Capitol Report
163 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingJoin Shannon Loehrke for Capitol Report, a weekly public affairs program featuring Minnesota state policymakers' perspectives on pressing state issues and pending legislation.
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Episodes
Two Influential Women Legislators Reflect on Senate Careers
August 19, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMore than 500 years of experience is about to retire from the Minnesota legislature at the end of this year, and retiring lawmakers take with them a significant amount of institutional knowledge and negotiating prowess. Among the soon-to-be retirees are two influential women legislators--Senate Finance Chair Julie Rosen and Senate Health and Human Services Chair Michelle Benson-- who have played significant roles in shaping state policy. They join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to ...
Battling Invasive Carp / Governor Henry Hastings Sibley / Touring the BCA
August 12, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Mississippi River, the wild and scenic St. Croix River, the Minnesota River, not to mention habitat, ecology, tourism and the economy, would all be impacted if invasive carp are able to gain a foothold in Minnesota. The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance held an informational hearing to review potential solutions to control the influx of the invasive fish, and Committee Chair Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to di...
Banning Organ Donor Discrimination / Dedicating More Funds for Transportation / National Judicial Competition
August 05, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBPeople in Minnesota who want to help another person by donating one of their organs, like a kidney, or providing bone marrow, have faced uncertainty when it comes to future premiums for life, disability and long-term care insurance. Senator Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Mpls.) championed a new law that prevents insurance companies from discriminating against donors, and she joins moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain its significance for donors and patients. Dedicated funding for roads and bridges is a...
Supporting Hometown Heroes / Restoring Mental Competency / Promoting Hemp Farms
July 22, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, Senator Jeff Howe, R-Rockville, highlights the importance of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which was recently extended to provide continued financial assistance to firefighters and first responders who develop job-related illnesses and trauma. Also, Senator Karla Bigham, DFL-Cottage Grove, joins moderator Shannon Loehrke to discuss a new law that establishes a process for restoring mental competency to defendants determined to be unable to participate in t...
Aiding Minnesota's Agricultural Economy / Protecting Student Data
July 15, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBGovernor Tim Walz and key legislators gathered at a dairy farm in Central Minnesota for the ceremonial bill signing of the bill which provides additional funding for agriculture and broadband expansion. On this week's Capitol Report program, Senate Agriculture Chair Torrey Westrom and Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen join moderator Shannon Loehrke to highlight aspects of the comprehensive package that will aid farmers impacted by the 2022 drought and extend broadband across the state. ...
Celebrating the Mental Health Funding Package, Addressing Gun Violence
June 17, 2022 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBGovernor Tim Walz, surrounded by lawmakers, physicians and mental health advocates, held a ceremonial bill signing Thursday, June 7, at Children’s Minnesota to celebrate a new law that allocates $92.7 million dollars to improve mental health, of which $60 million will be used to increase hospital bed capacity, recruit mental health professionals and supplement other mental health services. Following the event, several key Senate lawmakers - Senator Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, chief author...
'Free the Growler' Becomes Law, Improving Minnesota's Agriculture Economy
June 10, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBA years-long effort to ‘Free the Growler’ was one of the successes of the recent legislative session. Governor Tim Walz held a ceremonial bill signing at a suburban brewing company, to mark some big changes to Minnesota’s liquor laws. Senator Karin Housley, R-Stillwater, joins Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain how those changes will impact the state's craft brewers and distillers. In a legislative session that left a lot undone - including a tax bill, a bonding bill and su...
Reflecting on a Senate Career, Combatting the Opioid Crisis
May 20, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBNearly one-third of the Senate has decided to retire, marking an end to some long and accomplished legislative careers. Senator Patricia Torres Ray, DFL-Minneapolis, was the first Latina to serve in the Minnesota Senate and the first woman of color to run for Lieutenant Governor in Minnesota. She joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to reflect on her Senate career and accomplishments. Senator Chris Eaton, DFL-Brooklyn Center, was elected to the Senate in a 2011 special election,...
Combatting the Opioid Crisis, Supporting Veterans
May 13, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBGovernor Tim Walz signed two bills into law Tuesday, May 10: the omnibus veterans bill and a settlement agreement that will distribute to cities and counties Minnesota’s portion of a multi-state $26 billion settlement with some opioid manufacturers and distributors. Senator Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about her efforts to hold the pharmaceutical industry responsible for their role in the opioid crisis and how the incoming funds will be us...
