Video & Transcript Research : 'House Resolution 1'
Page 118 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to move that House File 3526 be laid over for possible inclusion. >> Chair Schumacher, to your
- "Just to say, Madam Chair, thank you for the time today, and I'd like to renew my motion that House
- "Seeing no further discussion, House File 3526 is laid over as amended."
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting zoning authority of local governments over housing types 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- housing in stupid places item, right? housing in stupid places item, right?
- ,<00:14:15.199>
housing Kravitz, manager of housing, housing Kravitz, manager of housing, - Cities do not resist housing. Cities build housing.
- House File 3895. House File 3895.
- task force on housing in 2017. task force on housing in 2017.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
No entering into certain civil immigration enforcement agreements with the feds 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- prohibit<00:20:38.680>
counties, House File 3413 would prohibit counties, House File 3413 - <00:26:27.280>
on get a little bit better resolution on get a little bit better resolution - the Candio Sheriff is is housing. the Candio Sheriff is is housing. Is<00:30:57.000>
what? - If he's housing anyone in Oh. Is what? If he's housing anyone in Oh.
- have a long-standing housing agreement. have a long-standing housing agreement.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a little after 1:00.
- Soul by Beckl House fiscal. Uh, there's a number of documents in your folders.
- The other spreadsheet that I will briefly discuss today is labeled in the upper left-hand corner House
- Chair and members, Soul by Beckl<00:02:29.840>
House <00:02:30.080>fiscal. - Uh there's a number Beckl House fiscal.
Summary:
The Education Finance Committee met on March 3, 2026, approved the minutes from February 26, and then held a lengthy informational hearing on the Minnesota Department of Education’s funding and internal allocation of resources. House fiscal staff walked members through several spreadsheets showing federal, non-general fund, and general fund administrative spending, noting the data was filtered from SWIFT and was not exact. The chair said the discussion was intended to help members understand how MDE is funded and how those funds are used internally, in advance of later budget decisions and a separate upcoming hearing on the Perpich Center.
Commissioner Willie Jett opened by describing MDE’s mission, statewide reach, and FY 2026 budget of about $14.1 billion, most of which flows directly to districts and charter schools for instruction, special education, transportation, nutrition, and operations. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and the department’s role in implementing laws, distributing aid, and supporting schools and students across urban, suburban, and rural communities. He also noted the department serves more than 873,000 pre-K through 12 students in 2,264 schools.
Deputy Commissioner Maren Holden outlined the Office of American Indian Education, the Office of General Counsel, and the Office of Inspector General, highlighting support for American Indian students, legal and rulemaking work, special education dispute resolution, fraud prevention, and student maltreatment investigations. Assistant Commissioner Dr. McCari Traum described the Office of Equity and Engagement, including equity and inclusion training, safe and supportive schools work, public engagement, family outreach, and fraud-prevention coordination. Assistant Commissioner Darren Cordy reviewed nutrition programs, special education services, and the charter center, including free school meals, commodity food distribution, IDEA compliance, and charter school support.
Assistant Commissioner Bobby Bernham then described the Office of Teaching and Learning, including early education, academic standards, instruction and assessment, state library services, expanded learning, and literacy work. He highlighted early childhood alignment efforts, standards development across core subjects, professional learning, and library grants. No votes were taken beyond approval of the prior minutes, and the meeting remained informational, with members expected to ask questions after the presentations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I call this meeting of the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee to order.
- Welcome to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
- Troopers and House security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.
- some of this buildings into housing some of this buildings into housing >> that<01:09:32.880
- those into housing. those into housing. >> Mr.<01:09:48.960>
Swanson.
Summary:
The committee opened with quorum and decorum reminders, then approved the minutes from February 26, 2026. Members briefly set aside a planned follow-up on GO students from Minnesota State after being told the questions had been fully answered, and moved on to Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College’s storm damage presentation.
