OF TWIN CITIES PBS FOR THE STATIONS OF MINNESOTA PUBLIC TELEVISION ASSOCIATION.

>> ERIC: IT'S THE FINAL FRIDAY AND ALL FOUR LEGISLATIVE LEADERS WILL JOIN US LIVE ON THE COUCH.

POLITICAL ANALYSTS WILL TAKE UP THE SAME SEATS NEAR THE END OF THE HOUR.

WE'LL FILL THE SPACES IN BETWEEN WITH A MIKE OSTERHOLM VISIT AND A SHELETTA BRUNDIDGE ESSAY.

AND MARY LAHAMMER HAS BEEN HARD AT WORK UP AT THE CAPITOL THIS WEEK.

>> GIGS!

DIVISION!

DIVISION!

>> Mary: IN THE FINAL DAYS OF THE LEGISLATURE, FLOOR SESSIONS AND CONFERENCE COMMITTEES ARE WHERE THE ACTION IS AT.

MEET TWO LAWMAKERS WHO MADE HISTORY AS CHAIRS.

>> IT'S NICE TO JUST HAVE THAT RECOGNITION, HAVE THAT REPRESENTATION.

>> WE'RE REPRESENTING GENERATIONS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO COME THROUGH THESE DOORS.

>> Mary: THAT'S COMING UP ON "ALMANAC."

♪♪ >> "ALMANAC" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY MEMBERS OF THIS PUBLIC TELEVISION STATION.

>> SUPPORT IS ALSO PROVIDED BY• GREAT RIVER ENERGY: PROVIDING WHOLESALE POWER TO 27 MINNESOTA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES.

DELTA DENTAL OF MINNESOTA FOUNDATION: IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH WHILE ADVANCING SOCIAL EQUITIES.

DELTADENTALMN.ORG/TPT.

EDUCATION MINNESOTA: THE VOICE FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

MORE AT EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG.

AND PAINTCARE: HELPING MINNESOTANS RECYCLE LEFTOVER PAINT.

MORE AT PAINTCARE.ORG.

>> ERIC: IT'S A BUSY POLITICAL WEEK HERE IN MINNESOTA, AND WE'LL SPEND A GOOD CHUNK OF THE NEXT HOUR TALKING POLITICS.

MIKE OSTERHOLM IS HERE WITH AN UPDATE ON BIRD FLU AND COVID.

SHELETTA BRUNDIDGE HAS AN ESSAY FOR US.

AND MARY LAHAMMER MEETS THE DESIGNER OF THE NEW STATE FLAG.

>> Cathy: THAT'S A LOT.

WE START TONIGHT WITH ONE OF "ALMANAC'S" TIME-HONORED TRADITIONS DATING BACK DECADES.

IT'S THE FINAL FRIDAY OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

LAWMAKERS TAKE A QUICK DINNER BREAK AND LEADERS OF ALL FOUR CAUCUSES JOIN US HERE ON THE OLD COUCH WITH AN UPDATE ON WHERE THINGS STAND.

THEY ONLY HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT SUNDAY TO PASS BILLS SO LET'S JUMP RIGHT IN.

REPRESENTATIVE MELISSA HORTMAN IS THE DFL HOUSE SPEAKER.

SENATOR ERIN MURPHY IS THE DFL SENATE MAJORITY LEADER.

MINORITY LEADERS WITH US TONIGHT, REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE LISA DEMUTH AND REPUBLICAN SENATOR MARK JOHNSON.

MADAM SPEAKER, OUR GOP COLLEAGUES WANTED TO TRADE BONDING BILL VOTES FOR AN AGREEMENT TO NOT BRING UP THE STATE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT.

YOU'VE DECIDED TO GO AHEAD WITH DEBATE TODAY.

TELL ME ABOUT THAT STRATEGY.

>> WELL, ITCHING THE BONDING BILL -- I THINK THE BONDING BILL HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SELF-CONTAINED DEAL.

WHEN THE FOUR LEADERS NEGOTIATE THE BONDING BILL, IT IS TYPICALLY, YOU KNOW, I NEED PROJECTS IN MY AREA OR FOR MY MEMBERS, YOU NEED SOME FOR YOURS, WE HAVE TO HAVE STATEWIDE BALANCE AND PARTISAN BALANCE.

AND I THINK IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT THE BONDING BILL IS LIKE THAT.

THERE'S SOMETHING, WHEN YOU GET TO THE EDGE OF TRADING YOUR VOTES FOR OTHER THINGS, TO ME, THAT BORDERS ON NOT APPROPRIATE FOR DEALS.

>> Cathy: BUT THAT HAS BEEN DONE IN THE PAST.

WE SHOULD SAY THAT, WHEN IT COMES TO THE BOMGD BILL, THOUGH.

>> YOU KNOW, I HAVE COPIES OF THE LAST FEW AGREEMENTS, AND HAVE BEEN PART OF THE LAST FEW AGREEMENTS AND THEY'VE ALL BEEN SELF-CONTAINED BONDING DEALS.

>> Cathy: LEADER DEMUTH, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ABOUT WITH YOUR REQUEST?

