Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, we have uh a Minnesota.
• institution in the state of education institution in the state of Minnesota<00:05:29.600><c> and</c>
• Swanson continued: Higher education within 50 miles of everyone in Minnesota was the goal in the 1960s
• We educate almost or equivalent.
• :20:57.520><c> M</c> grant or University of Minnesota or M grant or University of Minnesota or M Minnesota

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh the Minnesota State System and the University<00:02:05.360><c> of</c><00:02:05.880><c> Minnesota.
• </c> rather than an educational one. Yeah. rather than an educational one. Yeah.
• . educators. educators.
• </c> across Minnesota to to do this better. across Minnesota to to do this better.
• ,</c><01:42:14.719><c> the</c><01:42:14.960><c> Minnesota</c> Fair of Minnesota, the Minnesota Fair of

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Joseph, Minnesota.
• </c> state of Minnesota. state of Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota Statute 192.52. Minnesota Statute 192.52.
• Veterans Affairs, the Minnesota Department of Education, and local veterans who have provided feedback
• Veterans Affairs, the Minnesota Department of Education, and local veterans who have provided feedback

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:01:11.360><c> one</c> in us to build a better Minnesota, one in us to build a better Minnesota
• Paul, Minnesota, Sunday, May 18, 2025.
• and to the Ojiway peoples to Minnesota and to the United<00:11:19.360><c> States.
• Whereas the state of Minnesota Bennett.
• ,</c> environmental stewardship, education, environmental stewardship, education, public<00:11:52.959

Transcript Highlights:

• And then skipping down to uh Minnesota State, the House has made no changes to its prior offer on Minnesota
• </c> then skipping down to uh Minnesota then skipping down to uh Minnesota State,<00:02:26.560><c> the
• Minnesota Minnesota um<00:08:39.120><c> like</c><00:08:39.440><c> me.
• ,</c> like this, modeled after Minnesota, like this, modeled after Minnesota, which<00:09:51.440><c>
• Minnesota. Minnesota.

Summary: The meeting focused on a House counteroffer to a higher education budget and policy agreement, with Ken Savory walking members through spreadsheet changes and Mr. Hopkins reviewing policy items. On the budget side, the House adjusted several appropriations and savings targets, including state grants, child care grants, student teacher and shortage area grants, student parent support, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury research grants, dual training grants for legal cannabis employers, and University of Minnesota cannabis research. The House also noted no change to Minnesota State, alignment with the Senate on the summer academic enrichment program, and that remaining state grant parameters would continue to be negotiated. On policy, the House said some items were agreed to and grayed out, including campus sexual misconduct policy and treatment of appropriations. The House kept its original position on the NN Mayo Clinic Partnership and did not include K-12 direct admissions or the College Financing Literacy Act. It also proposed adjusting OHEI appropriations for competitively and legislatively named grant programs so administrative cost reserves would conform to 10% and 5% parameters when current law is below those levels. The committee then heard testimony in support of continuing the spinal cord injury/traumatic brain injury grant program at its current level. Joey Carlson described his spinal cord injury, his career path, and how the program helped advance research and industry connections, while Matthew Broadick argued the program has produced clinical trials, FDA approval-related progress, jobs, and strong return on investment. He also said the program belongs at the Office of Higher Education rather than the Department of Health because its mission better fits research and innovation. Members asked about the program’s long-term home, and the witnesses defended OHE’s role. No votes were taken; the chair thanked the House for the offer, said it would be reviewed, and recessed the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• African-American educators in Minnesota.
• Caitlyn Snider representing Education Minnesota.
• </c><01:10:30.239><c> in</c><01:10:30.360><c> Minnesota</c> Those in special education in Minnesota.
• Educators for Excellence Minnesota is a growing teacher-led nonprofit that works with over 2,500 Minnesota
• </c><01:28:03.960><c> Educators</c><01:28:04.880><c> to</c> with over 2500 Minnesota Educators to with

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we can't live without our highway system in Minnesota.
• Minnesota was to receive about 70 million.
• Because Minnesota doesn't just...
• Up in Crookston, Minnesota, in their downtown, U.S.
• Grant program, Hold Harmless, the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our current policy in Minnesota.
• <00:10:49.000><c> have</c><00:10:49.160><c> your</c> Minnesota have your Minnesota have your back<00:
• </c> discrimination this is the Minnesota discrimination this is the Minnesota that<00:11:15.639><c>
• </c> at the secondary level the Minnesota at the secondary level the Minnesota State<00:23:43.000><c>
• Then another section, Minnesota Statutes 363A.23, this is exemptions for education, and in subdivision

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Prices at every business in Minnesota Prices at every business in Minnesota are<00:01:40.680><c>
• </c> control in the state of Minnesota. control in the state of Minnesota.
• </c><00:02:13.200><c> can</c> I'm hopeful though that Minnesota can I'm hopeful though that Minnesota
• </c> beyond just using One Minnesota beyond just using One Minnesota platitudes,<00:03:38.160><c> um<
• </c> one Minnesota meant to the governor. one Minnesota meant to the governor.