Bemidji State President John Hoffman and facilities staff described the June 21 derecho that hit Bemidji, causing widespread roof, window, tree, and infrastructure damage across both campuses and the surrounding community. Hoffman said the institutions were already recovering from pandemic-era enrollment and budget losses, but had improved new student enrollment, retention, fundraising, and deficits before the storm. He emphasized that the campuses were well insured, but that restoring the tree canopy and campus character would take far longer than repairing buildings. Facilities worker Brent Steinmets gave a personal account of the storm response and cleanup, describing days of chainsaw work, debris removal, window repairs, and stump grinding, and noting that many employees were also dealing with damage at their own homes.
Members asked what kind of funding request was being made, and Hoffman said Chair Duran was preparing a bill tied to the storm damage and reforestation needs, while alumni had already raised more than $80,000 through a “Replanting Our Roots” campaign. He said the institutions had spent about $50,000 in deductible costs and another $25,000 in unreimbursable overtime, and had hired a landscape architect to plan reforestation. Members also asked about enrollment growth and staffing reductions; Hoffman said overall enrollment was up a little more than 2% since fall 2022, new student enrollment had risen 17%, NTC headcount was up 75%, and the campuses had reduced about 30% of instructional faculty and close to 30% of overall employees while reorganizing programs and administration. Discussion also focused on preserving liberal arts and applied liberal arts offerings, with Hoffman saying the institutions were emphasizing critical thinking, communication, citizenship, interdisciplinarity, and human intelligence alongside workforce training. No vote was taken on the storm-related funding proposal during the meeting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 32:51.039>
the <00:32:51.200>other The 3M settlements and the other settlements cover 1 - And 1 to 3% does not get us very far at all. It's barely a drop in the bucket. >> Exactly.
- And, you know, really excited that we have a bipartisan bill from Chair Franson and Chair Hansen, House
- And you know, really excited that we have a bipartisan bill from Chair Franson and Chair Hansen, House
- File 33:22 to look Chair Hansen, House File 33:22 to look at<00:52:32.880>
how <00:52:33.119><
Summary:
The meeting was a PFAS-focused hearing of the Capital Investment Committee, with members informally discussing the scale of PFAS cleanup costs, possible Minnesota-made removal technology, and even committee birthday treats before the testimony began. No formal votes or motions were taken in the portion provided. The chair also noted the committee was waiting on a computer/cable issue before starting the presentation.
The main testimony came from Sandy Wyn, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, who described how PFAS contamination affected her Michigan community. She recounted that her private well tested at extremely high PFAS levels after a state visit, linked the contamination to Wolverine Worldwide’s historic dumping practices, and said the pollution spread through groundwater and municipal systems. She emphasized that PFAS are widespread in consumer products, firefighting foam, wastewater biosolids, and agriculture, and argued that the chemicals’ persistence makes them difficult to manage once released.
Wyn said PFAS exposure is associated with health problems including cholesterol issues, liver and thyroid damage, kidney cancer, low birth weight, and reduced vaccine response in children. She told members she had her own blood tested, later developed thyroid cancer, and said a local child had very high PFAS levels and vaccine complications. Members asked for supporting studies, and she referenced the C8 study and other research. She urged stronger product restrictions, labeling, blood and water testing support, caution around biosolids, and continued efforts to reduce PFAS use, while acknowledging some limited uses may still be necessary in critical applications like military firefighting foam or medical devices.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I support House File 3524 and House File 3525 and the previous one as well.
- House File 25, pardon me, 3524 and House House File 25, pardon me, 3524 and House File<00:04:51.040><
- The back of the house sees the front of the house count their cash, and you know they need it.
- sees the front of the house the house sees the front of the house count<00:08:26.000>
their <00 - >> mean house file 3525. >> mean house file 3525.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3524 and House File 3525 and laid both over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill, with no amendments adopted and no vote taken at this stage. HF 3524 would conform Minnesota law to the federal overtime tax deduction, and HF 3525 would conform to the federal tip-income deduction. The author argued both bills would help workers keep more of their earnings, simplify tax filing, support labor-force participation, and provide relief to workers in hospitality, trades, health care, and other industries.