>> SO, WHEN WE LOOK AT THE BONDING BILL, IT'S IMPORTANT WORK THAT IS DONE ACROSS THE STATE.

AND WE KNOW THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITIES.

WE ALSO PASSED A RECORD BONDING BILL LAST YEAR.

AND, SO, OUR COMMUNITIES ARE WELL TAKEN CARE OF.

THERE'S ALWAYS A LIST.

BUT THERE ARE OTHER THINGS THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO US.

AS YOU SAID, YOU KNOW, THE THINGS SUCH AS THE E.R.A.

NOT BEING BROUGHT UP IN ITS CURRENT FORM WAS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US.

WAS THAT THE ONLY CONDITION?

NO, IT WASN'T THE ONLY CONDITION.

BUT IT NEEDED TO BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION.

>> Eric: WHERE IS THE SENATE ON THE E.R.A., MADAM LEADER, DO YOU KNOW YET IF YOU HAVE THE VOTES?

>> SO, I AM REALLY GLAD THAT THE HOUSE IS TAKING IT UP.

I THINK IT'S A REALLY IMPORTANT MEASURE FOR US TO CONSIDER.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE'S BASIC FREEDOMS.

WE WILL SEE WHAT THE HOUSE DOES.

I KNOW THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS.

AND WHEN WE GET IT, AND I EXPECT THAT WE'LL GET IT SOON, WE'LL CAUCUS IT AND WE WILL DETERMINE IF WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE WITH IT.

WE'VE HAD A NUMBER OF CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE NEW LANGUAGE THAT IS COMING OUR WAY.

I CONSIDER IT A MODERN VERSION OF AN EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT AND I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT AS WELL.

EVERYBODY WHO LIVES IN MINNESOTA SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EQUAL AND FREE.

>> Eric: DO YOU SEE ANY MISSION CREEP IN THE NEW VERSION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT?

>> YEAH, AND WHAT YOU'RE CEILING IS REALLY A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING THERE WITH THE NEW E.R.A.

WHAT YOU'RE SEEING.

IT PUTS IN JEOPARDY A LOT OF OUR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN THERE AS WELL.

WHAT WAS DONE LAST YEAR, REGARDING LIFE ISSUES, IT TAKES THAT ANOTHER STEP FURTHER AND PUTS IT INTO OUR CONSTITUTION IN A WAY THAT'S GOING TO BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CHANGE.

AS SOCIETY AND THE NORMS OF SOCIETY CHANGE.

>> THERE IS PROTECTION IN THE CONSTITUTION FOR RELIGIOUS EXERCISE, IN MINNESOTA, WE HAVE ONE OF THE STRONGEST SECTIONS IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY OF ANY STATE CONSTITUTION, PROTECTING PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO PRACTICE THEIR RELIGION.

SO IT'S ALREADY IN, ARTICLE I, SECTION 16, IT'S PRETTY LONG.

IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE REPEATED LATER IN THE CONSTITUTION.

THIS IS ABOUT PROTECTING EQUAL RIGHTS.

>> Cathy: I'M WON CARRYING -- WONDERING, I NOTICE THAT AGE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS.

SO IS IT OKAY TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OLDER PEOPLE UNDER THIS?

>> YOU KNOW, I CAN'T SPEAK TO WHY THAT PARTICULAR LANGUAGE WAS TAKEN OUT.

I KNOW UNDER THE STATE AND FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS ACTS, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS FOR AGE WHEN IT'S RELATED TO A BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION.

CERTAINLY WE HAVE, WITH PILOTS, AND WE HAVE WITH JUDGES, WE HAVE AGE LIMITS, SO, IT COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THAT.

>> Cathy: I DIDN'T MEAN TO INTERRUPT YOU.

>> NO, THAT'S FINE.

THAT WAS ONE OF OUR CONCERNS, WHEN RELIGION WAS LEFT OUT, EVEN THOUGH WE'VE HEARD IT WAS ALREADY INCLUDED, THEN OUR QUESTION, WHAT WE BROUGHT UP WAS, JUST MAKE SURE IT'S INCLUDED.

IT SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM TO PUT THAT IN, WHAT'S BEING PROPOSED.

AGE WAS ANOTHER THING THAT WAS LEFT OUT.

WHEN WE KNEW BEFORE WE CAME BACK INTO SESSION, THE PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE ISSUE WAS BROUGHT UP IN A HEARING HEARING, THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT BOTH ENDS OF LIFE, THE EARLY PART OF OUR LIFE, THE END OF LIFE, WHEN THE NURSING HOMES ARE STRUGGLING WITH FUNDING, THERE WAS A PUSH TO TRITE GET A LITTLE BIT OF -- TRY TO GET A LITTLE BIT OF FUNDING LAST SESSION.

WE'RE CONCERNED THAT THE ELDERLY POPULATION IN MINNESOTA IS BEING DISRESPECTED.

>> Eric: I'M REALLY CURIOUS HOW THE SENATE DYNAMICS CHANGED AFTER SENATOR MITCHELL WAS ARRESTED AND HAD ALLEGEDLY BUR BLERRED HER STEPMOTHER'S HOUSE IN DETROIT LAKES.

