Video & Transcript Research : 'Duluth Promise'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Enbridge Energy up in Duluth hired me, so I was a construction project manager for them and then moved
- Enbridge Energy up in Duluth hired me, so I was a construction project manager for them and then moved
- Enbridge Energy up in Duluth hired me, so I was a construction project manager for them and then moved
- Enbridge Energy up in Duluth hired me, so I was a construction project manager for them and then moved
Summary:
The Committee on Energy Finance and Policy met for an informational session and quorum was present, but the chair stated no action would be taken. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Chris Swedzinski outlined the committee’s broad goals of improving Minnesota’s energy system for families and businesses, with an emphasis on affordability, reliability, and development. Several members echoed those priorities, especially concerns about electric reliability, base-load generation, and the needs of rural communities, co-ops, munis, farms, and small businesses.
House fiscal analyst Ashley presented a budget overview for the committee’s jurisdiction. She reviewed spending and base amounts for the Energy Resources Division, the Renewable Development Fund, the Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Fund, and the Public Utilities Commission, and explained that the committee also oversees special revenue and other accounts. She noted that the Renewable Development Fund is supported by utility payments for spent nuclear fuel storage, the cleanup fund by a petroleum distribution fee, and that the Commerce Department receives significant federal LIHEAP and weatherization funds. Members asked about the large increase in the Climate and Economic Development Fund and the status of recent appropriations; staff explained that the 2023 session set a larger target, that about $79 million had been spent from the relevant budget, and that some funds may carry forward.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on community solar gardens. Representative Dave Baker asked for an update on the program, and staff explained that Minnesota has about 1,600 megawatts of solar, with more than 900 megawatts in community solar. Staff said 2023 legislative changes capped annual additions and created new incentives for low- and middle-income participation. Members also discussed concerns about program cost, local siting opposition, and a large interconnection queue; staff said there is a backlog of projects, including a reported 56 gigawatts in the MISO queue, and that utilities need distribution upgrades to handle new capacity. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I hear this when the Range and Duluth gets together and we work on common goals. We do it.
- I hear this when the Range and Duluth gets together and we work on common goals. We do it.
- I hear this when the Range and Duluth gets together and we work on common goals. We do it.
Bills:
HF3393
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- million from the 2023 appropriation for the Northern Lights Express Train between Minneapolis and Duluth
- Um, we have Aurora Vasquez here from Sandy Hook Promise to talk about how the evidence-based approach
- <01:38:31.920>
to <01:38:32.239>talk here from Sandy Hook Promise to talk here from - I’m the senior vice president of state policy at Sandy Hook Promise.
- So no matter what can work as promised?
Keywords:
school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Session - Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I promise. Um, but when I'm not quite sure what to pray, I turn to the books of the scriptures.
- Um, but when I'm not quite sure promise.
- This bill is one empty promise, a big empty promise, and I plan to vote no on it, unfortunately, because
- And so on the western side of the city of Duluth, running all the way up to Duluth, the aquifer is a
- some ongoing ser funds for the promise some ongoing ser funds for the promise act<02:43:54.880><
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm from Duluth, so I'm based in Duluth, and both of these slides are actually from different programs
- that have happened in Duluth.
- The one on the left was in a pretty creative grant application from the Duluth Traverse, which is a 100
- -mile-long mountain bike trail in the city of Duluth.
- My wife and kids and I were just up in the Duluth area and enjoyed some of those parks, and we appreciate
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
- We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
- We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
- We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
- We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
Keywords:
commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate - 03/24/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- just first off, I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to present the bill remotely today from Duluth
- I am proud to say that the center is fulfilling that promise.
- So this is simply a fulfillment of that previous promise, added to that we are requesting an additional
- I am proud to say that the center is fulfilling that promise.
- I am proud to say that the center is fulfilling that promise.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I have with me today online Kevin Biersly from the Duluth Seaway Port...
- me today online Kevin Biersly<00:22:10.880>
from <00:22:11.040>the <00:22:11.160>Duluth - Biersly from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, who will outline the impact of this change and highlight
- how the existing language has impacted a port development grant that Duluth was recently awarded.
- Now moving to an actual situation that we encountered at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- today Patty Masterer, who is the general manager of one of those stations, the CEO of PBS North in Duluth
- today Patty Masterer, who is the general manager of one of those stations, the CEO of PBS North in Duluth
- >
the <00:05:25.560>duth <00:05:26.039>Cold So, for example, elements of the Duluth - PBS North shares the best of Duluth and surrounding areas on Almanac North, fostering a deeper understanding
- The Twin Cities headquarters location, we have staff and reporters living and working in Bemidji, Duluth
Keywords:
public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- we can’t discharge patients out of our hospital here in Two Harbors, and the tertiary hospitals in Duluth
- Like I said, if there’s a shortage of CNAs in Duluth at either one of the large hospitals, they can’t
- , you know, specifically up the shore, which is just about, for reference, 20, 25 minutes up from Duluth
- He said they had two programs they ran: one in partnership with Lake Superior College in Duluth, about
- They had two programs: one with Lake Superior College in Duluth, about 45 to 55 minutes away, and another
Keywords:
HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- She’s all right, though, I promise. Mr.
- Cloud, Moorhead, and Duluth, and she said she will be in Virginia, Minnesota, next. it's it's becoming
- She said she is from Duluth, so it is nice to get up there.
