All Videos - Minnesota 2021 - 2021 1st Special Session (Page 12)
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Press Conference: DFL Legislators and Community Members Respond to Texas Shooting - 05/26/2022
Summary:
The meeting focused on gun violence prevention in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting. Sen. Patricia Torres opened by offering condolences and calling gun violence a public health crisis, urging immediate action on sensible gun legislation, including assault-weapons restrictions, red flag laws, high-capacity magazine bans, safe-storage measures, age limits, and stronger background checks. Rep. Carlos Mariani Rosa echoed those concerns, said Minnesota had previously passed universal background checks and red flag interventions in the House, and criticized Senate Republicans for blocking those proposals. He argued that the problem is not a lack of ideas but a lack of political will, and said lawmakers and voters must do more to protect children and communities.
Several community speakers, including Maria Issa Perez Hedges, Paula Cole, and Emilia Gonzalez Abalos of Unidos Minnesota, described the fear and trauma families and educators feel after mass shootings and said schools should be safe places. They emphasized that gun access is too easy, that the issue affects Minnesota as well as Texas, and that the Latino community is especially grieving and mobilizing. Cole, a former teacher, described active-shooter drills and argued that arming teachers is not a solution. Abalos read the names of children and educators killed in Uvalde and said common-sense gun safety laws are preventable and necessary.
In response to questions, Mariani said he had reached out to Sen. Limmer and would continue pushing for a special session or other engagement on gun safety, while acknowledging that negotiations are difficult. He said avoiding the issue is not problem-solving and rejected comparisons between guns and other weapons, arguing that AR-15s and similar firearms are mass weapons of death and that state lines do not protect Minnesota from gun violence elsewhere. No vote or formal legislative action was taken in the meeting; it was an advocacy and discussion session centered on urging future action on gun safety legislation.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Carrie Ruud Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The transcript is a farewell-style speech by Senator Carrie Ruud reflecting on her legislative career and thanking colleagues, staff, family, and faith leaders. She recalled first being elected in 2002 as part of the “Baker’s Dozen” freshman class, losing her seat in 2006, and returning to the Senate in 2013. She described serving in both the minority and majority, working under both DFL and Republican governors, and said she valued the institution’s traditions and the bipartisan relationships she built.
Ruud highlighted several policy areas and bills that were especially meaningful to her. She spoke about the impact of a local murder on her focus in the Senate, which led her to work on sex offender legislation and the Judiciary Committee. She also discussed the Minnesota Personal Protection Act, noting that it was a difficult but important bill in 2005 and emphasizing that it was carried by minority member Pat Pariseau with Ruud as an author. Another major focus was the School Trust Committee, which she said grew from a little-not-wanted committee into a successful effort that increased the trust corpus and school distributions significantly.
She closed by praising colleagues who mentored her, especially women legislators and former housemate John Moored, and by thanking her staff and family for their support. Ruud said she was proud to have served with honesty and integrity and looked forward to retirement and future work related to the environment. The speech ended with applause; no formal vote or committee action was taken in the transcript.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Scott Newman Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The speaker, Senator Scott Newman, gave a farewell-style address reflecting on his 12 years of service in the Senate and his time in the other legislative body. He urged members to see one another as people first, suggesting the session begin with introductory speeches in future years so members can better understand each other’s backgrounds and humanity rather than focusing on party or chamber divisions. He also spoke about the chamber’s symbolism and grandeur, and told a story about a young family visiting the floor to emphasize the importance of public service and protecting the institution.
Newman said his main regret was not spending enough time working collaboratively with fellow senators, and he stressed that meaningful work requires cooperation across caucuses and party lines. He expressed gratitude for colleagues and specifically recognized five staff members he called his team: Lexi, Christa, Dave, Pat, and Matt. He also shared some personal reflections about his interests after leaving office, including history, travel, and the ocean.
The address ended with a final goodbye to the presiding officer, followed by applause. No bills were debated and no formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the excerpt.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Gregory Clausen Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate heard a farewell address from Senator Greg Clausen, who noted his election in 2012, service beginning in 2013, and 10 years in the Senate. He reflected on his first day in the chamber and an orientation led by Senate Secretary Cal Ludeman, including Daniel Webster’s words in the rotunda about developing resources, building institutions, and doing something worthy to be remembered. Clausen said those words reminded him of the responsibility of legislative service and the importance of wise decision-making for Minnesota’s future.
He thanked colleagues, partisan and nonpartisan staff, front desk staff, legislative assistants, and members of the public, and gave a special acknowledgment to Senator Jim Carlson for sharing a floor seat with him for 10 years. Clausen also spoke about his background as an educator and the learning opportunities the Senate provided. He said he looked forward to spending more time with his wife, Bobby, their three children, six grandchildren, and extended family activities.
No bills were discussed and no votes or formal actions were taken. The only action was the chamber’s recognition of Clausen’s service, followed by applause.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Michael Goggin Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate heard a farewell-style tribute for Senator Mike Goggin, noting his election in 2016, service beginning in 2017, and six years in the chamber. In his remarks, Goggin thanked the residents of Senate District 21 for the opportunity to serve, saying the experience had made him a better person and that he was proud of the work done in the Senate.