HOW DID YOU FEEL THE SENATE CHANGED OR DID IT?

>> IN THE SENATE, STARTED WITH THE STEPPING DOWN OF LEADER DZIEDZIC.

WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF THINGS, INCLUDING THE MATTER WITH SENATOR MITCHELL.

IT'S A SERIOUS MATTER.

WE'RE TAKING IT VERY SERIOUSLY.

51% OF THOSE POLLED BELIEVE HAD SHE SHOULD HAVE DUE PROCESS AND THAT'S ALL WE'RE ASKING FOR.

AS WE CONTINUE TO DO THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA.

>> WE COULD TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT, TOO.

I MEAN, THE DUE PROCESS, IT'S A DIFFERENT STANDARD THAN THE LEGAL JUDICIAL PROCESS AS WELL, RIGHT?

THERE'S THAT CASE GOING ON.

BUT WE HAVE THE INTEGRITY OF OUR INSTITUTION TO WORRY ABOUT AS WELL.

AND, SO, WHAT YOU'RE SEEING IN THE ETHICS HEARING, WITHIN OUR INSTITUTION, YOU'VE ALSO SEEN US BRING UP SEVERAL IMES OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEMOCRATS TO REALLY HOLD HER ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE ACTIONS THAT SHE TOOK.

FIRST-DEGREE BURGLARY, THAT'S THE FIRST TIME THAT'S BEEN N ISSUE WITHIN THE SENATE CHAMBER.

AND WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE MINNESOTANS FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH WHO'S VOTING FOR THEM ON THAT SENATE FLOOR.

>> Eric: WERE RELATIONS ALREADY SOUR OR DID THIS MORE SOUR -- SOUR THEM MORE?

>> YOU KNOW, I DON'T THINK RELATIONS ARE OUR.

BUT WE'VE SPENT AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF TIME, SOME OF OUR COLLEAGUES ARE TRYING TO BE JUDGE AND JURY.

THE SENATE AS AN INSTITUTION HAS NEVER, NOT ONCE EVER, WHEN THERE'S BEEN A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT GONE AHEAD OF THE ADJUDICATION OF THAT CRIMINAL COMPLAINT TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST A MEMBER AND WE SHOULDN'T START THAT NOW.

WE SHOULDN'T BREAK THAT PRECEDENT.

AND WE CAN CONTINUE TO DO THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA.

WHEN SENATOR MITCHELL -- WHILE SENATOR MITCHELL REPRESENTS THE PEOPLE AND GETS HER DUE PROCESS.

>> Eric: JUST ONE MORE FOR SENATOR JOHNSON.

I MEAN, YOU'VE GOT APPARENTLY ONE OF YOUR MEMBERS THREW THE RULE BOOKLET AT THE DFL SENATE PRESIDENT.

I MOON -- I MEAN, WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SENATE?

>> I WOULD SAY HE PRESENTED IT -- >> Eric: FORCEFULLY.

>> IN WAY THAT MADE SURE HE GOT THE ATTENTION OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT.

WHERE YOU SEE, OU KNOW, THESE RULINGS FOR THE SENATE PRESIDENT, DEPENDING ON WHICH PARTY IT IS, YOU SEE THE RULINGS GO EITHER WAY.

IN AN INCONSISTENT MANNER.

>> I WILL SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, IT SOUNDS PERHAPS A LITTLE JUVENILE.

BUT WE HAVE HIGH STANDARDS OF DECORUM FOR A REASON IN THE MINNESOTA SENATE.

IT IS SO THAT WE CAN CONDUCT OUR WORK EVEN WHEN THINGS ARE HEATED.

AND THAT'S AN EXAMPLE, I THINK, WHEN WE HAVE EXCEEDED THE DECORUM OF THE SENATE.

>> SO NOW WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE INSTITUTION.

WITH THE RULE BOOK, BUT WHEN WE HAVE SOMEBODY SITTING ON THE FLOOR THAT HAS A FIRST-DEGREE FELONY, IT'S FUNNY HOW THE STANDARDS BEGIN TO CHANGE BACK AND FORTH AGAIN.

>> Cathy: LET ME ASK YOU THIS.

BECAUSE YOU BROUGHT UP THE RULE BOOK THROWING, YOU KNOW, THINGS STARTED OUT SO WELL AT THE BEGINNING OF SESSION.

THE S.R.O.

BILL WAS A BIPARTISAN BILL.

THINGS SEEMED LIKE IT WAS GOING PRETTY WELL.

IT'S KIND OF DEINVOLVED A LITTLE BIT.

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK OF THAT?

DEVOLVED.

>> WHEN ONE OF THE THINGS I'LL ADD, SPEAKING AS A HOUSE MEMBER, SO THE SENATE IS ITS OWN BODY, BUT KNOWING THAT THERE'S SUCH A SLIM MAJORITY, TO HAVE ONE PERSON BE THAT DECIDING VOTE, I THINK PUTS A DIFFERENT DYNAMIC ON THE ACTIONS OF SENATOR MITCHELL.