The committee heard testimony in support from a restaurant owner, Sandra Weiss of the Finnish Beastro in St. Paul, who said the bills would help tipped workers keep more of their income and would support hospitality businesses. She described her staff as roughly half men and half women, including students and long-term employees, and said front-of-house tipped workers and back-of-house workers face different pay levels. She also said Minnesota’s tip rules and lack of a tip credit create challenges for the industry. During questioning, members discussed wage disparities, the makeup of her workforce, and the practical effects of the proposals.
Opposition testimony came from Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota, both of whom argued the bills are regressive, poorly targeted, and costly. They said the deductions would mainly benefit higher earners, violate horizontal equity by treating similar incomes differently, and could encourage compensation restructuring. They also warned the combined cost would exceed $500 million over the 2028-29 biennium and could pressure funding for health care, education, and other public services. Mark Havenman of the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence similarly criticized the bills on tax fairness and administrative grounds, noting the federal tip deduction framework is still under development and could create enforcement issues. Nonpartisan staff provided revenue estimates showing HF 3524 would reduce general fund revenue by about $365.9 million in fiscal 2027 and HF 3525 by about $126 million in fiscal 2027, with smaller ongoing impacts in later years. Members also raised questions about how the bills would be paid for and what income would qualify under the overtime deduction.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Community solar garden named for Melissa Hortman 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that Steve Simon was presiding over the House that day, and um Aaron Murphy was on the House
- >> Yeah, I would like to move House File 3556 to the general register. >> Okay, Chair, you can move House
- Yeah, I would like to move House it?
- support, my support for House File 3556. support, my support for House File 3556.
- <00:24:26.640>
Energy that came before the House Energy that came before the House Energy
Summary:
House File 3556 was presented as a bill to rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, which was said to have helped launch Minnesota’s solar industry and expand access to clean energy. The bill was moved to the general register before testimony began.
Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar developers all supported the bill. They described Hortman as the original legislative champion of the 2013 community solar law and a driving force behind the 2023 revisions that increased access for low- and moderate-income households. Several witnesses said the program has become a national model, has generated jobs and investment, and has enabled renters, small businesses, schools, nonprofits, and households without suitable rooftops to participate in solar.
Witnesses also shared personal reflections about Hortman’s accessibility, preparation, and willingness to listen, saying she treated people with respect and helped shape a durable clean energy policy framework. No opposition testimony or votes on final passage were recorded in the excerpt, but the committee did act to advance the bill to the general register.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting local governments from mandating HOAs 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, House File 2614, Mr.
- So, House File 2614, Mr. Very good. So, House File 2614, Mr.
- Housing First Housing First Minnesota.
- <00:47:52.680>
So, <00:47:53.880>House ayes have it with a 11 to 1. - So, House ayes have it with a 11 to 1.
Summary:
House File 2614 was heard with a delete-everything amendment adopted at the outset. The bill, as explained by the authors, would prevent local governments from requiring amenities or common property that effectively force the creation of a homeowners association, while still allowing developers to create HOAs voluntarily when needed. The authors said the language was negotiated with stakeholders, including the League of Minnesota Cities, and was intended to be moved on to the Housing Committee for further discussion.
Supportive testimony came from Housing First Minnesota and the Minnesota Homeownership Center. They argued that unnecessary HOA mandates can raise housing costs, reduce homebuyer choice, and shift public infrastructure costs onto homeowners through dues in addition to property taxes. Testifiers cited examples involving single-family developments, a Burnsville case involving a large roof assessment and disputed ACH withdrawal, and the Heritage Park development in Minneapolis, where an HOA was required but later became difficult to dissolve. They said the bill would preserve HOAs where they are genuinely needed, such as townhomes or shared-amenity developments.
