Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from May 22, 2022. It then took up House Resolution 2022-R24A, which concerns compensation for House employees. Kelly Knight, the House Director of Human Resources, explained that the resolution was being amended to change a previously approved 2.5% increase to a 3% general increase effective July 1 for all staff. She noted the change was within the existing House budget, followed the Senate’s similar staff compensation action, and would apply only to staff, not members. The committee approved the resolution without objection. The committee next considered House Resolution 2022-R29 on employee communication stipends. House Controller Barb Julic said the resolution would reinstate a stipend similar to one the House had previously used, reflecting continued remote-hybrid work. The stipend would be retroactive from July through October 31 and paid as a one-time lump sum on the October 31 paycheck for staff employed on that date. In response to a question, she said a fully employed staff member over that period would receive $2,000, based on $125 per month. The committee approved the resolution as well. No further business was brought before the committee, and the meeting adjourned with the chair thanking members and wishing them a good Fourth of July weekend.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The meeting was a public signing and celebration of Minnesota’s agriculture and rural broadband legislation at a family dairy farm. Speakers, including the governor, lieutenant governor, agriculture commissioner, and legislative leaders, highlighted the farm’s history and used it as an example of Minnesota agriculture’s importance to jobs, local economies, food security, and family farms. They said the agriculture package was developed in a largely bipartisan way and was intended to address immediate needs while also supporting the future of farming. The bill’s main provisions discussed included drought relief for farmers, emergency support related to highly pathogenic avian influenza, funding for a revolving loan account, soil health grants, support for emerging farmers, and down payment assistance grants of up to $15,000 for eligible farmers to buy land. Speakers also emphasized investments in rural communities, local meat processing, agricultural research and innovation, and broadband expansion. Several noted that broadband is essential for modern farm operations, not just for communication but for precision agriculture, automation, and business management. Legislative leaders said the package passed with strong bipartisan support, including a 66-1 Senate vote, and described the negotiations as collaborative, including a late-night pizza meeting between House and Senate leaders. The governor signed the bill at the farm, and speakers thanked producers, legislators, and advocates, including a young FFA member who had testified at the Capitol. The event also briefly included a question-and-answer segment on broadband funding and a separate question about Minnesota National Guard COVID-19 vaccine compliance, which the governor said was being handled with exemptions and readiness considerations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on the recently enacted agriculture bill and what it means for Minnesota farmers. The speaker said the Senate strongly pushed the bill, especially its rural broadband provisions, calling it the largest broadband investment in state history. He said the biennium now includes more than $280 million committed to expanding broadband into unserved rural areas, which he described as important for farm operations, precision agriculture, access to markets, and cost savings on inputs. The bill also includes drought relief and support for beginning farmers. The speaker highlighted a new farmer tax credit effort and a first-time down payment assistance program funded at $500,000, offering up to $15,000 per new farmer as a forgivable grant if they continue farming for more than five years. He said the goal is to help new and smaller farmers get started and eventually expand, including specialty crop producers and family operations. In the final portion, the speaker gave a general update on Minnesota agriculture, saying the state had experienced storms and heavy rain this year after last year’s drought. He said many areas were delayed by wet conditions, but crops now appear to be in good shape and on track for a strong harvest if weather holds. He framed the ag bill’s broadband and drought-relief provisions as timely support for farmers recovering from last year’s conditions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The transcript contains only music and non-speech filler sounds, with no discernible committee or floor discussion, bill references, testimony, motions, or votes. No legislative topics or actions can be identified from the audio content provided. Because there is no spoken content in the transcript, there is nothing substantive to summarize regarding policy positions, witnesses, or decisions taken.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The transcript is a press availability focused on Minnesota tax policy and gas prices, with the speaker arguing strongly against Governor Walz’s proposed rebate checks. He repeatedly described the checks as an election-year gimmick rather than real tax relief, saying they would not reduce state tax collections and would only provide temporary help. He said Minnesotans need permanent, ongoing tax cuts instead of one-time payments, and he criticized House Democrats for not passing the proposal during the regular session. A major theme was the claim that Democratic policies, including opposition to pipelines and fossil fuels, are driving inflation and higher gas prices. The speaker blamed Governor Walz and President Biden for rising fuel costs and said Democrats’ polling problems were motivating the rebate proposal. He also discussed a possible gas tax holiday, saying he would be open to it only if the state replaced Highway Trust Fund revenue from the general fund so roads and bridges would not be shorted. The discussion also touched on the broader budget and tax package, with the speaker disputing the characterization of a $4 billion tax cut and saying the actual package included both tax cuts and spending. He said he would support a rebate check only alongside permanent tax relief and expressed willingness to negotiate if included. No votes were taken and no legislative action occurred in the transcript.