IF THERE HAD BEEN A LARGER MAJORITY, AND THESE THINGS WERE COMING UP, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN, TO THE POINT OF THE INTENSITY OF IT.

ANYBODY THAT IS PASSING LAWS NEED TO FOLLOW THEM, THAT'S THE CONCERN.

>> Eric: I'VE HEARD FROM BOTH OF YOU THAT YOU HAVE A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP.

AND YET THE OTHER NIGHT, PARENTAL FAMILY LEAVE, I WON'T SAY YOU ACTED UNILATERAL BUT KIND OF TO END EIGHT HOURS OF DEBATE AND SEND EVERYBODY HOME.

>> WELL, WE HAD EIGHT HOURS OF DEBATE ON MONDAY ON ONE MOTION.

WE HAD EIGHT HOURS OF DEBATE ON WEDNESDAY ON A DIFFERENT MOTION.

BOTH TO BLOCK TAKING UP THE E.R.A.

SO IN THE RULES, PAGE 1 OF THE RULE BOOK THAT WE ALL USE, MASON'S, THE MINORITY HAS RIGHTS TO BE PROTECTED FROM THE EXCESSES OF THE MAJORITY, BUT THE MAJORITY ALSO HAS RIGHTS TO BE PROTECTED FROM THE EXCESSES, AND, YOU KNOW, JUST OBSTACLES OF THE MINORITY WHEN THEY PUT UP UNREASONABLE OBSTACLES.

SO IT IS WITHIN THE REALM OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER TO KEEP THE CHAMBER FOCUSED ON DOING THE BUSINESS OF THE PEOPLE.

AND CERTAINLY PEOPLE CAN DEBATE THINGS FOR A LONG TIME, BUT IT IS AGAINST THE RULES TO PURPOSEFULLY DELAY THE WORK OF THE HOUSE.

AND, SO, WE GAVE A LONG TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE PAID FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT BILL AND THEN IT WAS TIME TO VOTE.

AND EVERY OTHER PERSON WHO WAS STANDING UP WAS OUT OF ORDER AND UNABLE TO BE RECOGNIZED.

>> Cathy: WILL YOU DO MORE FILIBUSTERING IN THE NEXT FEW HOURS?

>> YOU KNOW, WE ACTUALLY HAVE A LOT OF DEBATE ON THE THINGS THAT ARE COMING FORWARD.

RIGHT NOW, AS I LEFT THE HOUSE FLOOR, IT'S THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE FOR HE ENVIRONMENT BILL.

THAT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE NEVER HAD A MEETING AT ALL.

SO IT WAS NOT DONE IN A TRANSPARENT FASHION.

ALL THEY DID IS DO A QUICK WALKTHROUGH OF SOMETHING THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN DEBATED BEHIND SCENES, PROVISIONS WERE PUT IN THERE, THERE'S CONCERNS IN THERE.

SO WE'RE NOT INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS, THE ONLY OPTION WE HAVE IS TO USE OUR VOICE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.

THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEES, WHERE THERE WAS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, AND WE WERE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS, WE PASSED ONE OF THEM IN JUST A FEW MINUTES YESTERDAY.

OR TWO DAYS AGO IT WAS.

WE PASSED THEM IN JUST A FEW MINUTES.

SO I THINK IT'S A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.

PAID FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE, ALREADY 20 MONTHS AWAY FROM IT STARTING, NO I.T.

SYSTEM, THE DEPARTMENT ISN'T SET UP, ALREADY THERE ARE OVERRUNS OF THREE-QUARTERS OF A BILLION DOLLARS.

I THINK MINNESOTANS WERE LOOKING FOR US TO HAVE THAT FULL DEBATE, NO MATTER WHAT IT TOOK, BECAUSE WE'RE BEING SHUT OUT OF COMMITTEES, CONFERENCE COMMITTEES, AND HAVING VOICES HEARD.

>> Cathy: IS THAT HAPPENING?

>> NO.

YOU KNOW, THESE ARE ALL BILLS THAT HAVE PASSED OFF THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE, AND THEY GO TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE AND SOMETIMES SOME OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE SENATE ARE BROUGHT INTO THE HOUSE BILL, AND SOME OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE HOUSE BROUGHT IN THE SENATE BILL.

THIS IS HOW THINGS ARE DONE AT THE STATE CAPITOL.

THE ONLY TIME WE STARTED TO GET THESE EXCESSIVELY LONG DEBATES WAS AFTER THE TENSION RESULTED IN THE SENATE AND THE REPUBLICANS HAVE RIED TO NEGOTIATE THEIR WAY INTO CO-GOVERNANCE BECAUSE OF THE CLOSE DIVIDE.

AND THAT JUST ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN.

THAT NEVER HAS HAPPENED AS A NEGOTIATED COMPROMISE TO THE END OF SESSION.

IT'S NO FUN TO BE IN THE MINORITY.

I'VE BEEN IN THE MINORITY.

I'VE BEEN IN THE MAJORITY.

IT'S NOT AS MUCH FUN.

BUT WE HAVE BEEN INCLUSIVE, WE HAVE BEEN CONSIDERATE, I PUT REPUBLICANS ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEES WHEN THEY NEVER VOTED FOR THE BILLS.

