Video & Transcript Research : 'NLX'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Cal Randa continued that the benefits of the NLX are numerous and undeniable.
- Louis County Commissioner and as the chair of the NLX Alliance on behalf of the NLX Alliance. season
- <01:15:49.480>
is <01:15:49.560>$30 <01:15:49.960>to nlx is $30 to nlx is $30 to - NLX there, like, these people bring along hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth.
- Um, so I have the, oh, the testifier said it costs between $3 and $35 for a ticket for NLX.
Keywords:
Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um members will recall that the NLX Um members will recall that the NLX train<00:02:57.440>
uh - $17.1 million of the original NLX $17.1 million of the original NLX um<00:03:36.519>
appropriation - bill to then put money back into the NLX bill to then put money back into the NLX account,<00:37
- money taking money out of the NLX money taking money out of the NLX because<00:42:09.920>
I <00:43:21.440>um don't want to spend any more of NLX um don't want to spend any more of NLX
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 5/14/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Stevenson, NLX funding is on the line as part of the CFCI deal.
- Stevenson, uh, uh, uh, uh, NLX<00:10:17.440>
funding <00:10:17.760>is <00:10:17.880> - funding is on the line as part of NLX funding is on the line as part of the<00:10:18.960>
CFCI - appropriation except for where the NLX appropriation except for where the<00:10:32.400>
money - So, under existing law, the NLX cancels.
- appropriation except for where the NLX appropriation except for where the<00:10:32.400>
Summary:
House leaders and members discussed a budget agreement centered on preserving Hennepin County Medical Center, with speakers saying the deal provides $705 million total for HCMC and related hospital support. They said $205 million would go directly and exclusively to HCMC, with a $500 million reserve fund available next summer for hospitals meeting narrow eligibility criteria tied to medical assistance and uncompensated care, plus a $30 million uncompensated care fund and increased Medicaid rates for critical access hospitals. They also said the agreement includes a task force to develop a long-term solution for HCMC and new governance provisions, including a professional hospital board, mediation requirements, and continued reporting on public dollars.
The leaders also highlighted other parts of the budget deal, including $1.2 billion in bonding for infrastructure, $125 million for a homestead tax refund that would increase the homestead credit by 12% for qualifying homeowners, and $75 million for county IT modernization with additional ongoing funding and a possible future surplus allocation. They said the agreement preserves three-month Medicaid retroactive coverage for one year despite federal changes, provides $10 million for food banks and food shelves, and includes $12.5 million for school-linked mental health grants, $3.8 million for mobile crisis grants, and $5 million for anonymous threat reporting systems in public and private schools.
Members also said the deal does not change existing law on the ballpark tax, which remains tied to Target Field bonds and other statutory obligations, and that NLX and Blue Line transit funding would only redirect to reserve accounts if those projects do not move forward. They said the agreement also includes memorial provisions for former Speaker Melissa Hortman, including a $200,000 appropriation to Helping Paws, renaming Highway 610 as the Hortman Memorial Highway, a memorial garden, and a work group on a Capitol complex state park proposal. In response to questions, leaders said they were frustrated that comprehensive gun violence prevention and some other issues were not included, and they said the session would end with an orderly finish after several long days of final work.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- advance the NLX project to construction. advance the NLX project to construction.
- decades of work it took to get NLX decades of work it took to get NLX funding<00:40:52.560>
across - Please eliminate those funding cuts for NLX and passenger rail.
- funding cuts for NLX and passenger rail. funding cuts for NLX and passenger rail.
- Uh, and as I understand, this is an NLX technical correction.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It is funded by a portion of the NLX funding, $77 million, and it realizes $22 million in savings that
- Uh there is a -47.4 million in the tails and that is of the NL NL NLX uh funding 77 million of the NL
- NL NLX uh funding 77 million and<00:01:40.560>
it <00:01:40.799>realizes <00:01:41.520>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House DFL school safety proposal fails committee vote 4/16/26
Transcript Highlights:
- As we crafted this bill, we did not see the NLX funding in the transportation arena as a piggy bank to
- did<00:01:49.280>
not <00:01:49.439>see <00:01:49.600>the <00:01:49.759>NLX - this bill, we did not see the NLX this bill, we did not see the NLX funding<00:01:51.040>
in< - It had funding that has been used over and over again by every committee here, the NLX funding.
- <00:36:54.640>
And committee here, the NLX funding. And committee here, the NLX funding.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important.
Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments.
Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/18/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And this money from the NLX line um should not be going to fund one-time seasonal unemployment.
- We'll take from NLX." How's that sound?
- We'll take from NLX." How's that like. We'll take from NLX." How's that sound?
- Uh because of that we are making the cancellation to the NLX and making sure that we are honoring the
- and making sure that we uh to the NLX and making sure that we are<03:03:06.080>
honoring <03:03
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House passes omnibus transportation bill, HF14, during 2025 special session 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 24.960>
try <00:37:25.119>and We were also able to protect the Blue Line extension, the NLX - extension<00:37:48.480>
um <00:37:48.800>the <00:37:49.200>the <00:37:49.839>NLX - <00:37:50.720>
to <00:37:50.920>Duth <00:37:51.920>as extension um the the NLX - line to Duth as extension um the the NLX line to Duth as well<00:37:52.560>
as <00:37:53.200><
MN
Bills:
HF220, HF230, HF240, HF241, HF295, HF429, HF490, HF505, HF574, HF576, HF581, HF865, HF918, HF1085, HF1449, HF1452, HF1454, HF602
Keywords:
HF220, Minnesota transportation, highway user tax distribution fund, trunk highway fund, Minnesota Department of Transportation, MnDOT, transportation finance, dedicated funds, funding restrictions, arts in transportation, cultural strategies, transportation project planning, project design, project construction, placemaking, public art, infrastructure spending, state statutes 161.045, HF230, Wyoming
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- As we crafted this bill, we did not see the NLX funding in the transportation arena as a piggy bank to
- It had funding that has been used over and over again by every committee here, the NLX funding.