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: House Republican Majority Leader addressed reporters from a recycling facility in Winona to criticize Governor Walz’s latest tax rebate proposal and to contrast it with the GOP’s tax plan. He said Republicans had already proposed $8.5 billion in permanent, ongoing tax relief, including full elimination of state taxes on Social Security benefits, and argued that one-time rebate checks would be less effective and could be taxable at the federal level. He also said Republicans were open to ideas that would put money back in taxpayers’ pockets, but not to a rebate structure that would send money to Minnesotans only for the federal government to tax it. In questions, the leader rejected the idea that Republicans were holding back tax relief for political advantage, saying they would support a special session if it advanced the GOP package. He said the Senate had passed the Republican tax relief bill with bipartisan support, but House Democrats had not brought it up for a vote. He repeatedly emphasized that the Republican proposal would provide permanent relief through lower withholding and tax rates, rather than a one-time payment, and said the GOP was not interested in splitting the difference if the result was a federally taxable rebate. The discussion also touched on broader budget and policy disagreements that had stalled special session talks. The leader said the impasse involved not just taxes but also public safety and health and human services, citing Republican proposals for more funding for police, tougher penalties for carjackings, and $820 million for nursing homes, assisted living, and disability service providers. He denied that primary election politics were affecting the negotiations and said there was no current plan to bring commissioner confirmations back for consideration. The event ended with the leader reiterating support for permanent tax cuts over a gas tax holiday and then taking no further questions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota leaders held a press event to push a proposal to use part of the state surplus for direct payments to residents, arguing that high inflation, especially for gas, groceries, and other necessities, makes immediate relief necessary. The governor, lieutenant governor, and Speaker Hortman said the plan would provide $2,000 checks for eligible couples and $1,000 for eligible individuals, with claims that the payments could be structured to avoid state and federal tax and not affect other assistance. They framed the proposal as a simple, popular way to return surplus money to Minnesotans and said it could be acted on quickly through a special session. The speakers also tied the checks to broader budget negotiations, saying they remained willing to continue talks on the larger agreement covering tax cuts, education, public safety, nursing homes, child care, and federal transportation or infrastructure dollars. Hortman said House DFLers were still ready to negotiate and emphasized that the agreed framework already included a tax bill with property tax relief for seniors and Social Security tax reductions. They criticized Senate Republicans for walking away from negotiations and said the surplus should not sit unused while families struggle. In response to questions, the governor said the checks would go through the Legislature rather than by executive order, and he argued that the gas-tax repeal would provide only limited savings compared with direct payments. He also said the payments would be structured so there would be no federal tax. The governor and Speaker said they were not prepared to call a special session without clear parameters, citing concerns about Republican behavior on commissioner confirmations and the risk of retaliation against appointees. No vote was taken at the event.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The meeting was a press availability focused on Minnesota’s budget surplus and a proposed one-time direct payment to residents, described by supporters as “checks” or “gas checks.” Governor Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan, and Speaker Hortman argued that with inflation and high gas and grocery prices, the state should use part of the surplus to send immediate relief to eligible Minnesotans. They said the proposal would provide $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for couples, be structured to avoid state and federal tax consequences, and not count against other assistance. They also said the plan could be acted on quickly if legislative leaders signed off, and tied it to a broader bipartisan framework that includes $4 billion in tax cuts and $4 billion in spending, with $4 billion left on the bottom line. The speakers also emphasized other priorities they said were still part of negotiations or already in the agreed framework, including education funding, public safety, nursing homes, child care, special education, housing, and matching federal infrastructure dollars. Speaker Hortman said House DFLers remained willing to negotiate and urged Republicans to return to the table, while the governor said he would continue to exchange offers and compromise. They also defended the checks as a practical response to inflation and cited examples of how the money could help with gas, diapers, rent, and school expenses. Republican responses in the transcript rejected the proposal as election-year politics and argued it was not real tax relief because it would not