Improving Literacy, Protecting Kids, Education Funding during a Surplus
April 29, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSenator Roger Chamberlain, R-Lino Lakes, chair of the Senate Education Committee, is overseeing several priorities this session: the Senate's E-12 policy and supplemental funding bill which focuses on improving literacy, a measure to crack down on the algorithms used by social media companies to target children and fact-finding hearings into alleged fraud in a federal nutrition assistance program. He joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain. With $9.25 billion available to...
The Senate's Tax Plan, Tax Policy in Times of Surplus
April 22, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe state’s $9.25 billion budget surplus has prompted differing approaches to tax policy from the Republican-led Senate, the DFL-led House of Representatives and Governor Tim Walz. Senate Tax Committee Chair Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the Senate's plan, which would use much of the surplus to provide tax relief. Senator Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, the ranking DFL member of the Senate Tax Committee, provides her perspective on the vario...
Strengthening Pharmacy Care, Paid Family and Medical Leave Proposals
April 08, 2022 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBDue the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of pharmacy care was expanded to include the ability to order some types of tests and to administer vaccines. As the expiration date of the authorization approaches, a bipartisan group of lawmakers would like to make the changes permanent. Senator Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about a package of bills to increase access to health care through a permanent expansion of pharmacy services. Paid Family an...
Considering Nuclear Power Generation, Paid Family and Medical Leave
April 01, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBProponents of nuclear power generation argue that nuclear power is key to a clean, reliable and affordable energy supply. Senator David Senjem, R-Rochester, chair of the Senate Energy and Utilities Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about advanced nuclear technology and other proposals to increase the supply of affordable energy. According to a January report by the Bipartisan Policy Center, nine states and the District of Columbia have enacted paid family an...
The Consumer Choice of Fuel Act, Passing on the Family Farm
March 25, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s adoption of California’s clean car emissions standards has caused consternation among some Minnesotans and raised questions about the scope of an agency’s rulemaking authority. Senator Andrew Mathews, R-Princeton, has proposed the Consumer Choice of Fuel Act, a measure that would rescind the California standards and prevent future rulemaking that would limit a consumer's fuel choice. He joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain why s...
Free Menstrual Products in Schools / Respecting Natural Hair Styles
March 18, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBIn the same way that schools provide toilet paper and soap to students at no charge, efforts are underway around the country to make menstrual hygiene products available to students for free as well. Senator Steve Cwodzinski, DFL-Eden Prairie, a former teacher, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about his proposals to provide complimentary period products in schools and to ensure that high school graduates receive instruction in personal finance and civics. The Minnesot...
Interpreting the February Budget Forecast, Funding ALS Research
March 11, 2022 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMinnesota’s economy continues to perform above expectations according to the February Budget and Economic Forecast, which projects a $9.3 billion budget surplus for FY2022-23. However, there are risks threatening the forecast's accuracy: the rate of inflation, the volatility of energy prices, continued geopolitical conflict, labor force participation and the path of the pandemic. Jim Schowalter, Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget, and Dr. Laura Kalambokidis, Minnesota's State ...
Funding Roads and Bridges, Restoring Funds for the Outdoors, Creating a Companion Animal Board
March 04, 2022 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe most recent report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Minnesota’s bridges the grade of C and its roads a D+. Senator Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to describe a plan to increase the funding dedicated to road and bridge projects. When one buys a lottery ticket in Minnesota, a 6.5 percent in-lieu-of-sales tax is added to the cost of the ticket. When the bill was passed, 97 percen...
Alleviating the Staffing Care Crisis; Joining the Nurse Compact; Senate GOP Tax Relief Proposal
February 25, 2022 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe staffing crisis in nursing homes and long-term care facilities is alarming lawmakers. Senator Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, chair of the Senate Human Services Reform Committee, and Representative Jennifer Schultz, DFL-Duluth, chair of the House Human Services Committee, join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about ways to alleviate the crisis. Also in the program, highlights from press conferences and committees on proposals to join the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact, to ded...
Replenishing the UI Trust Fund, Restoring the Nursing Profession
February 18, 2022 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAs Minnesota businesses continue to navigate the many uncertainties caused by the pandemic -- workforce shortages, supply chain snags and inflation -- an additional financial hit may be just around the corner if the legislature does not act. Senator Eric Pratt, R-Eden Prairie, is chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee, and he joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the Senate bill to restore the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund. The nursing profes...