BUT COURTESY IS A TWO-WAY STREET.

SO I WILL GIVE COURTESY TO THE REPUBLICANS, BUT IT MUST BE RETURNED.

AND AFTER THREE WEEKS OF REALLY A LOT OF DELAYS, IT WAS TIME TO MOVE ON AND GET THE BUSINESS DONE.

>> Eric: DO YOU HAVE A PRICE FOR PROVIDING REPUBLICAN VOTES FOR THE BONDING BILL, WHICH WILL BE NEEDED TO PASS ONE?

>> YEAH.

WE'VE ASKED SEVERAL TIMES, I MEAN, WE'VE MADE IT PUBLIC WHAT WE'VE ASKED FOR, TOO, AS WELL.

I MEAN, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF ISSUES ACROSS THE STATE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET THAT BONDING BILL DONE.

THAT'S A PRIORITY FOR OUR CAUCUS.

AND IF DEMOCRAT LEADERS ARE WILLING TO COME ALONG WITH US ON A COUPLE OF ISSUES THAT WE REALLY HAVE SOME BIG CONCERNS ON, I THINK WE CAN GET THAT DONE REALLY NICELY.

IF THE END OF SESSION ENDS IN A VERY ORGANIZED MANNER, THAT MEANS WE WORKED IN A BIPARTISAN MANNER, YOU KNOW, THAT'S ALL WE'RE LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW.

>> Cathy: SO THE ISSUES OF CONCERN ARE THE E.R.A., WOULD THAT ONE OF THEM?

>> THAT'S A CONCERN FOR US, YES.

>> Cathy: I ALSO KNOW YOU ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE FUNDING.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> Cathy: IS THAT ANOTHER ONE?

>> YEAH.

WE NEED TO BE LOOKING AT SOME OF THAT.

>> YOU KNOW, WE'VE GONE BACK AND FORTH, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT NUMBERS, AND WE TALK ABOUT SPENDING, WE HAVE A $40 MILLION POT OF MONEY WE CAN SPEND ON CAPITAL INVESTMENT R WE CAN SPEND ON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE.

AND I THINK WE'VE ALL KIND OF SHAKEN OUT AT ABOUT $30 MILLION FOR EMS.

SO, REALLY, THE DOLLARS AND CENTS, WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO GET THERE.

IT'S JUST AT THIS POINT WITH THE REPUBLICANS IN THE SENATE, IN PARTICULAR, ASKING US TO COMPROMISE ON OUR VALUES AND NOT DO E.R.A.

FOR A BONDING BILL, WHICH IS REALLY IN THE WAY OF GETTING A DEAL DONE.

>> BUT WE'VE ALWAYS HAD THE BONDING BILL AS PART OF THAT MIX.

AND, O, FOR FOLKS TO SAY THAT THAT IS NOT PART OF THE DISCUSSION, I THINK IS KIND OF DISENJUST IN THE -- DISINGENUOUS IN THE WHOLE POLITICAL PROCESS THAT I'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN.

>> Eric: WHERE ARE WE IN SPORTS BETTING?

>> WE COULD SEE A DEAL, I KNOW THERE ARE MEMBERS IN BOTH BODIES WORKING ON THAT.

>> Eric: THAT IS BIPARTISAN, RIGHT?

>> BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, BIPARTISAN OPPOSITION.

>> YES.

>> I THINK THAT WE CAN GET THIS DONE THIS SESSION, IF WE DECIDE THAT WE WANT TO GET THE WORK DONE FOR THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA.

BUT IF WE HAVE O TRADE SOMETHING AS IMPORTANT AS OUR FREEDOMS AND OUR VALUES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, WE'RE GOING TO GET STUCK.

>> Eric: WHAT ABOUT THE -- >> WE SHOULDN'T DO THAT.

>> Eric: WHAT ABOUT THE GOOD OLD DAYS, FIVE SIGNATURES ON A GLOBAL AGREEMENT TO END THE SESSION ON A BEAUTIFUL PATH?

>> WOULDN'T THAT BE GOOD?

DON'T YOU THINK WE SHOULD DO THAT?

>> HOW OFTEN HAS THAT HAPPENED BEFORE WHEN PEOPLE HAVE SAT ON THIS COUCH?

MOST OF THE TIME THAT HAPPENS AFTER EOPLE SIT ON THE COUCH.

>> Cathy: THAT IS TRUE, ACTUALLY.

>> Eric: WE HAVE A TRACK RECORD OF SOLVING THINGS, WE'RE COMING SHORT TONIGHT.

WE'VE GOT TWO MINUTES LEFT.

>> ACTUALLY GOT THE AUTHOR RIGHT HERE.

[ Laughter ] >> WE CAN ALL GO TO DINNER AFTER THIS.

[ OVERLAPPING CONVERSATION ] >> I'M SURE IT'S -- >> Cathy: ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THE SPORTS BETTING, THOUGH, THERE ARE A LOT OF INTERESTS THERE, YOU'VE GOT THE TRACKS, THE TRIBAL NATIONS, YOU'VE GOT THE TEAMS AND CHARITABLE GAMBLING.

