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
Jump-Starting Minnesota's Economy; Advocating for Paid Family Leave
April 23, 2021 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBEric Pratt, chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee, faces the daunting task of improving Minnesota’s economic landscape amid the lingering effects of the pandemic. He joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about his funding and policy package designed to help jump-start the Minnesota economy. Senate Minority Leader Senate Kent has long advocated for extending paid leave benefits to all employees who need to care for themselves or their family members. ...
Highlighting Efforts to Improve Elections, Funding State Programs, Reforming Law Enforcement
April 16, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThis week on Capitol Report, State Government and Elections Chair Mary Kiffmeyer and DFL Lead Senator Jim Carlson talk with moderator Shannon Loehrke about their differing proposals to improve state elections and enhance government accountability. Plus, the police-involved death of another black man prompts calls for legislative action and review.
The Senate and House Budget Proposals, Reforming Sexual Assault Laws
April 09, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMinnesota’s next two year budget is taking shape as the Republican-led Senate and DFL-led House finalize their respective budget proposals. Senate Finance Chair Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, and House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to provide details on their budgetary priorities. The Minnesota Supreme Court recently overturned a sexual assault conviction because the victim was voluntarily intoxicated, thereby failing to meet the threshold for menta...
Student Borrowers Bill of Rights, 'Due North' Education Plan, GOP Budget
March 19, 2021 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAccording to Forbes, there are about 45 million Americans who collectively owe $1.7 trillion dollars in student loan debt. Senator Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the Student Borrowers Bill of Rights, a bill that would ensure student loan servicers in Minnesota handle the loans ethically and responsibly. Senator Chuck Wiger, DFL-Maplewood, minority lead of the Senate E-12 Education Committee, joins Shannon to outline the priorities ...
Clean Energy Goals, Easing Fire Safety Regulations in Wedding Barns
March 12, 2021 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBRepublican Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Next Generation Act into law in 2007, but Minnesota has fallen behind in reaching the energy goals. Senator Nick Frentz, DFL-North Mankato, is carrying legislation that would get the state back on track, and he joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the future of energy production in Minnesota. Hosting weddings can be a lucrative business, and wedding barns can provide both charm and beauty. Controversy has emerged over fire...
The February Forecast, Prisoner Reintegration, PPP Conformity
March 05, 2021 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBA brighter picture has emerged for the state’s fiscal future with the February Budget and Economic Forecast predicting a surplus of $1.6 billion for the coming biennium. Dr. Laura Kalambokidis, Minnesota's State Economist, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain some of the underlying trends driving the forecast and the anticipated economic recovery. Also, a bipartisan pair of lawmakers address the need for transition aids to help formerly incarcerated individuals regain...
Energy Conservation & Optimization, Climate Justice Curriculum
February 26, 2021 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSenator Jason Rarick, R-Pine City, is sponsoring legislation that would update and expand Minnesota’s energy conservation efforts. He talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about the ECO Act, what Minnesotans can learn from the disastrous Texas winter storm and the workforce needs for future energy production. The idea for establishing a model curriculum for public and charter schools to use in order to incorporate climate justice issues into the classroom was brought to Senato...
Governor Walz's Tax Proposal, Youth Sports Mask Mandate
February 19, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBGovernor Tim Walz’s budget plan for the FY 2022-23 biennium includes some significant tax changes. Robert Doty, Commissioner of the Department of Revenue, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to outline some of the proposals. Parents of kids who participate in sporting activities recently shared their distress over the youth sports mask mandate with members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Senator Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, spearheaded the legislative discus...
Removing Executive Powers to Manage Schools, Legalizing Sports Betting
February 12, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, a bill to eliminate the governor’s authority to use peacetime emergency restrictions on public schools is headed to the Senate Floor for a vote. Bill author Senator Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain why she believes the measure warrants favorable action by the Legislature. Also on the program, Senator Karla Bigham, DFL-Cottage Grove, talks about her bill to legalize sports betting and its chance for passage in 2021....
Requiring Voter Photo ID, Vaccinating MN Seniors, Introducing New Senator
February 05, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSenator Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, is advocating for a bill that he contends would modernize Minnesota's voting system by requiring that voters present photo ID to register to vote and to cast their ballot. He joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain. In the final installment of our 'Introducing New Senators' series, Senator Gene Dornink, R-Hayfield, the only newly-elected Republican from Greater Minnesota, joins Shannon to talk about his background and his path to elect...
