Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: This episode of Capitol Report focused on Minnesota natural resources and two historical profiles. DNR Commissioner Sarah Stroman discussed the upcoming firearms deer season, saying it should offer good hunting opportunities, while noting chronic wasting disease remains a concern even though it is still found in less than 1% of sampled deer. She said the DNR is expanding hunter sampling options, including mail-in kits and partnerships with taxidermists, and is also trying to broaden participation in hunting and fishing through mentored hunts, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, skills courses, and translated regulations for non-English speakers. Stroman also outlined the DNR’s “For the Outdoors” funding report, which argues that Minnesota’s outdoor infrastructure and fisheries management need more stable state support because current user fees and license sales are not enough to sustain aging hatcheries, water accesses, and conservation services. She said the agency is seeking a mix of optimized current funding, user fees, direct support, and longer-term stable base funding. On invasive carp, she said the DNR has worked on the issue since 2012, is coordinating with federal and neighboring-state partners, and is reviewing possible actions including the Lock and Dam 5 proposal, with more carp detections and high water increasing concern. The program then profiled former Governor and U.S. Senator Cushman Davis, describing his Civil War service, his governorship during the grasshopper plagues, his support for state aid to affected farmers, his role in creating a railroad commission, and his early support for women’s participation in school board elections as a step toward broader suffrage. It also highlighted his later Senate career, including his influence on foreign relations and the Spanish-American War. A second profile covered architect Cass Gilbert, emphasizing his deep role in designing the Minnesota State Capitol, his collaboration with commissioners, artists, and contractors, and his use of a blend of traditional and modern architectural styles. The segment noted that the Capitol project launched his national career, leading to major commissions such as the U.S. Custom House, the Woolworth Building, and the U.S. Supreme Court building.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ annual update on deer hunting, chronic wasting disease, wildlife monitoring, outdoor participation, funding, and invasive carp. Commissioner Sarah Stroman said the upcoming firearms deer season should offer good opportunity across much of the state, while noting chronic wasting disease remains a concern even though it is still found in less than 1% of sampled deer. She highlighted expanded sampling options this year, including partnerships with taxidermists and mail-in kits for hunters. Stroman also discussed efforts to improve wildlife data collection through a new hunter observation program, describing it as a form of citizen science that can help the DNR better understand wildlife populations and habitat use. To bring more people into hunting and fishing, she pointed to mentored hunts, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, I Can skill-building courses, and translated hunting and fishing regulations in four additional languages. She said these efforts are meant to make outdoor recreation more accessible to newer Minnesotans and others without a long family tradition in these activities. A major topic was the DNR’s funding report, The Number Four Outdoors, which calls for more sustainable, predictable support for conservation and outdoor infrastructure. Stroman said fishing license revenue alone cannot sustain fisheries management, hatcheries, and public access sites, and that relying only on user fees would price people out. She said the DNR is seeking a mix of optimized existing funding, user fees, direct support, and ultimately stable base funding, and wants further discussion with Minnesotans and the legislature. The conversation also covered invasive carp. Stroman said the state has been working on the issue since 2012 and is coordinating with federal agencies, neighboring states, and Minnesota stakeholders to develop further action. She said more carp are being detected, especially during high water, and that the DNR is reviewing a proposed solution at Lock and Dam 5 before recommending specific next steps.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Rep. Steve Drazkowski and Sen. Mark Koran held a press conference focused on the Feeding Our Future fraud case and what they described as failures by Minnesota state government to detect and stop it sooner. Drazkowski argued that state officials should have reported suspected fraud to the Legislative Auditor under state law, criticized Gov. Tim Walz’s COVID-era executive order limiting audits, and said the administration allowed payments to continue despite signs of fraud. He cited a Legislative Auditor letter saying the office did not receive notice from the governor or the Department of Education until the issue became public, and he also referenced statutes on reporting fraud and penalties for permitting false claims against government. Koran said the Legislative Auditor is the state entity best equipped to investigate fraud because it audits state agencies, has subpoena power, and can coordinate with law enforcement. He said earlier notification could have allowed a more complete investigation of Feeding Our Future and potentially other grant and service-delivery programs. Both lawmakers framed the case as a broader warning about oversight failures in state programs and suggested that stronger investigative capacity is needed. The lawmakers said they plan to pursue legislation in the next session to create a freestanding fraud and investigative unit, possibly moving investigative functions into the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension so they would have stronger criminal tools and be less subject to agency control. In response to questions, they said the state fronts Feeding Our Future payments and then seeks federal reimbursement, and they estimated the total claims could reach roughly $500 million. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the press conference.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on the 2022 Minnesota election landscape with University of Minnesota political science professor Dr. Catherine Pearson. She said Democrats faced a midterm disadvantage because the president’s party usually loses ground, and President Biden’s relatively low approval ratings could hurt Democrats. She also noted the DFL had outraised Republicans, which could help with staffing, outreach, and advertising, while close races and polarized voters could make ballot counting and election results contentious. Pearson said recent campaign missteps on both sides could matter more in a climate of negative partisanship, where voters are often motivated by dislike of the other party rather than enthusiasm for their own. She cited Governor Tim Walz’s handling of the Feeding Our Future fraud case and Republican Scott Jensen’s repetition of a false claim about litter boxes in schools as examples that may affect candidate support, though not necessarily change many minds. She also said Republicans were emphasizing crime and inflation, while Democrats were focusing on abortion after the Dobbs decision, with education as another key issue. On control of the Legislature, Pearson said a small number of competitive Senate and House districts would likely decide party control, while statewide races would depend heavily on turnout in the metro area, especially Hennepin and Ramsey counties for Democrats. She identified rural and northern Minnesota as important for Republicans and said turnout could be similar to the high 2018 midterm if both sides remain highly motivated. No votes or formal actions were taken in the interview.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The program opened with a discussion of the coming 2022 midterm elections in Minnesota and nationally. University of Minnesota political scientist Larry Jacobs said the media environment has become highly nationalized and polarized, making it harder for voters to learn what individual candidates stand for. He said midterms usually favor the party out of power, but that abortion rights, inflation, crime, and general economic anxiety could shape turnout and outcomes. Jacobs argued that Democrats have an advantage in statewide races because of strong support in the Twin Cities and suburbs, while Republicans may do better in legislative contests and could hold the Senate or even gain the House. The second segment focused on Minnesota’s Clean Car standards after California announced a future ban on gas-powered vehicle sales. Senators questioned whether Minnesota’s current Clean Car Minnesota rule was only temporary and what would happen if the state later adopted California’s Advanced Clean Cars 2 standards. Administration witnesses said the current rule applies to manufacturers, does not require dealers to stock EVs, does not ban internal combustion engines, and is in effect through model year 2025 before Minnesota would revert to federal standards unless further action is taken. They emphasized that any move to adopt stricter standards would require a full rulemaking process with public input, economic analysis, and an administrative law judge hearing. Several senators pressed for clarity on whether California-style rules would amount to a ban on combustion engines, while supporters said the standards expand consumer choice, support EV businesses, and reduce emissions. The program then returned to election analysis with University of Minnesota political scientist Catherine Pearson. She said Democrats face the usual midterm headwinds because President Biden is unpopular, but that the DFL’s fundraising advantage in Minnesota could help with staffing, outreach, and advertising. Pearson said the 2020 election denial movement remains troubling and could make some close races more contentious, though Minnesota has handled recounts and canvasses before. She also noted that negative partisanship is increasingly driving voter behavior, with many people voting against the other party rather than for their preferred candidate. Pearson identified crime and inflation as Republican strengths, abortion as a Democratic strength, and education as a more evenly divided issue. She said a small number of competitive Senate and House districts, along with turnout in the metro area, will likely determine control of the Legislature and statewide offices. The final segment featured a visit to the Minnesota Korean War memorial at the Capitol. Capitol Area Architectural Planning Board representative Paul Mandel explained that the memorial was created because Korean War veterans felt overlooked after the Vietnam memorial was built. He described design features including the names of Minnesota service members, the dates of the conflict, references to the countries involved, and a soldier sculpture meant to evoke a search for comrades and answers. He said the memorial was completed in 1998 and remains a reflective, accessible place that visitors, including foreign dignitaries, often stop to see because of the war’s international significance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on the coming Minnesota midterm elections and the broader media and political environment shaping voter perceptions. Dr. Larry Jacobs said news and social media have contributed to a sharp partisan split in how people understand reality, with voters increasingly