Senate & House Minority Caucus Goals, Replenishing the Unemployment Fund, Limiting No-Knock Warrants
February 11, 2022 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMembers representing the minority party in the legislature do not set the agenda, may not have their bills heard, and cannot stop a bill from moving forward. However, they do perform an essential role in lawmaking by highlighting contrasting views and raising important questions about proposed legislation. Senate Minority Leader Melisa López Franzen and House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt talk with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about their caucus' respective positions on key issues...
Session Priorities of the Senate and the House, 2022 Session Begins, Recruiting Police & ERA Efforts
February 04, 2022 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe nearly $8 billion projected budget surplus provides lawmakers with the resources to tackle the challenges confronting the state, thus setting the stage for competing ideas between the Republican-led Senate and the DFL-led House. The majority leaders of both bodies, Senate Leader Jeremy Miller and House Leader Ryan Winkler, join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the priorities of their respective caucuses. Also in the program, highlights from the opening day of the...
Evaluating Driver and Vehicle Services; Establishing Health Plan Caucus; 2022 Session Priorities
January 28, 2022 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBLast year, the legislature passed a law for an independent review of Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The newly-released report offers 31 recommendations to improve services in three areas: Deputy Registrars, exam stations and DVS. Senator Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to offer his perspective on the recommendations. DFL members of the House and the Senate have joined forces with the c...
Challenges Impacting Affordable Housing; Governor's Bonding Proposal; Gubernatorial Portraiture
January 21, 2022 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBA lack of affordable housing, the effects of the ongoing pandemic, rent stabilization initiatives in Minneapolis and St. Paul, inflation and supply chain issues are just some of the challenges facing Minnesota renters and home owners. Senator Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, chair of the Senate Housing Committee, and Senator Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, minority lead of the Housing Committee, join moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the challenges impacting access to affordable housing....
Legislative Redistricting Plans, Famous Civil War Artifact
January 14, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBEvery ten years, following the census, the legislature is charged with the task of redrawing district boundaries for legislative and Congressional seats. The Republican-led Senate and the DFL-led House have each drafted new district maps, which will be reviewed in the coming legislative session. This week, Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke talks with Senator Mark Johnson, Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, and Representative Mary Murphy, Chair of the House Redistricting Com...
Legalizing Sports Betting
January 07, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAccording to the latest data from the American Gaming Association, Minnesota is one of a dozen states that is not currently moving forward with legislation to legalize sports betting. That may soon change. Over the last few years, bipartisan efforts that would allow sports betting in Minnesota have stalled, but signs are pointing to a potential break in the log jam. Senator Roger Chamberlain, R-Lino Lakes, and Representative Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids, are spearheading efforts to legal...
Minnesota's Latest State Budget & Economic Forecast / Nursing Crisis
December 10, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders react to the record-setting projected budget surplus of $7.7 billion. Plus, Minnesota’s Management and Budget Commissioner James Schowalter and Dr. Laura Kalambokidis, the State Economist, offer context and perspective on what it means for Minnesota policymakers. Also, key stakeholders appear before a Senate committee to underscore a growing problem confronting Minnesota hospitals and nursing homes: a shortage of nursing staf...
Minnesota's Economic Health / New Senate President / Former Senate Secretary Pat Flahaven
December 02, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMinnesota is in the midst of uncertain times – with ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and an emerging variant, plus congestion in the supply chain and a labor shortage. There also are positive signs, including better-than-projected revenues for the current fiscal year and economic opportunities overseas for Minnesota businesses . Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joins moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the status of Minnesota's economy, the recent trade mission, the grading of his COVID-19 respons...
Nursing Homes' Workforce Crisis / Legalizing Sports Betting
November 19, 2021 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a federal agency, has issued a requirement for health care workers to be fully vaccinated by January 4th of next year. That requirement has sounded the alarm for nursing home administrators and staff, who are warning policymakers of a potential nursing home workforce crisis. Senate Human Services Reform Committee Chair Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, and Senator John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, join moderator Shannon Loehrke to offer their perspectives on th...
Addressing Violent Crime, Minnesota's Third State Capitol Building
November 05, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMinnesota is facing a surge in violent crime, and lawmakers are concerned. Recently, the Senate held an informational hearing to learn more about its impact on law enforcement and policing. On this week's Capitol Report, Senate Transportation Chair Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, and Judiciary and Public Safety Minority Lead Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park, review the hearing and offer their perspectives on addressing violent crime. The Minnesota State Capitol is actually the third public buildi...