Members raised questions about the removal of county-specific language in the amendment, the meaning of the bill’s references to services and common property, and whether the bill would still allow neighborhood signs or other developer-requested features. A major point of concern was stormwater ponds and drainage infrastructure: one member argued that prohibiting cities from requiring HOA maintenance of such facilities could shift costs to taxpayers, while the authors responded that the bill was meant to stop cities from mandating discretionary amenities and that maintenance issues had been partly addressed in the amendment. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was discussed for referral onward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Private Equity Presentation 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, thank you, co-chairs Becker and Berman, and members of the House Health Finance and Policy Committee
- Private equity firms have invested over $1 trillion in the American healthcare system over the last two
Summary:
The committee took up two bills concerning health entity ownership and heard invited testimony before acting on them. Dr. Yasha Singh of Brown University testified about private equity in healthcare, describing how PE firms use debt-financed acquisitions, short investment horizons, and roll-up strategies that can avoid disclosure requirements. He said the lack of transparency makes it difficult to track ownership and outcomes, and cited research linking PE ownership to higher costs in outpatient care, more ancillary service use, workforce turnover, and worse outcomes in hospitals and nursing homes. He also noted Minnesota-specific concerns, including PE involvement in opioid treatment programs, and said the policy challenge is balancing needed capital investment with protections for patients and workers.
Sam Brooks of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care testified in strong support of the legislation, focusing on nursing homes. He argued that private equity ownership is associated with worse resident outcomes, including higher mortality, more pressure ulcers, more hospitalizations, and more deficiencies, and said leverage buyouts divert money from staffing and care into debt service, management fees, and lease-back arrangements. Brooks said staffing levels and quality ratings decline under PE ownership and pointed to recent bankruptcies as examples of instability. He said the bills would add safeguards such as transparency, attorney general approval of acquisitions, and requirements that a large share of public funds go to direct resident care.
The testimony framed the bills as responses to concerns about private equity ownership in healthcare and long-term care, especially the effects on quality, staffing, and financial stability. No vote or final committee action was described in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State official protective services 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, now we're going to move with House File 3791.
- , The second I pulled into my house, The second I pulled into my house, I<00:21:05.120>
got closer than 23 minutes away to her house closer than 23 minutes away to her house to<00:47:37.120- And that was just me at my house.
- Um, we have three lawmakers who serve in the House or serve in the House and the Senate, and two of us
Summary:
House File 3791 was laid over for possible inclusion later, with Rep. Green and Rep. Noor presenting it as a response to rising threats against Minnesota elected officials and public officers. They cited increased threat reports, the June 2025 killings of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband, the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, and other recent threats as evidence that current protective resources are insufficient. The bill would create a state officials protective services unit within the State Patrol, provide security and threat-assessment services for principal state officials, and require reporting on credible threats. Rep. Noor said the proposal would be triggered by leadership when there is a credible threat, would include legislators and constitutional officers, and would be funded at about $3.98 million in FY 2027 with an ongoing base of $3.25 million, with some ability to contract with local law enforcement for support in official-capacity situations.
Members raised concerns about scope, jurisdiction, and cost. Rep. Olsen argued the bill was not narrow enough and worried it could allow Capitol Security to provide home or event security too broadly, rather than limiting the work to the Capitol and catastrophic incidents. Rep. Joy offered an A1 amendment to use existing funds instead of adding new spending, saying local sheriffs and police already handle many situations. That amendment failed on a voice vote. Rep. Olson then moved an A2 amendment focused on clarifying who should be in charge of protection at home and how local law enforcement would be involved; discussion centered on whether Capitol Security, State Patrol, or local agencies should lead response and how credible threats would be determined.
Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Green and Rep. Muir, said the events of June 14 showed the need for a dedicated, coordinated protective service and that local responses were uneven across jurisdictions. Rep. Muir described delayed or inconsistent police responses after the attacks and said lawmakers need a more reliable system to keep members and their families safe. Rep. Keagle also testified about personal threats and harassment at home, including a prank pizza delivery that made her fear someone knew when she was home. The committee did not take final action on the bill beyond laying it over, and the A1 amendment failed; discussion on the A2 amendment and the bill’s details continued.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- and resolutions.
- The chief clerk has a resolution. at the House desk and online.
- House Resolution 6, a House resolution providing for the impeachment of Timothy J.