Governor's Budget Proposal, GOP Response, Veterans Restorative Justice, Introducing New Senators
January 29, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBCalling it Minnesota's COVID-19 Recovery Budget, Governor Tim Walz unveiled a $52.4 billion dollar plan for FY22-23 that would focus on aiding families, small businesses and students in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. We have details and highlights of the announcement and the subsequent Republican response. A bill to put veterans with service-related injuries on a path to rehabilitation instead of incarceration when facing some criminal charges is, once again, before the legislature...
Senate GOP & DFL Leaders on Caucus Priorities for 2021 Session
January 22, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe most crucial work of the 2021 legislative session will be the crafting of a balanced budget for the coming biennium. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to outline their respective caucus's goals for the session. Also in the program, lawmakers call for stiffer penalties when law enforcement officers are injured in the line of duty, and a joint meeting of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Fi...
Senate President Election, Responding to U.S. Capitol Riot, Expanding Rural Broadband, New Senator
January 15, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, Senator Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, is once again elected President of the Senate. Meanwhile, responses to the unrest at the U.S. Capitol and reaction to the demonstrations at the Minnesota Capitol and the Governor's Mansion hijack a usually amicable forum between Governor Walz and legislative leaders. The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband recommends continued funding for the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Program. Senator Tom Bakk, I-Cook, has authored a bil...
Convening the 2021 Session, Protecting American Indian Women & Girls, Introducing New Senators
January 08, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe 2021 session is underway, and both chambers are making concessions to address safety concerns. On this week's program, highlights of the very unique and historic opening day. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Task Force report was presented to the Legislature in December. The report notes that while American Indian woman and girls make up just one percent of Minnesota’s population, they represent eight percent of all murdered women and girls. Senator Mary Kunesh, DFL-N...
Prioritizing COVID-19 Vaccine, Reflecting on Teaching & Students, Aiding Businesses & the Unemployed
December 18, 2020 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBDistribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is a challenge facing the state and nation. Senator Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about prioritization of the vaccine and getting kids back in school. Senator Steve Cwodzinski, DFL-Eden Prairie, spent more than 30 years in the classroom teaching Government and U.S. History to more than 12,000 students. He joins Shannon to talk about his teaching phil...
Newly Elected Senators to Make History in Minnesota Senate
December 11, 2020 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBWhen the Minnesota Senate convenes January 5, 2021, the youngest woman and the first Somali-American will take the oath of office, establishing new firsts for the institution. They join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about their backgrounds and the formative experiences that launched their public careers.
Assessing Minnesota's November 2020 Budget and Economic Forecast
December 04, 2020 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBState budget leaders released the November Budget and Economic Forecast Tuesday, December 1, which sets a baseline for budget planning in the coming legislative session. The latest numbers show a projected surplus of $641 million dollars for the biennium that ends in June and a projected deficit of about $1.3 billion dollars for the FY2022-2023 biennium. Jim Schowalter, Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget, and Dr. Laura Kalambokidis, Minnesota State Economist, join Capitol Re...
Bringing Educational and Public Affairs Experience
November 20, 2020 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAmong the ten newly elected members to the Minnesota Senate, former House Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Communications Professor Aric Putnam will draw upon their experiences in political and collegial discourse. Murphy talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about future legislative challenges, including prioritizing equity in healthcare, education, economic development, and the environment. Putnam underscores the correlation between his future legislative role and his expertis...
Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft, Introducing New Senators
November 13, 2020 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBCars that runs on gasoline have a special device, called a catalytic converter, that helps minimize the release of harmful exhaust chemicals into the air. Made with precious metals, the catalytic converters are a hot commodity and of great interest to thieves. Senator John Marty, DFL-Roseville, joins Shannon to explain his efforts to curb the thefts. The Minnesota Senate will have ten new Senators when they convene in 2021, including current House Assistant Majority Leader Mary Kunesh-Podei...
Reviewing the 2020 Election, Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft
November 06, 2020 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMinnesota state government will remain divided as policymakers launch the 2021 session. Distinguished University of Minnesota professor Dr. Kathryn Pearson joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to discuss the latest election trends. Plus, Senate Chief Photographer A.J. Olmscheid showcases Minnesota's strong tradition of voting. Cars that runs on gasoline have a special device, called a catalytic converter, that helps minimize the release of harmful exhaust chemicals into the air. ...