ARE THEY ALL IN AGREEMENT ON A POTENTIAL BILL?

>> WELL, I THINK THEY'VE COME TOGETHER AROUND SOMETHING.

FOR ME, PERSONALLY, IT'S VERY VERY HARD TO SEE THE TRACKS IN THERE.

THERE'S NO OTHER BUSINESS IN MINNESOTA THAT'S GOT A FAILING BUSINESS MODEL THAT COMES TO THE STATE CAPITOL AND SAYS, YOU KNOW, HAND OVER SOME TAX DOLLARS, HELP SUBSIDIZE OUR BUSINESS.

WE CAN'T MAKE IT ON OUR OWN AND FEEL LIKE THEY'RE ENTITLED TO HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE ON A MAJOR PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

BUT, BUT THAT BEING SAID, THERE ARE EOPLE WHO FEEL VERY STRONGLY ABOUT SUPPORTING THE TRACKS, AND I THINK THAT THEY HAVE BEEN AT THE TABLE, AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY MIGHT HAVE AN AGREEMENT THAT A LOT OF PARTIES SEE VALUE IN.

>> Eric: IS THE MARIJUANA FIX IT BILL, IS THAT GOING TO ALLOW FOR A GOOD OPENING?

>> IT WILL.

>> Eric: DO WE KNOW?

>> IT WILL.

THAT BILL IS DONE, WE SHOULD TAKE IT UP TOMORROW.

>> Eric: HOW MUCH SURGERY DO YOU HAVE TO DO ON THAT THING?

>> I THINK THEY HAD TO DO SOME IMPROVEMENT BUT I WOULDN'T CALL IT SURGERY.

YEAH, IT'S GOOD, THEY'LL TAKE IT UP TOMORROW.

>> Eric: IF UBER AND LYFT ARE NOT ETTLED, BY SUNDAY MIDNIGHT, WOULD THAT BE SOMETHING GOVERNOR MIGHT CALL A SPECIAL SESSION ON OR LEAVE IT UP TO THE CITY COUNCIL?

>> I THINK IT WILL BE RESOLVED.

BUT I THINK IF IT WASN'T, HE CERTAINLY WOULD.

I THINK IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU LOOK AT PEOPLE WITH ISABILITIES WHO NEED TO GET TO WORK, WHO NEED TO GET TO TIMBERWOLVES GAMES.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE KEEP UBER AND LYFT IN MINNESOTA.

BUT IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT THAT WE RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THE LEADERS IN THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS TO ENFORCE THEIR LIVABLE MINIMUM WAGE IN THEIR CITY AND THEIR BENEFITS THAT THEY LIKE TO SEE EMPLOYEES HAVE IN THEIR CITY.

>> Cathy: I WASN'T SURE IF I HEARD AN ANSWER, WILL THERE BE A BONDING BILL THIS SESSION?

OKAY.

[ Laughter ] DEAFENING.

>> I HOPE SO.

>> THERE IS STILL TIME.

>> THERE IS STILL TIME.

>> I THINK LAST YEAR WE MAYBE REACHED A DEAL AT 3:00 IN THE MORNING ABOUT TWO DAYS BEFORE THE END.

>> YEAH.

>> SO MY PREDICTION IS SATURDAY, GOING INTO SUNDAY, SOMETIME BETWEEN 2:00 AND 3:00 A.M. >> I THINK THAT'S THE IMPORTANT PIECE, WE'RE ALL WORKING TOGETHER, STILL HAVING THE CONVERSATIONS AND WE HAVE BEEN DOING THOSE.

IS IT REAL PRODUCTIVE AT THIS POINT?

MAYBE NOT.

BUT WE'RE STILL SITTING HERE AND HAVING THE CONVERSATIONS.

>> Eric: PEACE IN THE VALLEY.

>> Cathy: WE WISH YOU ALL WELL.

THANK YOU.

>> Eric: THANKS A LOT.

THANKS FOR COMING DOWN.

>> CATHY: THE FINAL DAYS OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION FEATURE A NEW STATE FLAG ON DISPLAY INSIDE AND OUTSIDE FLYING ATOP THE STATE CAPITOL.

NOW THAT IT'S OFFICIAL AND STILL CONTROVERSIAL, OUR MARY LAHAMMER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE YOUNG DESIGNER FROM RURAL MINNESOTA'S IMPROBABLE PATH TO THE WINNING DESIGN.

>> Mary: ANDREW, THE CREATOR OF THE FLAG BEHIND YOU, HOW DOES IT FEEL NOW THAT THIS IS OFFICIAL?

>> GETTING TO THE FINAL THREE, THE FINAL FLAG ITSELF WAS JUST HARD TO BELIEVE, AND I GOT TO SEE MY FLAG FLYING FOR THE FIRST TIME.

IT HASN'T FULLY BEEN EMBRACED YET.

BUT IT'S BEEN SUCH AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE, I'M SO HONORED AND GRATEFUL TO BE A PART OF IT.

