• 9 a.m. – U.S. Rep. John Kline holds a career and jobs fair at Eagan Community Center.
• Noon – Carlos Gutierrez, former U.S. secretary of commerce and head of the newly-formed SuperPAC Republicans for Immigration Reform, R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, and Paul Williams, deputy mayor of St. Paul, will discuss comprehensive immigration reform and what its passage would mean for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, at a luncheon and panel discussion organized by Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA). The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, 225 3rd Ave. S.
• 5 p.m. – Minnesota Department of Commerce will hold a public meeting at the Rondo Community Outreach Library to gather public input that best addresses the transition to new health coverage for people who have been enrolled in the state’s high risk health insurance pool, Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA).
• 6 p.m. – Demonstrators hold rally to protest verdict in George Zimmerman case, and demand justice for Trayvon Martin and Minneapolis case of Terrance Franklin. Hennepin County Government Center.
• Minnesota lawmakers host the Midwestern Legislative Conference of The Council of State Governments at the Crowne Plaza-St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, continuing through Wednesday.

daily brief · issues · news

In the Know

Minnesota DFL July 10, 2013

Events today

• 9 a.m. – Americans United for Change will host a press conference call with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), leading gun safety advocates, and a former ATF special agent to implore the committee’s members to put public safety first by moving B. Todd Jones’ confirmation forward. Washington D.C.
• 11 a.m. – Attorney Jeff Anderson and a local clergy abuse survivor will to ask court to unseal list of 33 priest offenders in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis.
• In Washington, Xcel Energy CEO Ben Fowke testifies in front of Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s Joint Economic Committee Hearing on Veterans’ Employment; Hearing will examine business practices that create opportunities for veterans and explore new strategies for helping veterans find good jobs; Klobuchar invited CEO of Xcel Energy to testify about his company’s successful efforts to hire veterans.

2013 session
Starting Line: Recap of 2013 Session, Minnesota House of Representatives
New taxes, same-sex marriage mark 2013 session, Minnesota House of Representatives
League of Cities honors 30 state lawmakers for their help, MinnPost
New taxes and the legalization of same-sex marriage were hallmarks of a legislative session in which DFLers wielded more power than they’ve had in a generation.
The DFL controlled the House, Senate and governor’s office for the first time in 22 years, and it shows in the two-year budget that lawmakers wrapped up Monday night. Their plan calls for raising $2.1 billion in new taxes, hiking rates for smokers and the rich. Much of the new money will go to education, including landmark funding for all-day kindergarten and tuition freezes at the state’s public colleges and universities.

Party leaders who summed up their work on Tuesday also pointed to $440 million in property tax relief, job-creation efforts such as money to support a Mayo Clinic expansion, and erasure of a $627 million deficit.

“We have reset the clock in Minnesota,” said Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook). After years of crises, he said, lawmakers balanced the budget with “no gimmicks and no borrowing,” putting the state on a stable fiscal path. Minnesota House of Representatives

2014 election
Secretary of StateReinert out, Kalin in for Minnesota secretary of state race, Duluth News Tribune

Congress
1st CD
Republican Aaron Miller, of Byron, is taking a look at running for the First Congressional District seat held by Democrat Tim Walz. Miller, an account manager for a biologic company, said he is talking to people about the run and “doing as much listening as we are talking.” The 44-year-old has volunteered for some area campaigns but has not been heavily involved in politics before, which, he said, may be an advantage. Miller, an Army reservist, said he has been all over the world during his 27 years with the military, including Iraq twice, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. “You can really look across the world and really look at how good we do have it in the United States, and sometimes some of the issues that people squabble over, they tend not to look at the big picture,” he said. Republican state Rep. Mike Benson declared his intention to run for the seat last week. Star Tribune

2nd CD
With $1.1M, Kline is way ahead of Democratic challenger in fund-raising, Star Tribune
Rep. John Kline is one of 7 House GOP members that would fare better in 2014 if there is approval of a new immigration bill, Public Policy Polling
Via news release, VERBATIM: “Thomas Craft of Eagan will be holding an event in the Capitol Rotunda on Saturday, July 13 at 10:00 a.m. to announce his candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican John Kline. Craft will seek the Democratic Party’s endorsement and hopes to unseat the incumbent in the 2014 mid-term election.  BACKGROUND: Craft, 30, was born in Little Falls and grew up on a small rural farm near Staples. His father worked as a union machine operator for the railroad and his mother is a Title One teacher’s aide at the local elementary school. He learned the value and rewards of hard work from his upbringing, where his dad’s union job “meant the difference between getting by and getting ahead,” he said. Morning Take