Assessing the 2020 Election; State's Response to 2020 Civil Unrest
October 29, 2020 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBDistinguished University of Minnesota professors Dr. Kathryn Pearson and Dr. Larry Jacobs join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to assess the 2020 election. Plus, Senate Republicans release a report on the state’s response to the 2020 civil unrest following the death of George Floyd.
Vying for Control of the Minnesota Senate
October 22, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSince 2010, control of the Minnesota Senate has fluctuated between the Republicans and the DFLers with each election cycle. The Republicans currently hold a three-vote majority, and the results of the 2020 election will impact how the state handles redistricting, the COVID-19 response and the looming budget deficit. It is Majority Leader Paul Gazelka's job to keep control of the Senate, and it is Minority Leader Susan Kent's goal to secure a majority. In late summer, Capitol Report modera...
Fighting for Control of the Minnesota House of Representatives
October 16, 2020 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe control of the Minnesota House of Representatives has changed seven times since 1971, when legislators affirmed their major party affiliation. Since then, a Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) member served as majority leader twenty-one times, while a Republican member led the majority caucus ten times. On this week's Capitol Report program, moderator Shannon Loehrke talks with House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, and House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R- Crown, about their ...
Assessing the 2020 Election / Leaving State Service
October 08, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBIt’s hard to imagine any more October surprises, and yet the month is still young and voters have learned that just about anything can, and may, happen. Distinguished professor Dr. Larry Jacobs of the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to offer his perspective on the 2020 election. Cynthia Bauerly is the longest-serving Department of Revenue commissioner in Minnesota’s history, serving at the helm of the agency for nea...
Assessing the 2020 Election; State of MN Agriculture
October 01, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBDr. Kathryn Pearson of the University of Minnesota joins Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke to offer her assessment of the 2020 campaign and election. Plus, Department of Agriculture Thom Petersen provides an overview of the status of Minnesota's agricultural economy, including the latest efforts to help Minnesota producers recover from the impact of COVID-19.
DFL Perspective on the 2020 Election; the State of MN's Natural Resources
September 24, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week’s program, Minnesota DFL Party Chair Ken Martin joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to preview the 2020 election and makes the case for supporting his party's candidates in November. Plus, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen talks about fall colors, rice harvesting, the deer season and other ways to get outside in the great outdoors this fall.
GOP Perspective on 2020 Election; Update on Census; Prioritizing Bonding
September 17, 2020 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week’s program, Minnesota Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan makes the case for voting GOP in November. State Demographer Susan Brower provides an update on the 2020 Census efforts, and Senate Capital Improvements Chair David Senjem, R-Rochester, explains why the state needs a bonding bill enacted soon.
Colleges and COVID-19, Expiring Military Tax Credit, Preparing for Tax Time
September 11, 2020 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBColleges and universities across Minnesota are working to manage student learning and campus life during COVID-19. In addition, the pandemic is exacerbating challenges that have been plaguing higher education. Senator Paul Anderson, R-Plymouth, chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about campus preparedness plans and the future impact of the pandemic on the higher education institutions. Also this week, Department of Revenue ...
Voting in Minnesota this Fall; Containing Chronic Wasting Disease
September 04, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week’s program, Secretary of State Steve Simon outlines what voters need to know for the November election, and Representative Jamie Becker-Finn, DFL-Roseville, an avid deer hunter and Vice Chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee, explains how the state is attempting to contain the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Plus, University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel details a plan to manage COVID-19 in residence halls.
Senate Republican Priorities and Changing Leadership at MMB
August 27, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, moderator Shannon Loehrke continues her conversations with legislative and party leaders by visiting remotely with Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, who outlines the Senate Republican Caucus priorities. Plus, outgoing Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans discusses his legacy, his new position at the University of Minnesota and the state's fiscal future. Further, the Senate continues its performance review of agency commissioners, and a respect...
Reliving Fun at the State Fair, Questioning the Delay on Enbridge Line 3
August 20, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe annual Minnesota State Fair always brightened the final week of August and early September, but 2020 will be much different with the cancellation of the Great Minnesota Get Together. On this week's program, moderator Shannon Loehrke relives some of the fun exchanges with state lawmakers through the posing of some very Minnesota questions. The Department of Commerce recently announced its appeal to the construction of Enbridge Line 3, citing a failure to forecast the long-term demand ...