A New Senate President, Hero Pay Working Group Concludes, Reflecting on State Service
October 29, 2021 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSenator Jeremy Miller's recent elevation to Senate Majority Leader left a vacancy in the role of Senate President. At a mid-October meeting, members of the Senate Republican Caucus elected Senator David Osmek, R-Mound, as the next President of the Senate. He joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about his new role. The Office of the Legislative Auditor was established in 1973 to provide nonpartisan and independent examinations of spending, resources and programs throughou...
Verifying Residency of Candidates, Forming a Reproductive Freedom Caucus
October 15, 2021 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe controversy surrounding the residency of Representative John Thompson, I-St. Paul, and the decennial process of redrawing legislative districts prompted the Senate State Government and Elections committee to hold an informational hearing last week. Senator Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, chair of the State Government and Elections committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about potential changes to the candidate filing process and the impact of redistricting on lawma...
Challenges Impacting the Agriculture Economy, Forming the Reproductive Freedom Caucus
October 01, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAgriculture is a foundational part of Minnesota’s economy, and Minnesota’s farmers are adept at persevering through all kinds of challenges. Lately, the difficulties have mounted, stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and a brutal season of drought. Governor Tim Walz has proposed a $10 million aid package for farmers and livestock producers. Thom Petersen, the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, and Senator Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Deve...
Reflecting on Years of State Service, Assessing MN's Natural Resources
September 24, 2021 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Office of the Legislative Auditor was established in 1973 to provide nonpartisan and independent examinations of spending, resources and programs throughout state government. Jim Nobles has been Minnesota’s Legislative Auditor for the past 38 years and has recently announced his intention to retire. He joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to reflect on his years of service to the state. Whether looking for the best spot to view the fall colors or preparing for deer hunting s...
A New Generation of Leaders in the Minnesota Senate
September 17, 2021 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBA younger and more diverse leadership team will guide the Minnesota Senate as Senator Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, assumes the role of Senate Majority Leader and Senator Melisa López Franzen, DFL-Edina, becomes the Senate Minority Leader. Senator Miller is the first person of Jewish faith to serve as Majority Leader, and Senator López Franzen is the first non-Caucasian member to lead a caucus. Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke talks with the leaders about their new positions, their goals ...
Frontline Worker Bonus Pay, Creating New Districts, New Senate Majority Leader
September 10, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Frontline Worker Pay Working Group, comprised of three Senators, three Representatives and three members of Governor Walz’s administration, held meetings throughout the month of August to develop a framework to distribute $250 million dollars in bonus pay to frontline workers. Senator Erin Murphy is a member of the working group, and she joins Shannon Loehrke to offer her perspective. In mid-August, the U.S. Census Bureau released the data necessary for states to begin the work of updat...
Providing Hero Pay to COVID Workers / Interpreting the Census
September 02, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Frontline Worker Pay Working Group’s recommendation for how to distribute the $250 million in financial support for essential workers is due in early September Senator Karin Housley, co-chair of the special working group, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk more about the panel’s progress in deciding how to allocate the money. The decennial census aims to count every resident in the United States in order to determine congressional and state legislative representatio...
Senate and House Booths at the State Fair, Review of Education and Tax Bills, COVID-19 Bonus Pay
August 26, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, a preview of what state fairgoers can expect when visiting the Senate and House booths in the Education Building. Plus, lawmakers review the newly enacted education and tax bills, and a special COVID-19 panel moves closer to deciding which frontline workers should receive bonus pay.
Protecting Rural Representation, Changing the Energy Landscape, Improving Lives of All Minnesotans
August 20, 2021 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Census Bureau has released its 2020 data, which shows some areas in rural Minnesota losing residents while the state’s metro areas are growing. The new data will be used to establish congressional and legislative districts that reflect the population changes, and lawmakers are beginning to hear from the public about their ideas and concerns. At a recent Senate meeting in Bemidji, rural residents urged lawmakers to protect rural representation. Advancing affordable and clean energy and d...
Aiding Veterans in Crisis, Paying Pandemic Workers, Restoring Woman Suffrage Memorial
August 12, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Frontline Worker Pay Working Group, comprised by a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators and three agency commissioners, has been meeting biweekly since late July to hear from workers who remained on the frontlines during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group is tasked with developing a plan to distribute $250 million in bonus pay. On this week's program, highlights of the many stories from workers confronting the pandemic. To assist veterans facing a personal crisis r...
Funding Clean & Renewable Energy / Enhancing Public Safety
July 30, 2021 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAdvancing affordable and clean energy and developing a qualified workforce to handle the energy demands of the future are desired outcomes of the major energy appropriations bill. Senator Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about Minnesota's energy future and new legislative efforts to further the state's goals. In one of the most hard-fought and controversial budget areas, the legislature ultimately provided $2.64 billion dollars over the next two...