consuming sources that reinforce existing beliefs. He argued that state and local issues have been overshadowed by national themes such as the economy, crime, immigration, and abortion, making it harder for voters to determine what individual candidates stand for. Jacobs also discussed concerns about election integrity, saying distrust in the electoral process is one of the country’s biggest threats. He praised bipartisan efforts in Congress to rewrite the Electoral Count Act and said courts play an important role in reviewing election disputes. He noted that the legitimacy of elections has taken a hit over the past year and a half, but said these reforms are a positive sign. On the outlook for the midterms, Jacobs said the overall environment still favored Republicans, though Minnesota’s political balance makes the state more competitive. He said the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade initially mobilized women and younger voters, but abortion has faded somewhat as inflation and crime have gained attention. He predicted Democrats could still do well in statewide races because of support in the Twin Cities and suburbs, while Republicans were likely to perform better in legislative contests, potentially holding the Senate and possibly picking up the House.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on Minnesota’s Clean Car Standard and whether the state currently has its own emissions standard. The chair confirmed that Minnesota does have a standard in place, called the Minnesota Clean Car Standard, and said it remains in effect through model year 2025, which was clarified as ending at the close of calendar year 2024. After that, Minnesota would revert to federal emission standards unless the state takes further action to adopt Advanced Clean Cars 2. A major point of debate was the purpose of keeping the rule in place for only one year. Supporters argued that the standard applies to manufacturers, not individual dealers or consumers, and does not ban internal combustion engines or regulate tractors, combines, lawn equipment, boats, ATVs, or heavy-duty trucks. They said the rule simply expands consumer choice, supports EV businesses, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by increasing sales of electric and low-emission vehicles. Members also pressed the chair on whether Minnesota might later adopt California’s Advanced Clean Cars 2 standards and whether that would amount to a ban on combustion engines. The chair said the state is not adopting Advanced Clean Cars 2 now, and any future rulemaking would involve a full public process, including a statement of need and reasonableness, economic analysis, and an administrative law judge hearing. The chair also emphasized that Minnesota is not California and said the state would make decisions based on what is best for rural, suburban, and other Minnesotans.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Environmental Finance Committee held an informational meeting on October 3, 2022, focused on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Clean Cars Minnesota standards and the agency’s rulemaking authority. Commissioner Katrina Kesler, Assistant Commissioner Craig McDonald, and Climate Director Frank Coash explained that Clean Cars Minnesota has two parts: low-emission vehicle standards and zero-emission vehicle standards. They emphasized that the rule applies to manufacturers, not individual dealers or consumers, and does not ban gasoline vehicles or regulate non-road equipment. The agency said the standards are intended to increase consumer choice, support EV-related businesses and jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. MPCA testified that Minnesota began the rulemaking process in 2019 after federal vehicle emission standards were rolled back, and that the state’s current standards will sunset after model year 2025 because California changed its own standards. The agency said Minnesota does not currently plan to adopt California’s newer Advanced Clean Cars 2 standards and will instead be subject to federal tailpipe standards unless it takes further action. Officials also said they expect EPA to release a draft of updated federal standards in 2023, which would help clarify Minnesota’s options going forward. Members questioned why Minnesota had aligned with California standards, whether the state had a choice to follow federal instead, and whether the rules could expand to other vehicles or equipment. The chair raised concerns about public skepticism, consumer costs, and whether the market should be left alone. MPCA responded that the rulemaking included multiple hearings and public comment opportunities, and that the agency heard both support and opposition. Senator Torres Ray countered that many constituents want stronger standards and more EV access, and asked about vehicle waiting lists. MPCA said 13 manufacturers had already sought early action credits and reported EV sales had risen from roughly 1–2 percent to above 4 percent. No votes or actions were taken because the meeting was informational only.