Aid for Disability Service Providers, State Leadership Changes, Senate DFL Priorities
August 13, 2020 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, moderator Shannon Loehrke highlights the work of the legislature to pass a rescue aid package for disability service providers and features key state leadership changes. Plus, Senate DFL Leader Susan Kent joins Shannon to discuss the priorities of her caucus, as Shannon begins a series of interviews with legislative and party leaders about the election and challenging issues facing Minnesota in the midst of a pandemic and significant budget shortfall.
State Capitol's Civil War Art and Artifacts
August 06, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBWhen the Minnesota State Capitol was completed in 1906, the battle scars of the Civil War were still fresh in people's minds. Featuring Minnesota's involvement in the war was of great importance to the building's planners. On this week's program, Brian Pease of the Minnesota Historical Society joins Capitol Report Shannon Loehrke to showcase some of the irreplaceable art and artifacts that are displayed in the state's most prominent public building.
Virtual Tour of the State Capitol's Grand Floor
July 30, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe State Capitol is closed due to the pandemic, but you can visit it virtually. Architect Cass Gilbert’s vision of symmetry, high art and classical ideals is realized in the State Capitol’s Grand Floor, where the Senate, House of Representatives and Supreme Court chambers are located. Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke and State Capitol Historian Brian Pease showcase the beauty of the magnificent art and architecture of the State Capitol's second floor.
New and Future Police Reforms / School Reopening Decisions
July 23, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMonths of bipartisan negotiations lead to police accountability reforms passing the legislature and being signed into law by Governor Tim Walz. However, as the bill was making its way through the process, legislative leaders were citing it as only a first step in addressing policing in Minnesota. Senator Patricia Torres Ray, DFL-Minneapolis, and a member of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about the next steps in police r...
Reopening Minnesota Schools, Mandating Wearing of Masks
July 16, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAs the state awaits the Governor’s decision on reopening schools this fall, Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke talks with two key lawmakers about the best approach to reopening schools. Senate Education Committee Chair Carla Nelson, R-Rochester, and DFL education lead Senator Chuck Wiger, DFL-Minneapolis, offer their perspectives about whether or not school opening decisions should be handled locally or statewide. At least twenty-five governors have issued orders requiring some leve...
Investigating Riots and Lawlessness, Helping Minneapolis Heal, Aiding Disability Providers
July 10, 2020 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Minnesota Senate began a series of hearings to delve into the rioting and demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. Senator Scott Newman, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, is presiding over the meetings, and he joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain the goal of the investigation. Senator Patricia Torres Ray is a member of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus and represents Southeast Minneapolis, an area hard hit by the riots that ensued fol...
Improving Law Enforcement Accountability, Providing Child Care Assistance
June 26, 2020 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBSenate Republicans have voiced concerns over the recent uptick in crime, and they are calling for a federal investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, R - Alexandria, and a former Douglas County sheriff, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to review what he believes is needed to improve law enforcement accountability. A bill enacted during the recent special session increases reimbursement rates in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), wh...
Policing Reform; Small Business Aid; Art and Monuments
June 20, 2020 06:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe death of George Floyd and the call for greater police reform weighs heavily on lawmakers, as they hold long floor sessions debating approaches to improve peace officer accountability and training. On this week's program, Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke highlights debate underway at the State Capitol. Also, a cooperative effort to aid small businesses facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic is realized, and bill author Senator Paul Anderson, R-Plymouth, explains how the gr...
Improving Equity, Reforming Policing, Caring for the Elderly
June 04, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe death of George Floyd has brought to the forefront policy efforts to address racial inequities and reform police practices. Senator Jeff Hayden, who represents the area of Minneapolis where the death of George Floyd and subsequent protests occurred, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to discuss economic equity and policing reform. More than 80 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota have occurred in long-term care facilities. Senator Karin Housley, Chair of the Senate Agin...
