In the Know: February 18, 2021


Attorney General Keith Ellison
Ellison sues landlord for illegally forcing tenant in Apple Valley to vacate during pandemicKSTP 

Governor Tim Walz
Gov. Walz Sets Goal Of All Schools Offering In-Person Learning By March 8WCCO 
What to know about Gov. Walz’s plan to get Minnesota middle and high school students back in the classroomMinnPost 
Gov. Walz launches new state tool to connect all Minnesotans to COVID-19 vaccinesKSTP 

Minnesota Legislature 
 ‘It’s coming’: Minnesota recreational marijuana bill passes first-ever legislative committeeStar Tribune 
Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf eyes security upgrades in $4 million projectDuluth News Tribune 
Drive for low-cost housing finds bipartisan buy-inOwatonna People’s Press

Continue reading “In the Know: February 18, 2021”

In the Know: February 17, 2021


DFL Party
Political parties prepare for 2022 election cycleKBJR6
DFL Responds to Doug Wardlow’s Second Run for Attorney GeneralDFL.org

Governor Tim Walz
COVID-19: Gov. Tim Walz to announce middle, high school reopening plansBring Me The News 
Walz expected to announce new plan for expanding in-person learningKSTP

Minnesota Legislature 
$300M plan to help businesses hurt in 2020 riots advances in MN HousePioneer Press 
Survivors support National Guard sex assault billKARE 11 
Drive for low-cost housing finds bipartisan buy-inMPR 
State works to simplify mental health policiesMankato Free Press 

Continue reading “In the Know: February 17, 2021”

In the Know: February 16, 2021

Governor Tim Walz
MN Gov. Walz loosens COVID-19 restrictionsWahpeton Daily News 
Summer school in the park: Walz administration proposes expanded programs and more flexible venues to ready kids for the next academic year.Sahan Journal 

Minnesota Legislature 
Quality Education As A Civil Right: Renewed Push For Page Amendment At The CapitolWCCO
Page Amendment: Push to change constitution to close education gaps returns to MN CapitolBring Me The News 
Black Men Teach hopes to change MN education disparities, one teacher at a time.KARE 11 
Senate moves to charge Minneapolis for security costsKARE 11 
Minnesota Legislature deadlocked over Derek Chauvin trial securityStar Tribune

Minnesota News
Minnesota Middle And High School Students Return To Classrooms Tuesday, WCCO
University of Minnesota creates tuition-free program for low-income families, KSTP
Minnesota’s regional health care coalitions are key to dispersing vaccine, Star Tribune
Getting to ‘yes;’ Voices from inside immigrant communities are crucial to overcoming misinformation on COVID vaccine, Sahan Journal

Continue reading “In the Know: February 16, 2021”

In the Know: February 12, 2021


DFL Party News 
Trump must be held accountableMinnPost 

Governor Tim Walz
Seven appointed to police oversight board by Gov. Tim WalzBemidji Pioneer 
Walz to OK more guests at weddings, private gatherings as COVID ebbsMPR 

Minnesota Legislature 
Minnesota Legislature considers bill to close mandatory reporting loopholeStar Tribune 
Legislative Watch: Bills Jan. 23 through Feb. 2, 2021ABC Newspapers 
Legislative push is on to save Minnesota’s historic tax credit before it expiresDuluth News Tribune 

Continue reading “In the Know: February 12, 2021”

In the Know: February 11, 2021

Governor Tim Walz
Gov. Tim Walz on His Hope for 2021, Minneapolis St Paul Magazine
Partisan fight brewing over Gov. Tim Walz’s $35 million security ask ahead of Derek Chauvin trial, Duluth News Tribune
Governor Walz Announces New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call Centers in Minnesota, KTOE
Gov. Walz orders flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Buffalo victims, Kare 11

Minnesota Legislature 
Minnesota continues to see higher state revenue numbers than expected, MinnPost
Following Buffalo Shooting, Capitol Clash Over Mutual Aid Costs Continues, WCCO

Minnesota News
Walmart, Sam’s Club pharmacies in Minnesota to administer COVID-19 vaccines, KSTP
The Killing of George Floyd Tore Minneapolis Apart. Now Comes the Trial., New York Times
Minnesota falling behind in equitable allocation of COVID-19 vaccine, Star Tribune
Some Minnesotans are loving this cold snap: Trees, MinnPost