>> Mary: WHAT WAS THAT EMOTION, IT'S FLYING OVER THE CAPITOL, ALL THE STATE OFFICIALS ARE THERE, YOU'RE DOING MEDIA, BIG PRESS CONFERENCES, HOW DID THAT ALL FEEL FINALLY HAPPENING?

>> IT WAS SO EXCITING.

I DID FEEL A LITTLE BIT LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER BECAUSE I'M NOT REALLY USED TO A LOT OF ATTENTION IN MEDIA BUT, HONESTLY, IT WAS REALLY NICE TO BE APPRECIATED FOR MY HARD WORK AND TO JUST KIND OF BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE THIS HISTORIC MOMENT WAS SUPER SPECIAL FOR ME AND I HONESTLY REALLY ENJOYED IT.

>> Mary: TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU.

I MEAN, DO YOU DO DESIGN PROFESSIONALLY?

WAS THIS JUST A FUN THING ON THE SIDE?

TALK ABOUT THAT.

>> I SORT OF DABBLE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN A LITTLE BIT.

I DO SOME PART-TIME WORK WITH THAT.

BUT I'M NOT SUPER PROFESSIONAL WITH IT.

FLAG DESIGN WAS A NEW AREA FOR ME.

I NEVER HAD REALLY DABBLED IN IT BEFORE THIS.

BUT I SAW A REALLY AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO DESIGN THE NEW FLAG AND, SO, I THOUGHT, YOU KNOW, I'LL JUST JUMP INTO IT.

I DID A LOT OF RESEARCH.

>> Mary: WERE YOU SURPRISED, BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY SAW, YOU WERE UP AGAINST PEOPLE WITH A LOT OF EXPERIENCE, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNERS, PEOPLE WHO KNEW THE POLITICAL SYSTEM.

I MEAN, YOU KIND OF HAD TO BE THE LONG SHOT, RIGHT?

>> OH, FOR SURE.

I REMEMBER GOING ON O THE STATE EMBLEMS REDESIGN COMMISSION WEBSITE FOR THE FIRST TIME AND SEEING ALL OF THE FLAG SUBMISSIONS.

AND THERE WAS, I THINK, OVER 2,100 OF THEM.

I RECOGNIZED SOME THAT PEOPLE HAVE LOVED FOR DECADES.

SO THERE'S LOTS OF PROFESSIONAL DESIGNERS AND FLAGS THAT HAVE ALREADY KIND OF BEEN ESTABLISHED.

SO I WAS DEFINITELY INTIMIDATED.

>> Mary: DO YOU THINK IT'S CHANGED YOUR LIFE, LIKE YOUR TRAJECTORY, WHAT YOU MIGHT DO PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY NOW?

>> I DO THINK IT HAS CHANGED.

I ALWAYS DOUBT MYSELF, LIMIT MYSELF, AND I THINK DOING THIS OPPORTUNITY, YOU KNOW, ACTUALLY GETTING THIS FAR, HAVING THIS AMAZING THING HAPPEN IS REALLY KIND OF MADE ME REALIZE I CAN DO WHATEVER I WOULD LIKE TO DO.

I THINK IT'S OPENED UP THE WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES OF WHAT I CAN DO WITH MY FUTURE.

>> Mary: LET'S TALK ABOUT THE BAD PART, THE PEOPLE WHO DON'T LIKE THE DESIGN.

THE PEOPLE WHO PROTESTED AGAINST IT.

YOU KNOW, ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO WERE REFUSING TO ADOPT IT.

>> RIGHT.

>> Mary: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ALL THAT?

>> GOING INTO IT, I KIND OF EXPECTED THERE TO BE SOME CONTROVERSY.

YOU KNOW, WHENEVER THERE'S CHANGE, PROGRESSIVE CHANGE, THERE ARE A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO TEND TO DISLIKE IT OR THEY'RE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT, OR THEY JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT'S HAPPENING.

YOU KNOW, ITCHING THIS IS AN IMPORTANT CHANGE -- I THINK THIS IS AN IMPORTANT CHANGE, OUR ORIGINAL FLAG HAD DEPICTED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE BEING DRIVEN OFF OF THEIR LAND.

SO TO ME, IT WAS AN IMPORTANT CHANGE, NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS A FLAG THAT'S JUST NOT APPRECIATED, YOU KNOW, YOU NEVER SAW IT ON BUMPER STICKERS OR FRONT LAWNS OR T-SHIRTS.

IT'S NOT LIKE THE TEXAS FLAG OR ANYTHING ELSE.

AND, SO, BESIDES IT JUST BEING INEFFECTIVE IN TERMS OF BEING A FLAG, IT WAS PROBLEMATIC.

SO, TO ME, IT'S LIKE, YOU KNOW, IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THIS CHANGE TO HAPPEN TO BE INCLUSIVE TO ALL PEOPLE IN MINNESOTA, ESPECIALLY OUR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE WHO DISLIKE IT, YOU KNOW, EVERYBODY HAS THEIR OWN OPINIONS.

I JUST KIND OF LET IT ROLL OFF MY BACK.

>> Mary: IS THERE POLITICS IN THE FLAG?