- House Resolution 7, introduced by Davis and others, a House resolution providing for the impeachment
- oz and 21 1/2 in.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, approval of the prior journal, adoption of standing committee reports, second readings of House Files 3131, 3241, and 3436, and first readings of House Files 3814 through 3922. The chamber also referred House Resolution 6, calling for the impeachment of Governor Tim Walz, and House Resolution 7, calling for the impeachment of Attorney General Keith Ellison, to the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
The main floor debate centered on House File 3412, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty, including local, state, and federal agents, with stated exceptions. Representative Long moved to suspend the rules so the bill could be recalled from committee and brought to final passage. Supporters, led by Representative Finke, argued that masked, unidentified officers undermine public trust, intimidate communities, and should not be allowed to operate anonymously; they framed the bill as a public safety and transparency measure. Opponents, including Representative Noatne, said the bill was poorly written, unnecessary, and could interfere with legitimate law enforcement needs, urging a no vote.
Other members spoke at length on both sides. Supporters described recent incidents involving masked federal agents, family separations, and fear in communities, arguing that Minnesota should require identification and accountability for anyone enforcing the law. Opponents emphasized the professionalism of peace officers, the need for masks in some situations, and the importance of not stripping humanity from law enforcement. Representative Pinto also supported the motion, saying transparency and accountability are essential and that masked officers resemble “secret police.” The transcript does not include the final roll-call result or final disposition of the motion/bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Supportive housing provider grant funding provided 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- uh purpose of of our supportive housing uh purpose of of our supportive housing providers.<00:01
- People in supportive housing stay housed and nearly eliminate their use of shelter.
- House fiscal. >> Um, thank you, Mr.
- House<00:05:24.160>
fiscal. House fiscal. House fiscal. - members support of House File 3425. members support of House File 3425.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Criminalizing damaging farm machinery and equipment 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Last bill up is House File 3566. Vice Chair Harder is making her way up to the testifier table.
- I'd like to move House File 3556, please.
- House File 3566 is about safety, accountability, and protecting the people who grow food.
- Member questions on House File 3566.
- House<00:03:44.400>
file <00:03:44.640>3566 House file 3566 House file 3566 is<00:03:46.519
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The first bill on the agenda is House File 3668 from Chair Beerman. >> Yes, please, Madam Chair.
- <00:09:55.120>
I your support of House File 3668. I your support of House File 3668. - I'm here today in opposition to House File 3668.
- House File 3668. House File 3668.
- It is for these reasons that I urge you to vote no on House File 3668. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3668, authored by Chair Beerman, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Beerman and several supporters framed gun violence as a public health crisis, arguing the office would improve research, coordination, data collection, and evidence-based prevention. Supporters cited firearm deaths among children and adults, the trauma experienced by survivors and families, and Minnesota’s need for a centralized structure to guide policy and prevention efforts.
Testifying in support were representatives of the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, a parent affected by the Annunciation school shooting, family physicians, an OB-GYN, and a pediatric emergency physician. They described gun violence as a daily clinical and community reality, pointed to rising firearm deaths and injuries, and said Minnesota should apply the same public health approach used for motor vehicle safety, tobacco, and other crises. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children, suicide prevention, maternal health, and the need for Minnesota-specific research and coordinated responses.
Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to advance gun control policy and treat lawful firearm ownership as a public health problem. The group said the state should focus instead on enforcement, prosecution, and victim services. Vice Chair Nidau offered an A2 amendment to move the office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing and accountability, but withdrew it after discussion with Chair Beerman. The hearing ended with additional member discussion, including concerns about existing violence-prevention spending and whether school safety investments would be a better use of funds; no final vote was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Suspend House Rules to take up HF3412 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Long moves that the rules of the House be so far suspended so that House File 3412 be recalled from
- House File 3412 is Representative Finnegan's bill, which was heard in Public Safety and would prevent
- And the idea that a masked man in a truck is going to approach my house and I will give him some sort
- <00:04:56.560>
and truck is going to approach my house and truck is going to approach my house - his house. his house.