- It had funding that has been used over and over again by every committee here, the NLX funding.
- over again by every committee<01:04:02.079>
here, <01:04:02.319>the <01:04:02.480>NLX - <01:04:03.760>
And Committee here, the NLX funding.
Bills:
HF4893
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session 6/9/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we were also able to protect the Blue Line extension, the NLX line to Duluth, as well as look at
- extension<00:38:02.000>
um <00:38:02.320>the <00:38:02.720>the <00:38:03.359>NLX - <00:38:04.160>
to <00:38:04.440>Duth <00:38:05.440>as extension um the the NLX - line to Duth as extension um the the NLX line to Duth as well<00:38:06.000>
as <00:38:06.720><
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Because I had heard that we don't do things like take money from the NLX, a failed train project, to
- <01:35:12.880>
money <01:35:13.240>from <01:35:13.400>the <01:35:13.600>NLX - ,<01:35:14.440>
a things like take money from the NLX, a things like take money from the NLX
MN
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session - part 2 Jun 9th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We were also able to protect the blue line extension, the NLX line to Duluth, as well as look at trying
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House passes transportation finance bill with increased road funding, transit cuts 4/28/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the biggest thing is that we were able to protect Hennepin County's decision on Blue Line and also on NLX
- blue line<00:15:51.759>
and <00:15:52.000>also <00:15:52.320>on <00:15:52.639>NLX - so<00:15:54.320>
um <00:15:54.480>you <00:15:54.639>know line and also on NLX - And so um you know line and also on NLX.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Special Session - Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, the NLX money, that was $108 million for a train to Duluth. That money did not get spent.
- to see that that that happen.<04:06:29.359>
Also, <04:06:29.760>the <04:06:29.920>NLX - Also, the NLX money, that was happen.
- Also, the NLX money, that was $108<04:06:32.520>
million <04:06:33.520>for <04:06:33.760 - :02.239>
that <04:14:02.560>are <04:14:02.800>good, Um, the money left for the NLX
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: Republican Leaders Present Bills to Curb Government Waste - 03/17/25
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House Republican school safety package stalls in committee 4/14/26
Transcript Highlights:
- And I have really lost track of how many times your side of the aisle has utilized the NLX money.
- So no, this NLX money has been used 100 times over in very many proposals.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3493, the Safe Schools Revenue Increase bill, and first adopted the DE amendment before moving the bill on for re-referral to Ways and Means. Representative Lawrence described the bill as a multi-layered school safety package for all students and schools, including public, nonpublic, charter, and tribal schools, with increased safety funding, mental health support, anonymous threat reporting, school safety plans, and student discipline changes. Several supporters emphasized the need for flexible safety funding and cited real-world safety concerns, including anonymous tip systems that had generated many reports, classroom evacuations, staff injuries, and the need for more resources for mental health and safety infrastructure. Some supporters, including charter school leaders and Catholic Conference testimony, argued the bill’s flexibility and broader safety approach were important, while others supported the K-3 suspension language as a needed tool in severe cases.
Opponents focused heavily on the bill’s repeal of Minnesota’s K-3 suspension ban and non-exclusionary discipline requirements. Legal aid, disability advocates, and education groups argued that suspensions harm young children, worsen disparities, and disproportionately affect students of color and students with disabilities, and they urged the committee to keep restorative and non-exclusionary practices in place. Disability advocates also asked that any safety planning explicitly account for students with disabilities and that the bill remain aligned with IDEA protections and individualized education decisions. Several testifiers opposed using public funds for private schools, saying public money should stay in public programs.
Other testimony came from school administrators and staff who supported restoring limited suspension discretion, describing serious elementary incidents, classroom evacuations, and injuries that they said required a short-term removal option to stabilize classrooms and plan for students’ return. Mental health and school support personnel witnesses stressed that safety and mental health funding should remain distinct and that more counselors, social workers, and related staff are needed to address student crises. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided beyond adoption of the DE amendment and the motion to re-refer the bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Majority Leader End-of-Session Media Availability - 05/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- And if in 2028 the federal government doesn't approve NLX, the Northern Lights Express, and those funds
Summary:
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the 2026 session ended with major accomplishments despite frustration over what did not pass. She highlighted a $1.2 billion bonding bill, housing and rental investments, property tax reductions, support for HCMC and distressed hospitals, public safety and crime victim funding, IT modernization, and fraud-prevention measures. She also said the Senate pushed a tab fee holiday, though she criticized Republicans for delaying its start until January, and described the session as focused on a “fair deal” for Minnesotans facing higher costs.
Murphy said some of the most difficult work involved human services and fraud oversight. She said lawmakers created an independent inspector general office, funded the Attorney General’s Medicaid fraud unit, added training and electronic visit measures, and included payment-withholding language with due-process protections and continuity-of-care safeguards. She said the Senate tried to balance fraud enforcement with preserving access to Medicaid-funded services, and emphasized that legislators must continue oversight and follow audit recommendations.
She also expressed deep disappointment that a comprehensive gun violence prevention package did not pass the House, saying it included prevention, intervention, harm reduction, school safety, and mental health provisions. She said the package was rejected by House Republicans and that she would keep fighting for it. On immigration enforcement, she said the Senate proposed protections against ICE actions but could not get them enacted. She also discussed campaign strategy, saying Democrats would defend frontline seats and emphasize health care, housing, jobs, and affordability, while continuing to support roads, bridges, and transit.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 28th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- achievement is that we were able to protect Hennepin County's decisions on the Blue Line and also on NLX
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