Republican Senator Eric Lucero talks about the 'fiscal irresponsibility' of the 2023 law that directed the creation of a new state flag & state seal. He bemoans the costs to local communities to make the changes. WATCH: youtube.com/live/q7nKxklLJ… #mnleg

'Deliberately disenfranchised' MNans is how Steve Drazkowski describes the process that created Minnesota's new state flag & seal. Lawmakers promote a bill to correct the seal & allow voters to weigh in on the flag. WATCH: youtube.com/live/q7nKxklLJ… #mnleg

DFL lawmakers Kelly Morrison & Kristin Bahner outline a #mnleg bill that would eliminate the prior authorization process for Rx/treatment for preventative care or when delay would cause harm WATCH: youtube.com/live/YkPYPxYtp…

'An unfair playing field' is what is created by employer misclassification fraud according to Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten, co-chair of the task force that has created recommendations for #mnleg . WATCH: youtube.com/live/KM3AVzZAX…

In an effort to allow everyone to 'aspire to prosperity,' Attorney General Keith Ellison is joined by Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten, Emma Greenman, DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach & others to propose fixes to employee misclassification fraud. #mnleg WATCH: youtube.com/live/KM3AVzZAX…

Today on CAPITOL REPORT: Gov Walz & #mnleg leaders react to the February budget forecast, Senator Lindsey Port on building more affordable housing & Judy Seeberger on ensuring EMS viability. Watch NOON, 6pm on the PBS MN Channel, 4:30pm Twin Cities PBS LIFE, pocast or youtu.be/-EWDAEC8PxI

Follow this link to watch the budget presentation followed by reactions from Governor Walz and legislative leaders: youtube.com/live/doC7QR8Nj… #mnleg

Watch the entire February Budget & Economic Forecast including reactions from Governor Tim Walz, Melissa Hortman, Erin Murphy, Lisa Demuth, & Senator Mark Johnson here: youtube.com/live/doC7QR8Nj… #mnleg

Senate Minority Leader Senator Mark Johnson says, about the budget forecast showing that MN has a current surplus of $3.7B but possible structural imbalance in the future, that Republicans will work hard to undo the damage. #mnleg

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says today is a 'good news day' re: the report projecting a $3.7B budget surplus. She says the DFL will continue to focus on childcare, healthcare, schools, workforce, broadband, housing & more. #mnleg

At the February budget briefing, Governor Tim Walz notes that the economy is 'humming along' & that MNans are benefiting from DFL policies. 'It's morning in Minnesota,' he says. #mnleg

MN's budget balance has improved: MMB projects a $3.7 billion surplus, up $1.3 billion since early December, 'but spending is still projected to exceed revenue through FY 2027.' For more: mn.gov/mmb/forecast #mnleg

In terms of a 2024 bonding bill, Senate Capital Investment lead Republican Karin Housley says Senate Republicans want a modest bill (size depends upon Feb forecast update) focused on safe roads/bridges & clean H2O. Watch: youtube.com/live/Grl-oaD_u… #mnleg

Senate Education Finance Republican lead Jason Rarick says that school budgets were 'busted' by the unfunded mandates from the 2023 session. He would like to keep 2023 funding levels but remove the mandates. Watch: youtube.com/live/Grl-oaD_u… #mnleg

Senate Republican leaders are outlining a portion of their agenda to 'Repair Minnesota' to 'fix Democrat damage from last session,' including SRO, taxes, education & bonding. WATCH: youtube.com/live/Grl-oaD_u… #mnleg

'This childcare issue impacts all of us,' says Grant Hauschild. He says he has held listening sessions where childcare is a top issue for families, businesses, & and civic leaders. He is sponsoring the Great Start Affordability Act, which would lower childcare costs. #mnleg

'People should not be harassed, exploited or dragged into bankruptcy,' says Sen. Liz Boldon about SF 4065, which would ban denial of medical care due to medical debt, ban interest & negative credit reporting on medical debt & more. Watch: youtube.com/live/v_v4MYidT… #mnleg

'How many fees were added to your total?' asks Senator Lindsey Port when buying airline or concert tix, dinner, a phone, etc. She is sponsoring SF 3537 to eliminate junk fees, which she says cost over $3K annually per family. Watch: youtube.com/live/v_v4MYidT… #mnleg