6th CD
Emmer raises $220,000 in race to replace Bachmann, Star Tribune
 

General
Redistricting helps GOP in House, but raises worries about immigration, presidential contests, Star Tribune

Governor
Johnson to seek GOP gubernatorial nod, Brainerd Dispatch
Hann Won’t Run for Governor, Will Focus on Senate, Minnetonka Patch

Congressional delegation
Bachmann Michele Bachmann Calls Obama’s Push For Health Care Reform ‘Selfish And Calculating’, Huffington Post
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Michele Bachmann?, Advocate.com
Bachmann calls for fence before immigration reform, St. Cloud Times
Bachmann out to kill immigration overhaul, USA Today
The Minnesota Republican contends immigrants who came to the United States illegally shouldn’t be rewarded with legal status. She says they are taking jobs from American citizens and depressing wages because they work for less. Creating a path to legal residency is a key piece of the bill passed by the Senate last month…Bachmann wants to finish building a fence along the border to stop the flow, and then – and only then – consider what to do with the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants already in the country…She hopes to persuade fellow House Republicans at a special meeting Wednesday to dump any idea of a broader overhaul until the fence is built. USA Today
Ellison
Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison Gets Support Calling for Accountability for Torture, Huffington Post
U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison and his colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus met with President Obama on Tuesday to discuss topics ranging from voting rights and immigration reform to student loan rates and high unemployment among blacks. It was Obama’s first meeting with the group in two years. Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, the caucus chairwoman, told reporters that members emphasized the need to protect minority voting rights in the wake of last month’s Supreme Court ruling that struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. – Star Tribune

Kline
Kline: Time for Senate Democrats to Step Up, Act on Long-term Solution for Student Loan Interest Rates, MENAFN 

Klobuchar
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar Visits Lake of the Woods, Walleye Outdoor First
President Obama’s pick to lead the FBI sat across from a familiar face during his Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday: Law school classmate Amy Klobuchar. James Comey and Minnesota’s senior senator graduated from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985. When Obama nominated Comey to head the FBI, Klobuchar praised Comey’s “intelligence, strength of character, breadth of experience and ability to reach across the aisle and work with others.” A registered Republican, Comey served as deputy attorney general during the George W. Bush administration and now works as a senior research scholar at Columbia University Law School. – Star Tribune

McCollum
Statement for the Record Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, Congressional website
I along with the majority of my colleagues voted against the House Republican’s extreme bill. Now farmers in Minnesota and across this country are depending on Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement that will continue to grow our agricultural economy and enable us to best meet our future agriculture needs.
In the past, the Farm Bill has received strong bipartisan support. Members of Congress from both rural and urban districts found common ground to support our agriculture sector, keep food affordable, and continue investments in agricultural research. However, this year the House Republican Leadership chose to put partisan politics before the best interests of our farmers, ranchers, and communities.

The bill that I voted against included an unprecedented cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Of the almost $40 billion in cuts, more than half come from a devastating reduction to the nutrition assistance for poor children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. An estimated 38,000 Minnesotans and nearly 2 million Americans would lose their SNAP benefits entirely and 210,000 children would no longer receive free meals at school. Congressional website

Walz
Walz, Steele County students hope student loan rates don’t double, Owatonna People’s Press

Agriculture
Federal lawmakers seek disaster declaration for Minnesota farmers, Echo Press
After weather delays planting of crops, farmers hope for high yields, St. Cloud Times
Gov. Mark Dayton and the Governor’s of North and South Dakota send a letter to Congress urging passage of the Farm Bill, Scribd
GOP Leaders Struggle to Find Votes for Farm Bill Without Food Stamps, Roll Call
House GOP considers splitting farm bill into 2 after embarrassing defeat last month, Star Tribune
Gov. Dayton joins Dakota governors in urging Congress to pass farm bill, MinnPost

