Video & Transcript Research : 'Duluth Promise'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conf: DFL Leaders Speak on Vote Overturning Boundary Waters Mining Ban - 04/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I am proud to represent Duluth and I'm here feeling very teary today.
- I am proud to represent Duluth and I'm here feeling very teary today.
- I am the state senator who represents the community of Duluth.
- And my community of Duluth for years has been asking only that simple question: Could you prove it first
Summary:
Minnesota legislators held a press event responding to a U.S. Senate vote that they said would remove federal protections and allow copper-nickel mining activity that could affect the Boundary Waters. Senator Foung Hawj opened by condemning the vote as favoring corporate interests over Minnesotans, and Representatives Leach Kozlowski and Shelley Buck, along with Senator Jen McEwen and Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, framed the Boundary Waters as both an environmental treasure and, for Native communities, homelands with treaty-protected rights. They argued that copper sulfide mining poses irreversible risks to water quality, wildlife, and tribal fishing, gathering, and hunting rights, and said the federal action lacked adequate government-to-government consultation with affected tribes.
The speakers highlighted several state bills they said are intended to fill the gap left by the federal vote. McEwen described her “Prove It First” bill, which would require a mine of the same type to have operated in the U.S. for 10 years and closed for 10 years without pollution before a similar project could be permitted in Minnesota. Johnson Stewart outlined three measures: a permanent protection bill for state-owned lands in the Rainy River watershed, a taxpayer protection/financial assurance bill requiring non-iron mining companies to fully fund cleanup guarantees in cash up front, and a “bad actor” bill barring permits for companies with records of corruption, bribery, or environmental destruction. The speakers said these bills need hearings and discussion and urged Governor Walz and state agencies to take action now, including possible permit revocations.
In response to questions about economic arguments for mining, McEwen said she understood why some Northland residents might hope for jobs but argued that mining companies exploit economic desperation with propaganda and that most Minnesotans oppose this type of mining near the Boundary Waters. She said there is limited Republican support for some narrower bills, especially financial assurance, and suggested the issue could become a political liability for Rep. Pete Stauber. The event ended with a call for bipartisan action, state-level enforcement, and continued public pressure to protect the Boundary Waters.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Create a digital platform to provide youth about workforce opportunities 2/25/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have convened young people from all over the state, from the Duluth area, from Moorhead, as Representative
- We have convened young people from all over the state, from the Duluth area, from Moorhead, as Representative
- We have convened young people from all over the state, from the Duluth area, from Moorhead, as Representative
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 27th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Amen. from the Diocese of Duluth in Duluth, Minnesota. Of the United States of America.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Fraud Committee Meeting - 2025-04-28
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Cloud; Moorhead; Duluth; and all over Minneapolis and St. Paul, including several suburbs.
- But as the tape shows, I made them no promises.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Aid for rural Minnesota public TV stations stalls in House committee 4/22/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Television in Bemidji and Brainerd, $650,000 to KSMQ in Austin and Rochester, $250,000 to PBS North in Duluth
- Grand Forks, Dickinson, and Williston. ...to KSMQ in Austin and Rochester, $250,000 to PBS North in Duluth
Summary:
House File 3936 was heard as an appropriation bill for public television stations serving Greater Minnesota. The author described it as a bipartisan one-time funding proposal totaling support for Pioneer Public Television, Lakeland Public Television, KSMQ, PBS North, and Prairie Public Television, and argued the stations were under financial strain after federal public broadcasting cuts and could potentially go dark without state help. Supporters emphasized the stations’ importance for children, community connection, emergency information, and representation in rural areas.
Several members spoke in favor of the bill, while others said they supported the substance but opposed advancing it because of concerns that it was linked to a controversial Senate omnibus bill. The discussion focused less on the merits of public television funding and more on whether the House should move the bill forward given the Senate situation. One member requested a roll call vote, and the chair noted an understanding that the House would avoid “shenanigans” and keep the bill clean.
The committee voted 13-12 in favor of the motion to refer the bill to the general register, but the chair ruled that the motion failed because the agreement required a majority of the committee to move it forward. As a result, House File 3936 remained with the committee and was not advanced.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Air Force Base, which existed on the west side of the Duluth airport.
- It is currently the seventh-largest employer in the Duluth area.
- You may not get F-35s up in Duluth." And in fact, there's quite a few states that have downside.
- We enjoyed visiting up in Duluth. You know, that seems like a very long time ago.
- What does that mean for Duluth?
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo on its aging facilities and bonding needs. Zoo staff highlighted the zoo’s economic and educational role, its 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, and its Free to Explore program, while stressing that many of its 50-year-old buildings are in poor condition, with more than $78 million in backlog and safety concerns for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said the governor recommended $4 million for critical life-support systems and asked for an additional $6 million in asset preservation to renovate the original animal hospital building so a new hospital wing can function properly. Testimony emphasized that the renovation is necessary for staff space, storage, code compliance, asbestos removal, and safe animal care, and described recent injuries and close calls tied to outdated facilities.