He also expressed appreciation to Senate staff, his family, and especially his wife Pam, acknowledging the support they provided through difficult times. Goggin said that despite public perceptions of partisan conflict, he believed senators generally worked toward the same goal of doing the best they could for Minnesota.
Goggin said he was moving on to his next career and looked forward to spending more time with his grandchild and family. The chamber responded with applause; no bills were debated and no votes or formal actions were taken in the excerpt.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Karla Bigham Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate held a recognition and farewell-style tribute for Senator Karla Bigham, noting her election in 2018 through a special election, her five years of Senate service, and her longer total legislative service in both chambers. In her remarks, Bigham said she was not retiring, but expressed gratitude to colleagues, Senate District 54 residents, and the communities, businesses, and organizations she represented over nine legislative sessions.
She also thanked her staff, including her legislative assistant, media writers, partisan and nonpartisan staff, security, and maintenance workers, and acknowledged the support of her family and friends. Her comments mixed humor and emotion, including a reference to the film Half Baked and a light remark about the chamber’s inability to pass marijuana legalization.
Bigham closed by thanking the people who supported her throughout her career and asked members to “be kind to counties.” Another member responded by saying the challenge would be to see who would not cry, underscoring the emotional tone of the recognition.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Melisa López Franzen Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
Senator Melissa López Franzen delivered a farewell-style floor speech reflecting on her 10 years in the Minnesota Senate, noting she was first elected in 2012 and began serving in 2013. She described her early years as the first Democrat, first Latina, and first woman senator from Edina, and contrasted the more cooperative atmosphere she remembered with the current political climate, which she said has become more divisive and harmful to democracy.
Her remarks focused on the need to protect democracy, seek truth and justice, and continue fighting for equal rights, reproductive rights, and freedom for people to live without having their differences silenced. She also spoke personally about the sacrifices of public service, including missed family events, and thanked her children, husband, colleagues, staff, and constituents for their support.
No legislation was debated or voted on in the excerpt. The only action was the conclusion of her remarks, followed by applause.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator David Senjem Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate recognized Senator David Senjem for 20 years of service and he delivered a farewell-style floor speech reflecting on his time in the chamber. He spoke about the Senate as a special place for debate and public service, recalled his early days, orientation, and first bill, and emphasized the importance of decorum, working across differences, and putting the public good first. He also thanked staff, colleagues, and others who had supported him over the years.
Senjem reviewed several major issues and votes from his tenure, including the Twins stadium, Prairie Island spent fuel storage, the Vikings stadium, the shutdown, Destination Medical Center, mental health crisis centers, and energy transition work, using them as examples of difficult but ultimately collaborative legislative efforts. He also described his rise to Senate Republican leader after the 2006 election losses and said that relationships across party lines mattered even in contentious fights.
No formal bill action or vote occurred in this excerpt beyond the historical references he recounted. The remarks ended with thanks to the Senate and a closing reminder that "the noblest motive is the public good."
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Charles Wiger Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
This was a retirement tribute for Senator Chuck Wiger, noting his election in 1996, service beginning in 1997, and 26 years in the Senate. Wiger reflected on 50 years of public service and shared a long personal story about his early life, including being a high school dropout, experiencing homelessness, working with the Minnesota Twins, traveling with the circus and on freighters, and eventually returning to Minnesota to attend Hamline University. He said those experiences shaped his commitment to public service and to education-related issues.
He emphasized the importance of relationships, civility, and staff, thanking mentors, colleagues, and family members. Wiger highlighted his early internship with Senate President Jerry Hughes and said it led him to run for school board and later advocate for early childhood family education, community education, and lifelong learning. He also thanked staff members and several legislators, including Senators Bach, Sanchem, Nelson, and others, for their work and bipartisan cooperation.
Wiger closed by recalling a bonding-bill amendment that helped create the Tubman Shelter in Maplewood from a former monastery, describing it as a reminder to never give up on worthwhile projects. He thanked Representatives Peter Fischer and Leon Lillie for their partnership and expressed appreciation for the Senate family, ending with well-wishes for health, happiness, and peace.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Paul Gazelka Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
Senator Paul Gazelka delivered a farewell-style address reflecting on his 12 years of Senate service, his election in the 2010 wave, and his time as leader. He thanked his family, Senate staff, nonpartisan staff, and the chaplain, and spoke warmly about the personal support and relationships that shaped his service. He also described his early idealism, the challenges of governing during a large budget shortfall, and how his perspective broadened over time.
A major theme of the speech was the importance of bipartisan relationships and institutional respect. Gazelka said the Senate only functions when members build trust across party lines, and he cited examples of working with Democrats and Republicans alike on budgets, taxes, commerce, and other issues. He emphasized that he saw himself as a bridge builder who wanted to lower the tone of political conflict while still standing up for conservative values.