Budget (federal)
Deficit talks on life support, The Hill

Capital
Minnesota Capitol renovation promises to be “miserable”, Star Tribune

Dayton
Hickenlooper, Dayton, among speakers on Saturday at Aspen Summit, Aspen Daily News

Education (K-12)
New Education Minnesota leader brings new style, Star Tribune

Education (higher)
Franken: Student loan squabble “incredibly frustrating”, Star Tribune Lawmakers say loan changes tough on black students, MPR
Senate Democrats can’t find the votes for a short-term student loan fix, MinnPost

Employment
Job openings, hiring up in May, MPR

Energy
Oil companies to pay $7.4 million for wrongly tapping state cleanup fund, Star Tribune
Senate Democrats set for decisive meeting on ‘nuclear option’, The Hill
Frac mining’s pros and cons: Debate focuses on southeastern Minnesota, MinnPost

GOP
Republican women’s PAC holds forum on engaging women voters, MinnPost
Minnesota’s GOP leaders warn of new tax-hike era as budget cycle starts, Pioneer Press
GOP quandary: Deport or accept 11M unauthorized immigrants, MPR
GOP wants delay in health law’s individual mandate, MPR

Guns
General Assembly overrides governor’s veto of concealed carry bill, Chicago Tribune

Health care
House GOP considers vote to delay ObamaCare individual mandate, The Hill
U.S. Struggles to Meet Health-Law Deadline, Wall Street Journal
Affordable Care Act has unique proving ground in Minnesota, MPR
Latinos important constituency in health care overhaul, MPR

Housing
Housing Affordability Must Account for Transportation, Minnesota 2020
Student video documents ‘invisible’ homeless in Minneapolis, MinnPost

Immigration
House GOP set for critical immigration reform talks, The Hill
GOP quandry: Deport or accept 11M unauthorized immigrants, MPR
Former President Bush pushes for ‘positive resolution’ on immigration reform, Star Tribune
Millions more immigrants under the Senate bill, MPRIRS GOP seeks to torpedo IRS budget, The Hill

Legislature
At least 500 lawmakers from across the region will descend upon St. Paul next week for the Midwestern Legislative Conference. The conference, which brings together lawmakers and their guests for sessions about leadership, civility and policy topics, will be at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront fromJuly 14-17. The Minnesota House’s Rep. Alice Hausman is the conference chair. Star Tribune

Marriage equality
Carlbom to lead national same-sex marriage effort, Star Tribune
Minnesota’s Carlbom to lead gay marriage campaigns in other states, MinnPost
Minnesota’s chief backer of same-sex marriage takes a national job, MPR
The New State-by-State Fight for Gay Marriage, The Atlantic
NJ governor: Gay marriage ruling a ‘bad decision’, Pioneer Press
Minnesotans United to hold same-sex wedding reception on eve of legalization, MinnPost

National Security Administration
Nation Will Gain by Discussing Surveillance, Expert Tells Privacy Board, NY Times
The price of surveillance: Phone companies charge millions for costs, while web data is cheap, Star Tribune

Obama
Obama Reassures House Democrats On Cuts To Social Security, Medicare, Huffington Post

Olmstead Plan
Room packed for ‘Olmstead’ disability hearing, MPR

Reproductive rights
Number of abortions performed in Minnesota drops again, Pioneer Press
State-by-state abortion limits appear headed for the courts, MPR

Synthetic drugs
Committee hears call for tougher laws on synthetic drugs, MN House website
Minnesota Subcommittee Begins Looking into State’s Synthetics Problem, Northland News
MN lawmakers considering ways to fight ‘designer drug’ epidemic, WCCO
Committee holds hearing on synthetic drugs’ impact, KARE

Taxes
Minnesota cigarette taxes rise on Monday, Pioneer Press

Transportation
Minneapolis’ 10th Avenue SE Bridge to get major repair work in summer 2014, Twin Cities Daily Planet
Road to Minnesota transportation funds is not a smooth one, Pioneer Press
Is it time to start dismantling downtown freeways?, MinnPost

Veterans
Innovative ideas brewing to house nearly 900 aging veterans, Minnesota House of Representatives

Vikings Stadium
Vikings stadium: Minneapolis approves next step in area development plan, Pioneer Press

Voting rights
The Next Defense for Voting Rights, Minnesota 2020
Voter ID debate could resurface with task force study, MPR

White House
White House Determined to Start Obamacare Money Flow, Town Hall
White House ramps up effort to sell Obamacare, Washington Post
White House touts economic benefits of immigration reform, The Hill

daily brief · issues · news

In the Know
Minnesota DFL
June 28, 2013

Events today

Friday, June 28:

• • 12 p.m. – Closing luncheon for Mississippi River Mayors with David Miller, FEMA administrator for flood mitigation. St. Cloud, River’s Edge Terrace.