Big Budget Increase for Schools, Supporting Agencies, Elections, Veterans
July 23, 2021 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe largest budget increase for Minnesota schools in the past fifteen years easily won the stamp of approval from state lawmakers this summer, as students prepare to head back into the classrooms. Former Lakeville school board member and current Senate Education Committee member Zach Duckworth explains what administrators, teachers, parents and students should expect this fall. One of the key budget bills enacted every two years finances executive and administrative agencies, funds support...
Fueling Minnesota's Economic Recovery / Improving the Lives of All Minnesotans
July 16, 2021 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBWorkers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are regrouping as the Minnesota economy comes back to life. The state’s new budget for jobs and economic development invests significant resources to rebuild and recover, and the chair of the committee, Senator Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake, talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about the various economic stimulus efforts. The recently passed $18.8 billion health and human services budget bill that spans the next two years in...
'Good News' Tax Bill, Funding Health and Human Services Initiatives
July 08, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBWith an influx of significant federal funds, key lawmakers were able to craft a health and human services funding package that some legislators have described as the best in a generation. Health and Human Services Committee Chair Michelle Benson joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to highlight some of the major initiatives, including efforts to expand telemedicine, support mothers of newborns, contain health care premium costs and improve children's mental health. The tax bill p...
Lead Senators Outline Budget Agreements on Transportation and Housing
June 25, 2021 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBLawmakers are steadily reaching agreements in the various budget areas that fund Minnesota’s state government as the July 1 deadline approaches. This week, Senate Transportation Chair Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, and Senate Housing Chair Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, join Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke to highlight some of the provisions in their respective finance and policy packages. Also in the program, highlights from key lawmakers on measures that have crossed the finish line ...
Budget Agreements for Clean Water, Land and Legacy and Higher Education
June 18, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAs lawmakers work to complete the state’s next two year budget before the July 1 deadline, agreements to finalize various areas of the state budget are coming into focus. On this week's program, Senator Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point, chair of the Senate Legacy Committee, joins Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke to outline funding priorities that stem from the 2008 Legacy Amendment for outdoor heritage, clean water, parks, trails, arts and cultural heritage. Senator David Tomassoni, ...
Capitol Report: New Agriculture Policies; Leaving State Service; Ending Eviction Moratorium
June 11, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSeveral new agriculture policies were recently signed into law by Governor Walz. Senator Torrey Westrom, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Finance and Policy Committee, talks with Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke about changes impacting the cottage food industry, "garage guys" and paramedics that treat injured K9 police dogs. Paul Mandell has spent half of his life working for the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board and will be retiring from his role as...
The Energy Conservation and Optimization Act, Ending Emergency Powers
June 04, 2021 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Energy Conservation and Optimization Act of 2021, also known as the ECO Act, successfully passed the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz May 25. Senator Jason Rarick, R-Pine City, is the author of the bill, and Senator Nick Frentz, DFL-North Mankato, is the DFL caucus chair on clean energy and climate change. They join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about how the new law will improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases in Minnesota. A...
Finer Points of Redistricting / From House Leadership to Senate Minority
May 14, 2021 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBNext year, voters across the nation will be casting their ballots in newly created legislative and congressional districts that reflect changes in the population. The process of drawing new districts is complex, and Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke talks with Senator Mark Johnson, chair of the Senate’s Redistricting Committee, about the committee’s initial steps in reorganizing Minnesota to fairly divide the population for the coming decade. Over the years, the Minnesota Senate has ...
New Ideas for Education Funding, Helping Minnesota Veterans
May 07, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBNearly half of Minnesota’s budget is devoted to educating the state’s youth. Senator Roger Chamberlain, chair of the Senate’s E-12 education committee, would like to see a greater focus on literacy and mental health services and more options for parents and kids. He joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to discuss funding and policy proposals advanced by his committee. Improving services for Minnesota’s veterans, from stable housing and skills training to mental health support, i...
Advancing Home Ownership, Increasing Affordable Housing
April 30, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Senate recently passed a $115 million dollar funding package to improve the pathway to home ownership, increase affordable housing and provide an off-ramp for the eviction moratorium. Senator Rich Draheim, chair of the Senate housing committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the housing omnibus bill. The pandemic has only deepened Minnesota’s housing crisis with the state now facing a shortage of 50,000 housing units. Senator Kari Dziedzic is the ranking ...