Members asked questions about porcupine quills, natural predators, and the meaning of the zoo’s incident rate. Zoo staff explained that quills are not poisonous but are barbed and can be difficult to remove, and that predators include larger cats, owls, and fishers. On incidents, staff said they include close calls and injuries linked to aging infrastructure, such as a tiger reaching farther through a wall after fencing shifted over time, and staff injuries during animal procedures in older spaces. Members also confirmed that the hospital project has shifted from a standalone building to a wing attached to the existing hospital because of rising construction costs.
The committee then heard from Perpich Center for Arts Education. Perpich described its statewide role as both a public high school and an arts education resource center, serving students and educators across Minnesota. It said it hosted 313 events last year for nearly 2,000 educators and administrators and worked with 275 school districts across all 67 Senate districts. Perpich emphasized that nearly seven in 10 students rely on its residential programs because there are no comparable arts high school options in greater Minnesota, and noted strong student outcomes including a 100% graduation rate and national recognition as an exemplary school. For capital needs, Perpich said it received $1.26 million last year for HVAC and building automation work, is grateful for the governor’s recommended $1.3 million this year, and requested $6 million to create a secure, accessible main entrance and upgrade outdated restrooms to ADA compliance.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 01:30:07.000>
present <01:30:07.360>this Mike Mayo, council member from the city of Duluth - I’m a Duluth city councilor in District 2, Eastern...” aid design standards and those are for aid design
- I’m a Duluth city councilor in District 2, Eastern Duluth, and I’ve been serving since 2022.
- One of the specific examples I wanted to share today is West Skyline Parkway in Duluth, which is near
- Louis County meeting, and they were dealing with a road study near an elementary school in Duluth.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Mike Mayo from Duluth City Council.
- I'm a Duluth city councilor here in District 2, which is eastern Duluth.
- Louis County meeting dealing with a road study near an elementary school in Duluth.
- Louis County meeting dealing with a road study near an elementary school in Duluth.
- Louis County meeting dealing with a road study near an elementary school in Duluth.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Luke's in Duluth, Minnesota.
- I don't think any of us want to be here, but here we are, and I promise you I will work with anybody
- c><01:41:29.679>
I to be here but here we are and um I to be here but here we are and um I promise - 30.920>
work <01:41:31.119>with <01:41:31.400>anybody <01:41:32.280>to promise - you I will work with anybody to promise you I will work with anybody to try<01:41:32.639>
to <
Keywords:
health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, newborn safety, anonymity, healthcare provider, safe place, child welfare, HF499, nursing, nurse licensure, temporary permit, temporary nursing permit, Board of Nursing, endorsement licensure, reregistration, refresher course, health occupations
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 1/22/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have not been able to keep the bond covenants or the promises that we made to the lenders of our debt
- We have not been able to keep the bond covenants or the promises that we made to the lenders of our debt
- Luke's in Duluth, which is a 267-bed PPS hospital, and also the board chair of Wilderness Health.
- We want to transfer that patient to Duluth for a higher level of care, and they say, I'm really sorry
- We call the ambulance to say we need to transfer to a tertiary center in Duluth, and they say, I'm sorry
Summary:
The Health Finance and Policy Committee heard testimony from the Minnesota Hospital Association and several hospital leaders about the financial strain facing hospitals across Minnesota. The association’s CEO said hospitals are essential 24/7 safety-net providers, but rising labor, supply, technology, and drug costs are outpacing reimbursement from Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial payers. He warned that many not-for-profit hospitals are struggling, that workforce shortages remain significant, and that the committee should consider help on Medicaid rates, discharge/boarding problems, mental health services, workforce development, protecting the 340B drug discount program, and avoiding new mandates that add costs.
Relle Schultz of Winona Health described a community hospital with a 49-bed facility and long-term care services that has faced years of losses, including a $17 million loss in 2023 and $12 million in losses the following year. She said government payers now make up about 65% of the hospital’s mix, and each 1% increase in that mix costs about $1 million. She highlighted the difficulty of sustaining services such as dialysis, which was nearly closed until a local donor provided $3 million to keep it open for three years, and she emphasized the importance of 340B savings and the need for higher Medicaid payments.
Carrie Mulski of Riverview Health in Crookston said critical access hospitals are also under pressure despite their federal designation. She explained that federal support has eroded, that Medicaid and other public programs do not cover full costs, and that her hospital’s 340B savings help keep the doors open. She said Riverview opened a new hospital in 2020 but was hit by the pandemic and inflation, leading to annual losses of $5 million to $6 million and a negative operating margin of 9% to 10%. She also described bond covenant problems, low cash on hand, the prior closure of the nursing home, and the need for rapid state action to stabilize rural hospitals and preserve access to care.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- minutes ago, I emailed you all a summary of who is responsible for investing revenue for transit in Duluth
- If I were to say that we metro voters should have an equal say over how Rochester, Duluth, or any other
Bills:
HF2438
Keywords:
transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- She gave me this killer look about how dare I go after her Duluth teachers pension fund, and it had been
- later she came around and we did merge that fund into TRA, and it's a really better place for the Duluth
- support of a bonding bill, a strong capital investment bill, from the Building Jobs Coalition, the Duluth
- Um, but, you know, it's very difficult to kind of promise people you're going to do something and then
- And last year we did promise people we were going to do something, some of us, and then we didn't do
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- > that In their service, may we not only see what's great about Minnesota, but may we see the promise
- may<00:07:41.840>
we <00:07:42.080>see <00:07:42.240>the <00:07:42.560>promise - ><00:07:42.960>
of <00:07:43.199>our <00:07:43.440>nation but may we see the promise - of our nation but may we see the promise of our nation on<00:07:44.319>
display. - President, this amendment excludes Lakeville students from the Northstar Promise.