Saturday, June 29:

• • 7:30 a.m. – Implosion of Gage Towers on Minnesota State, Mankato campus.
• • 10 a.m.-10 p.m. – Twin Cities Pride Parade. The Stonewall DFL Caucus is participating in the event. Loring Park, Minneapolis.

Sunday, June 30:

• • 8 a.m.-1 p.m. – Local Civil Air Patrol squadron holds annual fundraising breakfast at St. Cloud Airport.
• • 2-9 p.m. – Somali Independence Day Festival. The Minnesota DFL will have an information booth at the event. Lake St. between Blaisdell and Pleasant, Minneapolis.

2014 election
Congress
Brainerd-area businessman to challenge DFL’s Nolan for House seat, Duluth News Tribune
Ratings change: Minnesota’s 8th District, Roll Call
Mills is a Packer backer, Brainer Dispatch

Governor
Rosen considers run for governor, New Ulm Journal 

Rosen, who has been on the list of Republican political watchers for years as an ideal candidate for higher office, said she is finally likely to do so. Strong encouragement from friends and colleagues is influencing her decision.

“It’s a very real possibility [that I run],” said Rosen.

Rosen, who has served in the Minnesota Senate from 2003, could be formidable challenge to Gov. Mark Dayton, because she is a woman and enjoys relative popularity as a lawmaker.

However, she may face a very challenging battle to win the Republican endorsement or even a primary race. She was chief author and a major player in passage of the Vikings stadium bill, which grew heavy criticism from many state Republicans.

In a general election run, she could face criticism for voting in favor of the controversial constitutional amendments for voter ID and banning same-sex marriage. She was also against the statewide moratorium on frack sand mining, which has increasingly become an issue in out-state areas. New Ulm Journal

National
Top Republican women aim to recruit female candidates for 2014, The Hill

Congressional delegation
Franken
USA: Senators Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Great Lakes, Dredging Today
Officials seek input from veterans in East Grand Forks, WDAZ
Vulnerable Dems risk defeat with yes votes on immigration bill, The Hill
AIPAC, others, laud Kerry’s efforts in Senate meet, Jerusalem Post
Sen. Franken Applauds President’s Speech on Climate Change, Congressional website

 

Klobuchar
Klobuchar Hitting Trail For Fellow Dems, National Journal

McCollum
McCollum on Defense of Marriage Act Supreme Court Ruling: ‘Victory for Love and Equality’, Woodbury Patch

 

Six weeks after Minnesota became the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act in violation of the Fifth Amendment.

“Today is a victory for love and equality over blatant discrimination,” Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who represents Woodbury, said in a statement. “This ruling will afford legally married same-sex spouses all of the federal rights and benefits afforded to opposite-sex married couples.”

 

“For same-sex couples who will soon be married in Minnesota, this decision is a victory for equality,” McCollum said. “Still, I am reminded that there is more work to do to guarantee all LGBT Americans equal rights and full marriage equality in all 50 states.”

Starting Aug. 1, Minnesota will recognize same-sex unions. Legislation passed by the Minnesota House and Senate and was signed into law May 12. Woodbury Patch

2016 election
Potential 2016 GOP candidates split, The Hill

Three potential Republican presidential contenders split on the Senate’s immigration vote on Wednesday afternoon, highlighting divisions within the party that could echo in 2016.

Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), one of the bill’s architects, voted in favor, while Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.) and Ted Cruz (Texas) opposed it.

 

The bill passed 68-32, with 14 Republicans and every Democrat voting in favor.

Their votes came as little surprise and followed a split earlier Thursday, when the Senate voted to end debate on the bill.