Securing Safe Elections, Bringing Transparency to Drug Prices, Raising Tobacco Age
May 28, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe August statewide primary election and the November general election are quickly approaching, and candidates are working to secure public office. On this week's program, Secretary of State Steve Simon talks with Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke about the use of federal funds to improve election security and efforts underway to protect voters' safety amid the pandemic. Over the past few years, lawmakers have sought ways to address the rising costs of health care. A bill to bring g...
A Review of the Incredibly Challenging 2020 Legislative Session
May 21, 2020 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBLawmakers adjourned the incredibly challenging 2020 regular legislative session acknowledging that they will soon be returning to the State Capitol. While important legislation was enacted into law, major decisions await, including the passage of a public works package. On this week's Capitol Report program, legislative leaders and Governor Walz highlight the successes and failures of the 2020 regular session. Legislative operations dramatically changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,...
Pushing For Businesses and Agriculture; Advancing COVID-19 Testing
May 15, 2020 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAs Governor Walz gradually opens the state, lawmakers seek to aid businesses and industry. On this week's Capitol Report program, moderator Shannon Loehrke highlights Senate debate pushing for restoring local business activity under safe guidelines. Plus, a look into Minnesota’s economic future and advancing COVID-19 research. Dr. Laura Kalambokidis joins Shannon to discuss the downturn in the economy and its impact on Minnesota's budget. Senate Agriculture Chair Bill Weber, R-Luverne, ...
State Lawmakers Work to Jump-Start Economy
May 08, 2020 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, COVID-19's impact on the state budget prompts lawmakers to readjust state priorities. Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke talks with Senate Tax Chair Roger Chamberlain about the proposed $330 million dollar Cornavirus Economic Recovery Act, and Senate DFL leaders promote a $2.3 billion dollar bonding bill to ignite construction projects. Also on the program, lawmakers explain the necessity of rural internet access for distance learning and telehealth, and the ...
Maintaining Oversight of Pandemic Efforts, Addressing Changing Landscape
May 01, 2020 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBState lawmakers had a very busy week addressing the impact of COVID-19 on Minnesota's institutions and services. On this week's program, moderator Shannon Loehrke talks with key lawmakers about their efforts to ensure legislative oversight of federal COVID-19 funds, assist higher institutions as they navigate a changing landscape, and maintain necessary services that allow the disabled community to live independent lives.
CAPITOL REPORT: Lawmakers Work to Address COVID-19's Impact
April 24, 2020 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBState lawmakers are wrestling with COVID-19’s impact on Minnesota’s people and economy. Over the past week, policymakers have initiated efforts to begin opening Minnesota's businesses, secure new funding for COVID-19 tests and protect homeowners, renters and landlords. Shannon Loehrke delves into the concerns and initiatives under consideration at the State Capitol.
Insulin Affordability Law, Preparing for Elections
April 17, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBA long-fought initiative to provide diabetics access to both emergency and long-term insulin passed the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Walz. Senator Scott Jensen, R-Chaska, has been credited with finding the compromise that pushed the bill over the finish line. He joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain the new law that will help diabetics obtain and keep the life-sustaining drug. Also on the program, Wisconsin’s handling of its recent presidential primary...
Increasing Home Ownership, Ending Child Marriage, Legalizing Sports Betting, Aiding COVID 19 Response
March 13, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's Capitol Report program, Shannon Loehrke takes a look at several proposals gaining traction. Senator Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, highlights a series of bills designed to make homes more affordable and accessible. Senator Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, discusses her proposal that would end child marriage in Minnesota, and Senator Roger Chamberlain, R-Lino Lakes, explains his two sports-related measures, one that would legalize sports betting and another bill that would allow coll...
Economic Forecast; Adopting California Emission Standards
March 06, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBState budget officials recently released the February Budget and Economic Forecast, showing a projected budget surplus of $1.5 billion dollars for the current biennium. Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to review the latest economic news, including the potential financial impact of the COVID-19 virus. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is preparing for the promulgation of new rules regulating car emission stand...
Improving the State's Infrastructure, Prioritizing Clean Energy
February 14, 2020 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOn this week's program, Governor Tim Walz highlights his proposed Local Jobs and Project Plan, which would finance capital improvements for public safety, water quality, higher education and housing. Also, Senate Capital Improvements Chair David Senjem, R-Rochester, previews his capital project priorities and discusses his Clean Energy First plan. Furthermore, House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt joins Shannon to review the House GOP goals, including passing a bonding bill and addressing the ris...