National News
Prosecutors may provide details of attack on Buffalo health clinic, MPR
Husband of medical assistant slain in Buffalo clinic attack: ‘I just would like her to realize how much she was loved’, Star Tribune
House Ag advances bill to provide $16B to industry for pandemic relief, Politico

Republican Party News
Republicans ready to ‘retire Speaker Pelosi,’ reveal 47 House Democratic targets in 2022, Washington Examiner
Dozens of former GOP officials reportedly met last week to discuss mounting a new anti-Trump party, Washington Post
Trump’s political operation paid more than $3.5 million to Jan. 6 organizers, Open Secrets

U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (CD5, D)
Omar calls for released Saudi women’s rights activist to be allowed to leave country, The Hill
Rep. Omar Joins the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to address America’s maternal health crisis, Insight News
US sanctions have ‘catastrophic impact’ amid Covid, say progressive Democrats, The Guardian

U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (CD8, R)
Reader’s View: GOP ideology disrespects our democracy, Duluth News Tribune

U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (CD6, R)
Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer’s upside-down head speaks before House panel, Star Tribune

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D)
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith hold out hope for Trump conviction, Star Tribune
Klobuchar: Relief cash could flow to music venues “very soon”, Axios
Sen. Amy Klobuchar On Impeachment And Antitrust Legislation, NHPR
Sen. Amy Klobuchar: More help for women and Black-owned businesses hurt by pandemic is needed, Axios

U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D)
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith hold out hope for Trump conviction, Star Tribune
Sen. Tina Smith, Ag Committee introduce Justice for Black Farmers Act, Minnesota Spokesman Reporter
Smith, Durbin introduce COVID-19 paid leave bill for government workers, Brainerd Dispatch

Upcoming Events:

You can find non-DFL events on our Action Alert post.

  • February 11
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD36 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD48 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
  • February 14 — Valentine’s Day
  • February 15 — Presidents’ Day
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — Virtual DFL Anoka County Meeting, contact them for more information
  • February 16 — Mardi Gras
  • February 17 — Ash Wednesday
    • 5:00 to 6:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Party Leader Call, contact us at info@dfl3cd.org for log in information
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — CD3 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, more information as it becomes available
  • February 20, 1:30 to 3:30 PM — DFL Environmental Caucus Prove It First Zoom Forum, more information and RSVP here.
  • February 24, 5:00 to 6:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Party Leader Call, contact us at info@dfl3cd.org for log in information
  • February 25 to 26 — Purim
  • February 25, 5:15 to 6:30 PM — State DFL Virtual Trivia Night with State Auditor Julie Blaha, more information and RSVP here.
  • February 28, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD47 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
  • March 3, 5:00 to 6:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Party Leader Call, contact us at info@dfl3cd.org for log in information
  • March 4
    • 7:00 PM — DFL Environmental Caucus and MN350 Virtual Meeting: Clean Cars in Minnesota featuring Bill McKibben, more information and RSVP here.
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD46 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
  • March 6, 1:30 to 3:00 PM — SD40 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
  • March 8
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD44 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD49 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
  • March 10, 5:00 to 6:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Party Leader Call, contact us at info@dfl3cd.org for log in information
  • March 11
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD36 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD48 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for more information
  • March 14 — Daylight Saving Time begins
    • Deadline to sign up for the 2021 Virtual Train the Trainer series
  • March 15, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — Anoka County DFL Virtual Meeting, contact them for more information
  • March 16, 7:00 to 8:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Train the Trainer session, contact us for more information
  • March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day
    • 5:00 to 6:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Party Leader Call, contact us at info@dfl3cd.org for log in information
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — CD3 Virtual DFL Central Committee Meeting, more information as it becomes available
  • March 18, 7:00 to 8:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Train the Trainer session, contact us for more information
  • March 23, 7:00 to 8:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Train the Trainer session, contact us for more information
  • March 24, 5:00 to 6:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Party Leader Call, contact us at info@dfl3cd.org for log in information
  • March 25, 7:00 to 8:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Train the Trainer session, contact us for more information
  • March 30, 7:00 to 8:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Train the Trainer session, contact us for more information
  • March 31, 5:00 to 6:00 PM — State DFL Virtual Party Leader Call, contact us at info@dfl3cd.org for log in information