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on the upcoming Minnesota midterm elections and the Republican Party’s strategy under chair David Hann. Hann said his experience in fundraising, legislative relationships, and party organization has helped him build a stronger GOP operation. He also said newly drawn districts and expected turnover have made campaigning more complex, but not, in his view, harmful to Republican prospects in the state Senate or House. Hann argued that voters are frustrated with Democratic leadership and that crime and the economy are the dominant issues, with inflation, education, health care, and pandemic-era school closures also in the mix. He said Republicans are presenting themselves as an alternative to current policies and claimed Democrats are misleading voters on abortion after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which he said cannot be changed by a governor. He also discussed regional voting patterns, saying rural and Greater Minnesota voters are especially affected by fuel prices and agricultural concerns, while suburban and metro voters may be more difficult but still share many statewide concerns. The conversation also covered how social media and data analytics have changed campaigning and fundraising. Hann said modern campaigns can target voters more precisely, but traditional phone outreach has become harder because people are less likely to answer unknown calls. He said both parties have adapted to a more sophisticated and different political environment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on the upcoming Minnesota midterm election, with DFL Party chair Ken Martin discussing the effects of redistricting, the large number of retirements, and the challenge of recruiting candidates in newly drawn districts. He said redistricting makes campaigning harder for incumbents and challengers alike, but argued the DFL is committed to competing in every part of the state, including Greater Minnesota, because running candidates everywhere helps turnout and supports statewide races. Martin described the DFL’s message as centered on community, opportunity, and the party’s record in office. He highlighted Governor Tim Walz and other constitutional officers, saying they helped guide Minnesota through the pandemic, economic disruption, and social unrest, and pointed to low unemployment, rising wages, and a strong recovery as evidence of effective leadership. He also said the party is emphasizing education, transportation, bonding, and how to use the state’s surplus, criticizing Republicans for walking away from a budget agreement and leaving money unspent. On broader campaign issues, Martin said voters are motivated by the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade as well as inflation and rising costs for food and fuel. He said the DFL is hearing frustration about the surplus and unmet needs in the state. He also noted that modern media makes it harder to deliver a unified message, so the party relies heavily on direct voter contact. On early voting, he said the DFL supports making voting easier and more convenient, but that the longer voting period requires earlier campaigning, more fundraising, and more spending on mail and messaging.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: This Capitol Report episode focused on the 2022 Minnesota midterm elections, with interviews from Minnesota Republican Party chair David Hann and DFL chair Ken Martin. Hann argued that Republicans were running on voter frustration with crime, inflation, the economy, and Democratic leadership, and said redistricting had not hurt GOP prospects. He also said Republicans were trying to compete in every district, including Greater Minnesota and suburban areas, and described social media and data targeting as changing campaign tactics, though face-to-face contact remained important. Martin said redistricting and retirements made campaigning harder for both parties, but emphasized that the DFL was fielding candidates statewide and running on its record of managing the pandemic, economic recovery, and other crises. He said the DFL message centered on community, opportunity, and the state’s low unemployment and strong rebound, while also highlighting voter concern about abortion rights after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, education, transportation, and how to use the state budget surplus. He said early voting expands access but requires campaigns to begin earlier and spend more on outreach. The program also included a segment on the Capitol grounds memorial honoring Minnesota Medal of Honor recipients, featuring remarks about courage, sacrifice, citizenship, and the importance of setting an example for young people. No legislative votes or committee actions were taken in the episode.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: This was a dedication ceremony for the Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial on the Capitol grounds, with remarks from Governor Tim Walz, memorial board members, legislators, veterans, and project supporters. Speakers emphasized the memorial’s purpose as a public place of remembrance and education, especially for children and future generations, and described Medal of Honor recipients as embodying courage, integrity, patriotism, service, and sacrifice. Several speakers also connected the memorial to broader civic values, urging ordinary citizens to show moral courage in daily life. Governor Walz proclaimed September 22, 2022, as Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial Day and noted that 72 Minnesotans have received the Medal of Honor. Other speakers recounted the long development of the project, including years of fundraising, design work, legislative testimony, and coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Capitol planning process. They repeatedly thanked Tiffany Kovalevski and John Kramer for leading the effort, as well as former commissioner Larry Shellito, board members, donors, legislators, military personnel, and Saint Thomas Academy cadets. Former House Veterans Committee chair Bob Detmer said he authored the legislation authorizing the state funding portion of the memorial, which used arts and culture heritage fund money and required matching private funds. He described the effort as bipartisan and said nearly 201 legislators supported it. Speakers closed by stressing that the memorial’s location on the Capitol grounds gives it lasting prominence and that it will continue to honor Minnesota’s Medal of Honor recipients while educating visitors about their service and sacrifice.