reduce ongoing tax collections. They said Minnesotans need permanent tax cuts instead of one-time checks, blamed Democratic policies for inflation and high gas prices, and argued the governor had not pursued the idea during the regular session. Republicans also questioned the federal tax treatment and said the proposal was being used to create political pressure rather than reach a real deal. No vote was taken in the exchange, and the discussion ended with continued disagreement over whether to proceed with the checks alone or as part of a broader budget agreement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Ron Latz discussed the Senate DFL’s push for gun reform in response to recent mass shootings, saying the events create some momentum but that it has not historically led to meaningful legislative change. He argued that sustained pressure from legislators and constituents is needed to overcome resistance to reform. Latz described two main proposals: closing the gun show/private-sale background check loophole and creating a permit-to-purchase system so all firearm purchases go through a background check. He said current law allows guns to be sold at gun shows or in private transactions without any check, even to people who would otherwise be prohibited from buying firearms, and said a federal law would be needed to prevent buyers from simply going to another state to avoid Minnesota rules. He also promoted a red flag law, or extreme risk protection order, saying it would let law enforcement seek a court order to temporarily remove firearms from someone in crisis. He said such laws are important because suicides are a major source of gun deaths and guns greatly increase the likelihood that a crisis becomes fatal. In closing, he said recent bipartisan federal gun talks could help but would not go far enough, and he criticized reliance on “thoughts and prayers” instead of policy changes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Governor Walz held a ceremonial signing at Children’s Minnesota to mark a new mental health law providing $90 million in investments. Speakers said the package will expand access to care, including 22 additional bed licenses for a new inpatient children’s mental health unit on the St. Paul campus, more school-linked and mobile crisis services, workforce training and supervision grants, and funding for programs such as intensive treatment, foster homes, and first-episode psychosis support. Several lawmakers and advocates described the bill as broadly bipartisan and a significant step, though not a complete solution, and noted it was passed near midnight after negotiations over priorities and budget limits. During the event, lawmakers emphasized that the law addresses multiple parts of the mental health system, including access, staffing, and regional needs, especially in Greater Minnesota. They said the state is still filling gaps left by weak insurance parity enforcement and a workforce shortage, and that future work should continue to focus on regional approaches and additional resources. One speaker called the measure a “ninth step on the way to 50,” underscoring that more changes will still be needed. The program also turned to gun reform in response to recent mass shootings. Senate DFL leaders urged that any special session include public safety legislation with common-sense gun safety measures, saying broad public support exists for proposals such as closing background-check loopholes and adopting red flag laws. Sen. Ron Latz argued that gun violence requires both safety measures and mental health investments, and said the Senate DFL would pursue a bill to raise the purchase age for rifles, shotguns, and semi-automatic military-style weapons to 21, while preserving hunting access. He said federal reform could help but would not go far enough, and that Minnesota should still press for stronger action.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met with a quorum and first approved the Senate employee staff roster, which Secretary Ludeman described as the current snapshot of all permanent Senate staff positions and salaries. He explained that salary differences reflect market-based hiring, longevity, merit increases, and starting salary differences, and noted that the roster covers about 206 permanent employees plus roughly 32 to 35 session-only or temporary employees. On a motion by Senator Osmic, the roster dated June 7, 2022, was approved. The committee then considered Committee Resolution 5-7 on Senate employee compensation for fiscal year 2023. Ludeman outlined a proposed 3 percent COLA effective July 1, 2022, a 1 percent merit pool, and a one-time $600 lump-sum payment for current employees, with an estimated total cost of about $709,000. He said the COLA would be fully funded in the 2023 appropriation, the merit pool would be covered by anticipated savings from retirements, separations, and a hiring freeze, and the lump sum could be covered by savings, temporary salary funds, or carry-forward reserves. Members asked about what would become part of base salary; Ludeman clarified that the 3 percent COLA would become part of base pay, while the lump sum would not, and he later clarified that the 1 percent merit increase would also be permanent base compensation. The committee adopted Resolution 5-7. Next, the committee approved Committee Resolution 6, continuing the Senate’s contribution to the employee deferred compensation program at $1,150. Ludeman said the program is intended as a tax-deferral benefit and that about 75 percent of employees used it in the prior year. The resolution was adopted after a motion by Senator Rest. The committee also approved the interim travel expenses and per diem memo, with the chair noting that constituent service miles would be suspended after that day for members who file for office during the election year. The committee received a status update from HR Director Nicole Miner on the Senate non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy working group, which had nearly finalized its draft and expected to submit recommendations by June 24, 2022. The committee then considered Senator Frentz’s proposal to add Juneteenth as a paid Senate holiday in the policy handbook. Frentz said the change would cost the Senate nothing and would recognize the holiday for staff; members discussed whether the holiday should be observed on the actual date or shifted to a nearby weekday. After discussion, the committee adopted the amendment adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday, with observance on Friday if June 19 falls on a Saturday and on Monday if it falls on a Sunday.