Minnesota students are back in the classroom, just months after a legislative session that saw new policies signed into law and a boost in public school funding. Senator Steve Cwodzinski, DFL-Eden Prairie, chair of the Senate Education Policy Committee, discusses the recent concerns over School Resource Officers, standardized test scores and some of the changes coming to Minnesota’s schools.