MN
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Attending remotely is Senator McEwen from Duluth, Minnesota.
- Paul, I can speak to Rochester, uh, Duluth—and so it seems to me that they should be allowed to use these
- Paul, I can speak to Rochester, uh, Duluth—and so it seems to me that they should be allowed to use these
- Paul, I can speak to Rochester, uh, Duluth—and so it seems to me that they should be allowed to use these
- I'll mention that Mayor Reinert of the City of Duluth used to be a senator, by the way.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I promise. So, ladies and members, today I'm speaking very excitedly about House File 3600.
- Paul, looks very different in Duluth, uh, very different in the suburbs, but these are all opportunities
- Paul, looks very different in Duluth, uh, very different in the suburbs, but these are all opportunities
Keywords:
housing, community land trusts, competitive development, development programs, Minnesota, HF3809, Minnesota eviction law, landlord-tenant, residential lease, minor child, children in eviction, eviction complaint, defendant prohibition, expedited eviction, expedited hearing, summary eviction, tenant protections, housing policy, civil penalty, nonwaivable lease terms
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Julia from our Duluth campus is a full-time student who pays her own tuition in order to fund her education
- But in order for the school to fulfill its promise to make sure that those who learn in central Minnesota
- But in order for the school to fulfill its promise to make sure that those who learn in central Minnesota
- <00:37:36.440>
to <00:37:36.560>make school to fulfill its promise to make school to - fulfill its promise to make sure<00:37:36.920>
that <00:37:37.359>those <00:37:37.520><
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- comprehensive study to establish ATV route connectivity to and from or through the western part of Duluth
- Do you want to share anything about the history of ATVs in the city of Duluth?
- I think we probably have a lot of history with the city of Duluth, and you would like to find a legal
- means to get people out of the city of Duluth into the trails that they love.
- And so I do try to be very kind, and, you know, we need Duluth, and Duluth needs us.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/16/26 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Schultz continued: When someone from Duluth or someone from Bloomington or Minneapolis
- When someone from Duluth or someone from Bloomington or Minneapolis or St.
- When someone from Duluth or someone from Bloomington or Minneapolis or St.
- When someone from Duluth or someone from Bloomington or Minneapolis or St.
- When someone from Duluth or someone from Bloomington or Minneapolis or St.
Summary:
The House first adopted a conference committee report on House File 3900, a constitutional amendment related to state government and school trust lands. Members from both parties praised the work on the bill and said the conference committee returned a clean version of the House-passed measure. The report was adopted without opposition, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a 134-0 roll call.
The chamber then took up Senate File 4282, a forecast-adjustments bill covering K-12 education, human services, children and families, and transportation. Representative Youakim explained that the conference report restored all four forecast articles plus several no-cost education items, including school fund transfers, utility-payment authority, a paraprofessional licensing clarification, a grant extension, and school trust lands language. Representative Mueller moved to refuse adoption, arguing the report had become a catchall and omitted agreed-upon literacy language; that motion failed 62-72. The House then adopted the conference report, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a 94-37 vote.
Next, the House concurred in Senate amendments to House File 4138, the social media bill aimed at restricting addictive social media harms for minors. The Senate had removed House “threat alert” language, and the author said that was the only substantive difference. Supporters said the bill would protect kids online and require parental permission for social media accounts for children 15 and under. The House concurred and repassed the bill as amended by the Senate on a 131-2 vote.
The House then began consideration of Senate File 2373, a labor and industry bill exempting minor league baseball players from minimum wage and overtime requirements. Through a series of amendments, members added provisions on rural cancer research, disability services and employment access, unemployment insurance for certain laid-off Iron Range miners, and agricultural funding items such as depredation, local foods, down payment assistance, and meat processing grants. One proposed amendment to remove the double-fencing requirement for farmed cervidae was strongly opposed as a threat to deer health and was defeated 61-72. The transcript ends during debate on that amendment, before final disposition of the bill is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes SF2884, the Minnesota State Retirement System pensions bill 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We asked folks to tighten their belts in 2018, and we made a promise to our public employees, our police
- <00:10:15.040>
to <00:10:15.360>our in 2018 and we made a promise to our in 2018 and - we made a promise to our public<00:10:16.079>
employees, <00:10:16.959>our <00:10:17.279 - work that we promised that we would<00:10:49.360>
do. - Then the other night on the floor, we found $77 million on a train to Duluth.