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Legislative Task Force on Child Protection met virtually with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from its May 3 meeting. Co-chairs Representative Dave Pinto and Senator Mark Johnson then welcomed new and returning members, who briefly introduced themselves and described their backgrounds in child welfare, early childhood, social work, school board service, and constituent casework. Several members emphasized a shared interest in improving child protection while keeping families together when possible, including using relatives as preferred placement options when children are removed. The co-chairs outlined the task force’s purpose and schedule, explaining that it was reconstituted from an earlier governor’s task force and now has a broad charge, especially after recent legislation. They said the group would use the next few months, including meetings on July 20 and August 17, to build a common understanding of Minnesota’s child welfare system and then narrow its focus to a few actionable areas for legislative recommendations. Senator Johnson said the task force is not expected to implement all 93 original recommendations, but instead to identify a handful of key choke points and possible changes for next session. The main presentation, led by Joanna Wohlmann with DHS and county social services partners, provided a broad overview of Minnesota’s child welfare system and emphasized historical trauma, racial disparities, and the importance of prevention. Presenters said the system has been shaped by boarding schools, enslavement, and systemic racism, and that poverty is a major risk factor for child welfare involvement, especially for American Indian and African American families. They argued for shifting from a reactive model toward prevention, early intervention, community-informed supports, and culturally responsive services, including community resource hubs and Family First prevention services. Stacey Hennen of county human services explained screening and assessment processes, noting that family assessment and family investigation use similar tools but differ mainly in whether a maltreatment finding is made, and warned that maltreatment findings tied to poverty-related cases can harm employment and housing. She also described mandated and voluntary reporters, the role of multidisciplinary screening teams, and the need to balance attention to prior reports with awareness of reporting bias against BIPOC and low-income families.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics reconvened in closed session to discuss an ongoing case and said the recording of that session would be released after final disposition. The chair moved to authorize subpoenas, under Minnesota Statutes section 3.153, to compel testimony from Saeed Salah and Dawson Kimyan at the subcommittee’s next meeting, and to authorize the chair to work with Senate counsel and other members to prepare the subpoenas. That motion passed. The chair also moved to direct staff to obtain and provide members with a copy of the grand jury transcript referenced during the proceedings regarding Mr. Kim Kimian. That motion also passed. The chair noted that the subcommittee would take additional testimony from the two individuals and review the transcript before discussing any further action. The chair said questions from the complainant and respondent would not be taken at the next meeting, and only panel questions would be allowed. The committee announced a tentative continued meeting for July 7 at 9:00 a.m., contingent on securing the two testifiers, and said it would likely meet again in executive session to consider any further discussion or action. The committee then recessed until July 7 at 9:00 a.m.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee continued discussion of count one in an ethics matter involving Senator Fateh and campaign videos posted by Somali TV. Members focused on whether the payments were for production, editing, and posting of campaign ads, and whether the lack of a required disclaimer violated Senate rules. Senator Fateh said he paid Somali TV in two $500 payments, that the videos were produced and posted without a written contract, and that he was responsible for the missing disclaimer. He also said he did not realize the disclaimer was missing until after the video was posted. A major point of dispute was the meaning of Somali TV’s sworn affidavit. Some members argued the affidavit only said Fateh provided a video file for broadcast and did not support claims that Somali TV recorded or edited the campaign videos, while others said the affidavit referred to campaign ads in the plural and was consistent with Fateh’s testimony about multiple videos and services. The committee also discussed a separate WCCO interview video that was reposted by Somali TV and may have been covered by the affidavit’s references. Several members pressed for more documentation, including an invoice or written contract, while others said the committee was spending too much time on details and should focus on the disclaimer issue and the broader ethics complaint. The chair said the inquiry was not simply about the disclaimer but about the full charge and that the committee was nearing the end of its discussion of count one. No final vote or action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.