In the Know: February 10, 2021


Governor Tim Walz
Gov. Tim Walz weighing next round of COVID-19 dial turns, offers few detailsPioneer Press 
Walz, local leaders respond to ‘tragic’ shooting at Allina Health clinic in Buffalo, MinnesotaFox 9 
Minnesota To Receive Small Bump in COVID Vaccine Doses Next WeekWCCO
MN Small Business Owners Highlight Pieces of Gov. Walz’s BudgetVoices of Alexandria 

Minnesota Legislature
Minnesota committee passes SAFE Account bill to floor, but compromise Republican supportDuluth News Tribune
Helping to preserve historic buildings may be the one thing everyone at the Minnesota Legislature agrees uponMinn Post 
‘It’s not safe’: Transit workers say crime still top concern despite pandemic, fewer ridersKSTP 
Small Minnesota brewers backing bill that would allow sales of smaller cansDL-Online 

Minnesota News
COVID-19 cases plunge at Minnesota senior homes as vaccinations ramp upStar Tribune 
Teacher shortage hits schools in rural, urban districts across MinnesotaStar Tribune 
After the deadly shooting at Minnesota clinic, health care center says ‘our hearts were broken’CNN 
Analysis: What’s to blame for Minnesota’s slow vaccination pace?MPR 

Continue reading “In the Know: February 10, 2021”

In the Know: February 9, 2021


DFL Party News
DFL Chairman’s View: Stauber fueled the stolen-election lie that led to violence, Duluth News Tribune

Governor Tim Walz
Walz administration allocates 24,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to pharmacies across MinnesotaKSTP 
Rochester selected as site for state’s third mass vaccination clinicMed City Beat 
Minnesota rises to 14th in vaccine administration rate; provides 556,482 first dosesStar Tribune

Minnesota Legislature
Bill to protect confidential informants moves forward in Minnesota LegislaturePine Journal 
Minnesota unlikely to authorize cocktails to-go any time soonAxios 
MN DEED awards $13M in COVID relief grants to 73 movie theaters, 15 convention centersBring Me The News 

Continue reading “In the Know: February 9, 2021”

In the Know: February 8, 2021


DFL Party News
Worthington’s Cheniqua Johnson chosen as state DFL officer, The Globe 
At critical moment, Minnesotans influence important U.S. policies, Star Tribune 
DFL re-elects Ken Martin to 6th term as party chairman, KTOE 
A ‘giant’ in DFL politics, Collin Peterson reflects on three decades in Congress, Star Tribune

Governor Tim Walz
At Issue: Feb. 7 — Public safety showdown between Walz, Republicans as Chauvin trial nearsKSTP 

Minnesota Legislature
Legislators push to shrink Minnesota’s carbon footprint to zero by 2050, Star Tribune
Prairie Island Indian Community Selects Consultants for Net-Zero Project, Red Lake Nation News 

Continue reading “In the Know: February 8, 2021”

In the Know: February 5, 2021


Attorney General Keith Ellison
Prosecutors want to charge four officers with third-degree murder in George Floyd’s deathNBC

Governor Tim Walz
What to know about Walz’s plan to fund security around Derek Chauvin’s trial — and how it’s being receivedMinnPost 
Faribault County to receive state disaster assistanceKSTP

Minnesota Legislature
Legislators push to shrink Minnesota’s carbon footprint to zero by 2050Star Tribune 
Plan to stop time changes comes up again in Minn. LegislatureWDIO 
MN Group Calls for State Stimulus for Families in PovertyPublic News Service

Continue reading “In the Know: February 5, 2021”

In the Know: February 4, 2021


Attorney General Keith Ellison
Minnesota wins nearly $8M in massive lawsuit against firm accused of pushing opioid sales, WCCO

Governor Tim Walz
Plan to strip Walz of power to close schools passes 1st test, Star Tribune
Walz seeks money for civil unrest response, Kare 11
Gov. Walz calls for public safety budget for unplanned events, SC Times
Walz raises $1.7 million for likely 2022 reelection bid, KVRR
Gov. Walz announces plan to achieve clean energy in Minnesota by 2040, Spokesman Recorder

Minnesota Legislature
New report urges Minnesota lawmakers to adopt stronger sexual assault laws, Star Tribune
State regulators push ahead with ‘clean car’ rules, despite GOP opposition, MPR

Continue reading “In the Know: February 4, 2021”