 

Paul and Cruz have opposed the bill because it lacks what they believe to be adequate border security provisions.

 

Their position aligns with that of most conservative grassroots and Tea Party groups, which formed the backbone of their support in their Senate runs. The Hill
Agriculture
What happens with farmers, food stamps and the USDA with no farm bill?, Washington Post

Budget
First big hurdle coming for Ryan’s plan, Finance and Commerce
Minnesota likely to avoid states’ budget shock from ACA’s ‘welcome mat’ effect, MPR

Climate change
Minnesota likely out in front of carbon emissions, climate change mandates, Star Tribune
IMF: ‘Climate change will create jobs’, The Hill

Dayton
Dayton will be down for days because of a torn hip muscle, Star Tribune
Dayton shrugs off GOP call to repeal new sales tax, Pioneer Press

Economy
Minnesota eating Wisconsin’s economic lunch, MPR
House panel reviews economic development strategies, MN State legislature website
Minn., Sweden officials sign bioenergy agreement, Bio Mass Magazine
Other view: An improving economy — on a pre-tax basis, Duluth News Tribune
New Americans crucial to Minnesota’s economy, Minnesota Budget Bites

Education (K-12)
Watkins, Jett report challenges for St. Cloud school district, SC Times
St. Paul teachers seeking $23.7 million over two years, Star Tribune
High school seniors fare no better than in 1970s, Pioneer Press

Education (higher)
University of Minnesota students push for more sustainable, transparent food purchases from University Dining Services, TC Daily Planet
Student Loan Rates Set To Double On July 1, NPR
Student loan deal seems on edge of falling apart, MPR

Employment
A Bill Allowing More Foreign Workers Stirs a Tech Debate, NY Times
With changes to its unemployment law, NC becomes 1st state to drop federal jobless funds, Star Tribune

Energy
Minneapolis mayoral candidates talk energy issues at environmental forum, TC Daily Planet

Health care
Minnesota Medicaid rolls could expand rapidly with health reform law, Star Tribune
Republican lawmaker to NFL and NBA: Don’t do ObamaCare’s ‘dirty work’, The Hill
How will MN health-insurance exchange software work? Think TurboTax, MSP Business Journal
MNsure I.T. costs up nearly $5M, MPR
GOP
GOP wants Minn. special session on warehousing tax, SF Gate
Minnesota GOP lawmakers seek special session to stop warehouse tax, Grand Forks Herald
Senate GOP fight breaks open over spending bills, The Hill
Are GOP and businesses crying wolf over impact of new warehouse tax?, MinnPost

Housing

Twin Cities residential building permits up again in June, MinnPost

Immigration
In Senate Floor Speech, Rubio Explains His Immigration Push, NY Times
Immigration overhaul: Senate passes historic bill, MPR
Senate approves immigration bill 68-32, The Hill
More than half of GOP senators vote no, The Hill
Boehner facing Dem pressure as immigration fight moves to House, The Hill
Senate’s Immigration Joy Could Turn To Ashes In House, MPR

IRS
IRS scandal report prompts partisan sniping in House, LA Times

Lobbyists
Lobbyists that have not Filed Disbursement Reports Due June 17, 2013, CF State Board

Marriage equality
Minnesota gay rights activists exult in decision, while opponents say fight continues, Star Tribune
Supreme Court Trifecta-plus: What this week’s big decisions mean for Minnesotans, TC Daily Planet
Rybak introduces first same-sex couples to marry in Minneapolis, Star Tribune
City Hall will host 40 gay marriages on morning of Aug. 1, Star Tribune
Some Minnesotans in Congress speak up on gay marriage ruling, others duck, Star Tribune
Supreme Court Strikes Down DOMA, Dismisses Prop 8, Minnetonka Patch
After marriage ruling, many Minnesota politicians eager to move on, MPR
DOMA ruling could limit ObamaCare eligibility, The Hill