Summary:
The House took up a motion to suspend the rules and recall House File 3412 from the Committee on Public Safety, Finance, and Policy so it could receive second and third readings and be placed on final passage. The bill, authored by Representative Finnegan, would prohibit law enforcement officers in Minnesota, including local, state, and federal agents, from wearing masks while on duty, with limited exceptions. Supporters argued the measure would increase transparency, accountability, and public trust, and said masked officers create fear and resemble “secret police,” especially in the context of recent immigration enforcement actions. They also said the state has authority to regulate this area and that the bill would not interfere with essential law enforcement duties.
Opponents said the bill was poorly written, unnecessary, and politically motivated, and argued that current and pending laws already address officer identification and badge numbers. Representative Nathe said the bill would allow protesters or rioters to wear masks while restricting law enforcement, and urged a no vote. Representative Roach said the term “secret police” was a made-up political phrase and defended masked ICE agents as necessary for officer safety because they deal with dangerous criminals and could be doxed or targeted.
Several members spoke in favor of the motion, including Representatives Curran, Sencer-Mura, and Pinto, who emphasized the importance of public trust and shared personal stories about children, family experiences, and encounters with masked federal agents. They described immigration enforcement incidents involving children and families as frightening and said officers should be identifiable when interacting with the public. The debate included a brief exchange between Representatives Pinto and Roach about whether masked law enforcement should be considered “secret police.” The transcript ends during that discussion and does not include the final vote or disposition of the motion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/2/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- first session at the house. first session at the house. Awesome.<00:00:52.360>
Welcome. - Even $1 of fraud is too many.
- Even $1 of fraud is too many.
- <01:12:06.960>
stabilization fraud we've seen, housing stabilization fraud we've seen, housing - <01:44:33.680>
Um, We have 1 minute. Yeah.
Summary:
The committee met on March 2 and approved the February 23 minutes after a quorum was reached. The main presentation was from the Department of Human Services on non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), a federally required Medicaid benefit that helps Minnesota Health Care Program enrollees get to medically necessary appointments. DHS said the program served more than 250,000 people in 2025 at a cost of $127 million, with participation up about 14% over five years, and described the seven transportation modes, provider enrollment requirements, STS certification, background checks, prior authorization rules, and planned transitions to a single administrator for parts of the program in 2026 and 2027.
DHS officials emphasized fraud prevention efforts, saying NEMT is one of the agency’s high-risk Medicaid services. They described enhanced prepayment review, provider revalidation and site visits, removal of inactive providers, and a provider moratorium in metro counties. Inspector General James Clark said the governor’s anti-fraud proposal would add pre-enrollment risk assessments, more staffing and technology, and electronic visit verification. He also noted that about 80% of NEMT spending is in managed care and that managed care organizations have their own compliance and special investigations units.
Committee members raised concerns about fraud, oversight, and privatization. Chair Robbins questioned DHS about the absence of the commissioner and the program’s use of brokers, citing past concerns and asking about the vendor MTM’s history; DHS said the RFP for the new broker had closed and the vendor selection was still underway. Representative Pinto questioned why oversight is outsourced to managed care organizations and suggested bringing more oversight back in house. MTM representative Phil Stahlberger defended the company’s record, said the Missouri dispute was about contract terms from about 15 years ago, and said MTM currently works in Minnesota counties and many other states, with on-site reviews, trip verification, and complaint review processes. No further votes or final actions on the NEMT policy were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 2/27/26
Transcript Highlights:
- projected spending exceeds revenues generated in that biennium, plus discretionary inflation of over $1
- Specifically, H.R. 1, the federal reconciliation bill, made a number of changes, some of which must be
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits.
State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook.
State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November.
Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 2/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Lisa Demuth, Speaker of the House.
- House Republicans stand ready in three ways: federal tax conformity, we're also looking to take the pressure
- Uh, my name is Harry Niska, the Republican floor leader in the Minnesota House.
- With that, I think most of the other points have been covered very well with House leadership.
- We are still in a tie in the House.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Media Availability 2/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Housing costs are up through tariffs and labor shortages.
- They advise taking out a 50-year mortgage to buy a house.
- out a 50-year mortgage to buy a house. out a 50-year mortgage to buy a house.
- The House DFL will stand with those folks this session.
- <00:08:29.440>
say I heard the speaker of the house say I heard the speaker of the house say