He also reflected on his time as majority leader, saying it was a privilege to help set an example for the state and to encourage a more respectful Senate culture. He highlighted close working relationships with members such as Tom Bakk, Jeremy Miller, and others, and said that focusing on what is best for Minnesota, rather than on credit, leads to better outcomes. The address ended with a quotation from Theodore Roosevelt’s “man in the arena” speech and a closing expression of gratitude and uncertainty about what comes next.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Julie Rosen Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The meeting was a farewell tribute to Senator Julie Rosen, who reflected on her 20 years in the Senate, thanked her District 23 constituents, colleagues, staff, and family, and said she was proud of the work she had done. She spoke warmly about relationships built over her career, the support she received when first elected in 2002, and the sacrifices made by her children and husband so she could serve. She also shared personal plans for retirement, including travel and time with family.
Rosen highlighted several major policy efforts she had been involved in, including the 2005 comprehensive meth bill, the stadium financing bill, the 2018 pension bill, the opioid bill, and the mental health bill. She described these as bipartisan efforts that required close collaboration with governors, House members, and colleagues, and emphasized that relationship-building was key to getting difficult legislation passed. She also noted that some efforts, such as the 2022 pension bill, did not make it over the finish line.
Throughout the remarks, Rosen thanked numerous colleagues, staff, and legislative leaders by name, including those she credited with mentoring her or working closely with her on major bills. She praised the Senate president and staff for their service, expressed appreciation for her legislative assistants and committee staff, and closed by saying she would leave knowing she had served her district and the state well.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator David Osmek Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The speaker delivered a farewell address reflecting on his years in public office, including service in the Senate and earlier on the Mound city council. He noted his election in 2012, service beginning in 2013, and described his tenure as president for the year, saying he tried to be fair to both sides. Much of the speech was personal and retrospective, including references to his upbringing, family, and the importance of relationships in the legislature.
He thanked front desk staff, committee administrators Ali Eilers and Darren Lee, and several legislative assistants and executive assistant Wendy Avisto, recounting an anecdote about apologizing after unfairly criticizing staff. He also thanked longtime friends, his wife Kari, and his children, and mentioned the deaths of both his parents and Senator Dibble’s parents during the last term. He emphasized that the legislature is a place where relationships matter and urged newer members to build them.
No bills were discussed and no formal votes or legislative actions were taken in this segment. The speech ended with applause.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Mary Kiffmeyer Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The meeting consisted of a tribute and farewell remarks for Senator Mary Kiffmeyer, recognizing her long legislative career, including 10 years of Senate service and more than 4,000 total service days in both chambers. The remarks emphasized her dedication to public service, the uniqueness of legislative work, and the value of colleagues and staff who support that work. She also reflected on her personal background, growing up in a poor family, her work ethic, and the sacrifices made by her parents, husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to make her service possible.
Kiffmeyer expressed gratitude for her family, her office staff, and her colleagues, and spoke about the importance of perseverance, faithfulness, and stewardship in public life. She shared a light anecdote about service and a church plaque, and used it to underscore how outsiders may not fully understand the demands of legislative service. The remarks were largely personal and ceremonial, with no bills, votes, or formal legislative actions discussed.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Jason Isaacson Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
This was a farewell-style floor speech by Senator Jason Isaacson reflecting on his years of service and announcing that he is stepping back to spend more time with his family and pursue his role as a professor. He spoke at length about the support of his wife, children, and parents, and about how growing up with politically different parents shaped his problem-solving and empathy. He also thanked the people of Senate District 42 and paid tribute to the late Bev Scalzi, whose seat he eventually filled.
A major theme of the speech was appreciation for legislative staff, whom he described as the “heart and soul” of the institution. He urged future majorities to back up praise with better pay and support for staff, and said their work made legislators more effective and the Senate function properly. He also thanked Senator Steve Swedzinski for his positivity and friendship, and said that seeing the Senate through others’ eyes helped him become a better member and person.
Isaacson said he did not feel “done” with public service, but that his immediate priority was his children and family. He mentioned issues he still cares about, including career and technical education and mental health, and said he hoped to remain active in some way after leaving the Senate. He closed by expressing hope for continued bipartisanship and by thanking colleagues, after which there was applause and a light decorum note about his missing tie.
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Minnesota 2021 1st Special Session
Senator Ann Johnson Stewart Says Farewell to the Minnesota Senate May 25th, 2022
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The meeting segment was a tribute to Senator Johnson Stewart, noting that she was first elected in 2020 and began serving in the Senate in 2021. In her remarks, she thanked her family, campaign supporters, and constituents in Plymouth, Minnetonka, and Woodland, and reflected on her two years of service.
She emphasized her strong interest in infrastructure, describing herself as a “nerdy engineer” with a master’s degree in pavement engineering. She said she was proud to have worked on infrastructure, clean water, sewer and water, ponding, and bonding projects, and thanked colleagues for letting her take a lead role on those issues.
Johnson Stewart said she intended to keep fighting for infrastructure funding, including through the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, and joked that she would continue showing up at job sites. The segment ended with lighthearted comments from others about her reaction to the award and the box it came in.