New Firm in Town
Richard Carlbom, manager of the successful Minnesotans United campaign to defeat a gay marriage ban and to legalize same-sex marriage, has joined with former St. Paul mayoral staffer Sarah Erickson and Minnesotans United fundraiser Kristen McMullen to form United Strategies. The new Twin Cities firm will do fundraising, lobbying and “coalition building.” Included in the trio’s announcement: praise for the three from Minnesota House Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, and St. Paul Chamber president Matt Kramer, a former commissioner under Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Obama
Obama calls for House to act on immigration, The Hill
Obama: Visit to Goree Island a ‘very powerful moment’, The Hill
Love Lost Between Africa And President Obama?, MPR
Obama: Time For A Mutually Beneficial Alliance With Africa, MPR
Minnesota Pollution
MPCA issues alarming report on nitrogen pollution in southern Minnesota watersheds, TC Daily Planet

Reproductive rights
Perry: ‘Unfortunate’ Davis didn’t learn from her experience as a single mother, The Hill
Texas governor says filibuster star’s own life story should make her oppose abortion, Star Tribune

St. Paul Saints
Demolition begins on new St. Paul Saints ballpark site, Pioneer Press

Senate News
Minn. Senate leaders won’t settle Brodkorb lawsuit, Kare 11

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, on Wednesday explained a bit of the reasoning behind why he believes the Senate was right to dismiss communications director Michael Brodkorb in 2011. Brodkorb was fired after then-Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch resigned from leadership in the wake of an affair she had with him. “His employment was terminated because he didn’t have a direct supervisor to report to,” Bakk said. “And, I should say, that’s not unlike when Sen. [John] Hottinger stepped down [in 2004] as majority leader, that communications director was dismissed. When Sen. Dean Johnson was beaten in his election [in 2006], that communications director was dismissed. So it has been the precedent of the Senate that the communications directors report directly to the majority leader. When she [Koch] was no longer the majority leader, he had no supervisor and he had no position.” Brodkorb is suing the Senate, claiming that he was fired because of the affair while female employees who had affairs were allowed to keep working. Star Tribune

Taxes
Senators begin drive for tax reform by wiping the slate clean, The Hill

Transportation
Foxx confirmed for transportation chief, The Hill
New I-94 entry in the works for Minneapolis, MSP Business Journal
Public transit agencies deride ‘patent trolls’, MPR
DEED gives $15 million to five highway projects to spur economic development, MinnPost

U.S. Supreme Court
Roberts Pulls Supreme Court to the Right Step by Step, NY Times

Voting rights
Al Franken calls on Congress to strengthen the Voting Rights Act, Politicus USA

White House
White House requests $70 billion for new intelligence programs, operations, The Hill
White House set to suspend trade privileges for Bangladesh, The Hill

 

daily brief · issues · news

• 10:30 a.m. State Representative Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing) and several impacted business owners will hold a press conference urging Gov. Dayton to call a special session to repeal the new sales tax on warehousing and storage services.
• Mayor Rybak introduced Aug. 1st same-sex wedding couples.
• 11: 30 a.m. More than 20 Mississippi River mayors hold press briefing to announce developments in their work to make the Mississippi more sustainable in St. Cloud.
• Sen. Al Franken and Senate Democrats will hold a press conference in Washington DC to offer solutions to prevent student loan rates from doubling.

daily brief · issues · news

In the Know

Minnesota DFL
June 26, 2013

• 6:45 a.m. – MN350 hosted Enbridge pipeline field trip to northern Minnesota. Group meets at IATP Stevens Building. Returns around 9 p.m.
• 9 a.m. – Hubert H. “Skip” Humphrey, assistant director of Consumer Education and Engagement for the Office of Older Americans, was the keynote speaker at Clay County’s Elder Abuse Awareness Day Summit, “There’s No Excuse for Elder Abuse.”
• 10 a.m. –  Republican state Sen. Dave Thompson launched his campaign for governor with a four-stop tour of Minnesota. St. Paul – 10 a.m., State Capital – Duluth – 12:30 p.m., Rochester – 3 p.m., Lakeville – 5:30 p.m.
• 10 a.m. – Gov. Mark Dayton participated in grand opening celebration for Endeavor Air, formerly known as Pinnacle Airlines, at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Endeavor Air Headquarters.
• 10:30 a.m. – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency discussed findings of its study of nitrogen in surface waters. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
• 11 a.m. – Some of Minnesota’s Christian faith leaders hold news conference to release a new, joint statement calling on Congress to pass compassionate immigration reform. U.S. Courthouse plaza.

daily brief · issues · news