- didn’t even tell Miss Dosman that the way to get this committee’s support is to say something about Duluth
- , uh, because we have three, I think we have the entire Duluth and surrounding delegation on the committee
Keywords:
nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, workforce development, job training, economic stability, low-income, career pathways, education funding, Summit Academy, employment, STEM programming, GED preparation, Neighborhood Development Center, NDC, small business, entrepreneurship, business training
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The site is centrally located on Highway 53 between the two major waste areas, Duluth and the Range Cities
- 01:07:36.160>
major <01:07:36.520>waste <01:07:36.840>areas, <01:07:37.120>Duluth - <01:07:37.480>
and the two major waste areas, Duluth and the two major waste areas, Duluth - Legislators, co-chairs, everyone is welcome to join us at Duluth and St.
Keywords:
water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House OKs housing finance, policy bill agreement 5/13/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In Duluth alone, I talked to one manufacturer; they turned away 35 employees because they couldn't find
- <00:07:37.840>
In <00:07:38.240>Duluth <00:07:38.680>alone, <00:07:39.520> - In Duluth alone, I talked to every day.
- In Duluth alone, I talked to one<00:07:40.200>
manufacturer, <00:07:41.160>they <00:07:41.320
Summary:
The House considered the conference committee report on House File 1141, a housing bill, and moved to adopt the report and repass the bill as amended. Rep. Howard said the compromise would help build thousands of new homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, EHPAP, supportive housing, and a new provision for greater public access at MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate proposals, including a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases, were not included.
Several members spoke in support of the compromise. Rep. Kozlowski emphasized the bill’s role in addressing housing instability, homelessness, and workforce shortages, citing investments in first-generation homebuyer assistance, supportive housing, and preservation of beds and units. Rep. Skraba and Rep. West also supported the bill, with Skraba praising the bipartisan process and West arguing the bill focused on supply-side solutions such as manufactured housing and easing development constraints. Rep. Schultz opposed the bill, arguing the money should instead go to school safety, fraud prevention, asset preservation, and lowering costs for taxpayers. After brief discussion, the House adopted the conference report and advanced the bill to third reading.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/18/26
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're hosting our annual food summit this year up in Duluth.
- 15:58.400>
in our annual food summit this year up in our annual food summit this year up in Duluth - 59.760>
food <00:16:00.040>partnership <00:16:01.079>is <00:16:01.440>is Duluth - So, that food partnership is is Duluth.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/02/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- conversation with me the other day about some of the issues that my constituents are facing up in Duluth
- that my constituents are facing<00:15:29.000>
up <00:15:29.200>in <00:15:29.280>Duluth - c> and<00:15:30.000>
I <00:15:30.320>spoke <00:15:30.680>at facing up in Duluth - and I spoke at facing up in Duluth and I spoke at length<00:15:31.080>
about <00:15:31.320>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/24/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Sean Kay, and I'm the fire chief and emergency management director for the city of Duluth.
- Recently, the federal grant funding that we received at the city of Duluth as a pass-through from Minnesota
- My position at the city of Duluth includes split responsibilities as fire chief and director of emergency
- keep up with the rising cost of safety equipment that is needed to keep the citizens and visitors of Duluth
- This proposed funding is imperative not only for the city of Duluth, but all cities of the first class
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 2/12/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Airport, and then our 148th Fighter Wing is up in Duluth, and then the 34th Infantry Division is
- Our 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth recently returned from a deployment to Kadena, Japan, supporting
- They fly the latest version F-15 Block 50s, and I would say a huge part of the Duluth economy, future
- The Air Force doesn't plan on operating in northern climates for some reason, but outside today in Duluth
- I grew up in the Iron Range and in Duluth. I also joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 4/9/26
Transcript Highlights:
- with me, but for instance, projects that are funded but aren't going to happen, such as the train to Duluth
- with me, but for instance, projects that are funded but aren't going to happen, such as the train to Duluth
Summary:
House Republican leaders unveiled their “North Star Comeback” budget plan, describing it as a focused effort to make Minnesota more affordable, reduce government waste, and strengthen the economy. They said the package would include a $3.8 billion tax cut proposal with one-time property tax relief, elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, childcare relief, lower car tab fees, and funding for schools through scholarship-granting organizations. They also framed the plan as a response to rising costs for groceries, housing, energy, insurance, and childcare.
A major emphasis of the rollout was government accountability, especially a strong Office of Inspector General bill and IT modernization to reduce fraud. Leaders said the OIG proposal had moved out of committee and was now in Ways and Means, with a working group continuing to reconcile House and Senate differences. On IT modernization, Chair Paul Torkelson said the plan would likely use a two-pronged approach, with about $15 million for near-term needs and a longer-term fund for ongoing technology upgrades; he said many such investments could qualify for federal matching dollars.
The leaders also highlighted Medicaid conformity, saying Minnesota should align with federal changes to avoid losing funding, and they discussed a property tax rebate proposal as a one-time $1 billion return to taxpayers to offset higher property taxes. In response to questions, they said many of the budget items were still moving through the process and some had not met finance deadlines, while others were already in bills. They repeatedly criticized House Democrats for blocking or delaying Republican proposals and said they wanted bipartisan cooperation to pass the plan this year.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We also work in Duluth, where we have a cultural exchange program with an artist from Mexico City.
- I'm sorry, from southern Mexico, and we collaborated with two Latino artists based in Duluth.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, to your point, you did not drive from Duluth to the East Coast without stopping in some other
- I mean, to your point, you did not drive from Duluth to the East Coast without stopping in some other
- Um, I did promise to invite anyone forward who would like to provide um more perspectives with us.
- <01:08:32.159>
Um <01:08:32.400>I <01:08:32.640>did <01:08:32.799>promise - Um I did promise >> Thank you. All right.