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Dr. Florian Knoblock of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action discussed Germany’s clean energy transition and its partnership with Minnesota. He said Germany’s strengths are that it began investing in renewables early and has emphasized international cooperation to share knowledge and experience. He also said Germany sees the transition as a global effort, not something any one country can do alone. A major topic was the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on Germany’s energy policy. Knoblock said Germany’s long-term goals to phase out nuclear, coal, and fossil fuels remain unchanged, though the government is keeping its last two nuclear plants as a short-term reserve for winter. He said Germany is focused on diversification of energy imports, expanded supply chains for renewable infrastructure, and increased energy efficiency, and noted that gas storage levels and non-Russian supplies, including LNG from the United States, make officials optimistic about getting through the winter without shortages. The discussion also covered public acceptance of the energy transition and the role of hydrogen. Knoblock said people are more likely to adopt clean technologies when the economics work and when they see peers doing the same, and he stressed that policy should make the right choice easy for households and businesses. He described hydrogen as essential for hard-to-electrify sectors such as steel, trucking, shipping, and aviation, and said he is optimistic that industrialized countries can reach net-zero by 2050 because renewables are increasingly seen as a win-win for climate, jobs, and economic growth. Following the interview, he joined a panel with Minnesota legislators on Germany’s clean energy transition.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on Governor Walz’s climate goals of cutting carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050, and whether those targets are realistic. Senate Energy Committee Chair David Senjem said the goals are aspirational but worthwhile, and that Minnesota is already making progress. He emphasized that future policy will need to support reliability as well as decarbonization. Senjem said wind and solar will likely remain the largest sources because of cost, but argued they are not enough on their own. He said Minnesota should add nuclear power, including small modular reactors, as part of a broader energy mix, along with more storage and continued research into hydrogen and ammonia. He also said policymakers should use federal infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act funding to incentivize cleaner energy, including electrifying homes. The conversation also covered mining for critical minerals needed for batteries and electric vehicles. Senjem said mining can be done safely with engineering controls and oversight. In response to questions about Germany’s energy crisis, he said the main lesson is to diversify the power supply while continuing to move forward, and he praised Germany’s stability in dealing with its challenges.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The program focused on Minnesota’s climate and energy policy, beginning with Governor Tim Walz’s announcement of a six-point climate action framework aimed at moving the state toward net-zero carbon emissions. The framework emphasizes sustainable transportation, building efficiency, resilient landscapes and water management, and economic opportunities tied to a carbon-neutral economy. Speakers from the administration and business community said the plan reflects broad public input and requires cooperation across government, business, and citizens. The governor’s subcabinet is targeting a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. Senator David Senjem, chair of the Senate Energy Committee, said the goals are aspirational but worth pursuing. He argued that Minnesota will need a broad energy mix, including nuclear power, energy storage, hydrogen, and ammonia, in addition to wind and solar. He said small modular nuclear reactors should be part of the future mix, and he supported incentives from federal infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act funding to help drive electrification. He also said critical-mineral mining can be done with strong oversight and that electric vehicles will require better batteries, charging, and grid management. The program then featured Dr. Florian Knobloch of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, who discussed Germany’s clean-energy transition and the U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Summit. He said Germany is keeping two nuclear plants operating temporarily because of the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but its long-term goals to phase out nuclear, coal, and fossil fuels remain unchanged. Knobloch emphasized diversification of energy imports, expanded supply chains for renewable infrastructure, and hydrogen as a key solution for hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy industry, trucking, shipping, and aviation. He also said successful transitions depend on making clean choices practical for households and businesses and on sharing knowledge across countries. The final segment shifted to a Senate committee review of the Department of Human Services following an audit criticizing oversight of homelessness and housing grants. Senators raised concerns about DHS culture, staffing, and accountability, with one member saying the department may need structural change and that the next legislature should seriously consider its organization. Members said DHS has often requested grant funding without enough staff to carry out the work, while department representatives pointed to both strong and problematic audits over recent years.