Summary: Republican legislative leaders reacted critically to Governor Walz’s speech, saying it was divisive and focused too heavily on Democratic priorities rather than unity or bipartisan work. Speaker Daudt and Majority Leader Liska argued the governor ignored the state’s affordability problems, including high property taxes, rising business costs, and what they described as mandates imposed under full Democratic control. They also said the speech downplayed poor educational outcomes and failed to offer a unifying vision for the final weeks of session. A major theme was fraud and accountability. Leaders said the governor waited too long to address the state’s large fraud scandal and then deflected blame to other states. They said Minnesotans want accountability and affordability, and they pointed to the House Fraud Committee and the Senate’s OIG bill as examples of anti-fraud work Republicans say Democrats have blocked. They also criticized the governor’s tax proposals as a “bait and switch,” arguing that promised tax cuts would be offset by new taxes on services and banking fees. The discussion also touched on school safety, gun policy, child care credits, and the HCMC bailout. Republicans said they were willing to work on bipartisan school safety measures, including mental health supports and funding for public, private, and charter schools, but believed gun-control proposals lacked the votes. On the child care credit, leaders said they would keep evaluating it but were concerned about future deficits and the need for a pay-for. In response to questions, they said they were not surprised HCMC was not mentioned and said conversations were continuing. One leader also objected to the governor’s comments about voting access for people of color, calling them disrespectful.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Board of Investment, and the Minnesota Department of Education.
• State Board of Investment, and the Minnesota Department of Education.
• State Board of Investment, and the Minnesota Department of Education.
• I am testifying on behalf of Minnesota Rural Education Association and the Minnesota Association of School
• I am testifying on behalf of Minnesota Rural Education Association and the Minnesota Association of School

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:05:26.000><c> small</c> development, um, on education, small development, um, on education,
• Do you think Minnesota needs programs.
• Senator, you mentioned greater Minnesota.
• Um, and one of the testifiers Minnesota.
• And but the the in in real Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has been the policy for participation in Minnesota for 11 years.
• In fact, Minnesota is a leader in participation in girls' sports.
• play sports in Minnesota.
• system because they have educational value.
• That's because in Minnesota, girls' sports are thriving.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a social studies teacher and member lobbyist for Education Minnesota this session.
• c> I'm</c> Education Minnesota this session I'm Education Minnesota this session I'm testifying<00:04
• She said the focus of the bill is to bring clarity and flexibility to the Minnesota education system
• </c><00:43:17.640><c> Minnesota</c> Caitlyn Snyder with Education Minnesota Caitlyn Snyder with Education
• that support public education in the state of Minnesota.

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we want pro- education bill as well.
• Furthermore, Minnesota already offers tax relief for school supplies with the income tested K-12 education
• </c><00:03:44.799><c> Furthermore,</c> exempt in Minnesota. Furthermore, exempt in Minnesota.
• Um, as the education finance chair, we were tasked with funding K-12 education across the state, and
• </c><00:16:03.839><c> credit,</c> could claim our K12 education credit, could claim our K12 education

Transcript Highlights:

• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive
• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive
• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive
• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive
• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive

Bills: HF3169 , HF3749 , HF2605 , HF3541 , HF4102 , HF3513 , HF268

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> serve the people of Minnesota serve the people of Minnesota any<00:11:00.000><c> other</c><00:11
• </c> councils uh for the state of Minnesota councils uh for the state of Minnesota we<00:34:57.960><c
• </c> I'm a member at large at the Minnesota I'm a member at large at the Minnesota Council<00:46:48.319
• <01:10:10.800><c> Indian</c><01:10:11.080><c> Affairs</c> Minnesota Indian Affairs Minnesota Indian Affairs
• </c> of Minnesota of Minnesota I<01:16:25.880><c> highlighted</c><01:16:26.360><c> a</c><01:16:26.480

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:00.560><c> law</c><00:04:00.879><c> for</c> Minnesota law for Minnesota law for secondary<00:04
• <00:04:05.760><c> to</c> secondary education are, we want to secondary education are, we want to point
• </c> their education their education and<00:04:30.320><c> as</c><00:04:30.639><c> part</c><00:04:30.880
• </c> educational funding is is also tied. educational funding is is also tied.
• </c> government affairs for the Minnesota government affairs for the Minnesota Department<00:11:11.440

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota Realtors. Minnesota Realtors.
• </c> 83% of the awards in Minnesota. 83% of the awards in Minnesota.
• </c> and tenant education. and tenant education.
• </c> have both in Minnesota. have both in Minnesota.

Bills: HF3425 , HF3424 , HF1385

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:29.159><c> change</c> from the recent education change from the recent education change one
• </c> two days that I held the education two days that I held the education policy<00:08:40.000><c> gavel
• </c> and parents first is our top education and parents first is our top education priority<00:09:12.320
• </c><00:17:31.600><c> costs</c> some of those um special education costs some of those um special education
• </c><00:18:23.240><c> is</c> concern in the state of Minnesota is concern in the state of Minnesota is

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> rightfully theirs when Minnesota rightfully theirs when Minnesota intervenes<00:09:13.720><c> in
• Minnesota to be investing in Head Start Minnesota to be investing in Head Start um<00:18:48.240><c> when
• </c> likely to see succeed in education likely to see succeed in education careers<00:30:26.600><c> and
• Louis Park, Minnesota.
• </c> budget or is that an education budget or is that an education budget<01:11:18.600><c> Senator</c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services