DID YOU INTEND FOR IT TO BE A LIBERAL OR DEMOCRATIC FLAG?

>> NOT AT ALL.

NO, NO, NO, NO.

YOU KNOW, WHEN WE ENTERED OUR FLAG DESIGNS, YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE RULES WAS IT CANNOT REPRESENT A SPECIFIC COMMUNITY.

AND, SO, I VERY SPECIFICALLY CREATED IT TO BE INCLUSIVE TO EVERY SINGLE MINNESOTAN, IRREGARDLESS OF ETHNICITY, OF POLITICAL BACKGROUND.

IT WAS SUPPOSED TO REPRESENT EVERYBODY.

AND IT DOES REPRESENT EVERYBODY.

>> Mary: YOU'RE ALWAYS REFERENCED AS THE 4-YEAR-OLD FROM LUVERNE.

[ Laughter ] WHAT DOES EVERYBODY AROUND YOU THINK?

>> FORTUNATELY, MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY HAVE BEEN SUPER SUPPORTIVE.

I THINK THEY'RE ALL EXCITED FOR ME, REALLY EXCITED FOR MINNESOTA.

IT'S SUCH A RARE OPPORTUNITY THAT ONE PERSON CAN MAKE SUCH A BIG DIFFERENCE IN OUR STATE.

AND I THINK THEY'RE ALL REALLY JUST EXCITED FOR ME.

♪♪ >> ERIC: TWO YEARS AGO THIS WEEK, THE U.S. DEATH TOLL FROM COVID HIT ONE MILLION PEOPLE.

THE VIRUS IS MUCH LESS PREVALENT AND MUCH LESS DEADLY NOW, EVEN WITH THE NEW SO-CALLED 'FLIRT' VARIANT.

THE VIRUS EPIDEMIOLOGISTS ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT NOW H5N1, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS BIRD FLU.

WORLD-RENOWNED EPIDEMIOLOGIST MIKE OSTERHOLM IS BACK.

MIKE HEADS UP THE CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH AND POLICY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.

ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE YOU IN PERSON.

WELL, TELL US ABOUT FLIRT.

>> WELL, FLIRT IS ONE OF THE VARIANTS OF COVID THAT WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT.

IT'S NOW CIRCULATING OUT THERE.

BUT I'M HERE TONIGHT TO REPORT GOOD NEWS.

WE ARE IN THE BEST PLACE IN THE ENTIRE PANDEMIC TODAY AS ANY TIME WE HAVE BEEN.

>> Eric: HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

>> WELL, TWO THINGS.

ONE IS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO FINALLY WERE VACCINATED OR GOT INFECTED COMBINATION HAVE SOME PROTECTION RIGHT NOW.

AND THE VARIANTS JUST HAVE CHANGED OVER TIME.

SO THAT THEY'RE NOT NEARLY AS LIKELY TO CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS.

NOW THAT COULD ALL CHANGE TOMORROW.

BUT I LOOK AT IT IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF DEATHS, YOU TALKED ABOUT THE TOTAL NUMBER, BUT JUST IN LATE 2020-2021, WE WERE SEEING 25,000 DEATH AS DAY A DAY.

THIS PAST WEEK, WE WERE ABOUT 2.5% OF WHERE WE WERE.

THAT'S STILL A LOT, BUT IT'S A MUCH MUCH BETTER PLACE.

>> Cathy: WHAT ABOUT THE VACCINES, THE MOST RECENT VACCINE, THE BOOSTER, CAN IT DEAL WITH FLIRT IN A FAIRLY EFFECTIVE WAY?

>> YEAH.

IT CAN.

WE'RE GOING TO KEEP UP UPDATING THE VACCINE AS TIME GOES ON.

BUT ONE OF THE THINGS WE'VE LEARNED, IT'S NOT ABOUT HOW MANY DOSES OF VACCINE IT'S HAD, IT'S WHEN YOU GOT YOUR LAST DOSE.

VACCINE WILL CLEARLY PROVIDE GOOD PROTECTION AGAINST SERIOUS ILLNESSES, HOSPITALIZATIONS AND DEATHS FOR PROBABLY FOUR TO SIX MONTHS ND THEN YOU'RE GOING TO NEED TO GET ANOTHER DOSE.

THOSE OF US THAT ARE OVER GE 65, UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS, IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR THAT GROUP TO KEEP GETTING THESE DOSES OF VACCINE.

AND WE CAN KEEP THE NUMBER OF REALLY SERIOUS ILLNESSES BE DOWN.

WE DON'T STOP TRANSMISSION IN THE COMMUNITY BUT I'D BE HAPPY TO TRADE THAT ANY DAY FOR PREVENTING DEATHS.

>> Eric: IS THERE A PUBLIC HEALTH BOILERPLATE THAT EVERY VIRUS THAT COMES THROUGH IS DEALT WITH OR IS EACH ONE SO UNIQUE THAT YOU HAVE TO KIND OF REINVENT THE WHEEL?

>> EVERYONE IS PRETTY UNIQUE, EACH ONE HAS ITS OWN CHALLENGES IN TERMS OF HOW TO DEVELOP IMMUNITY.

SOME VIRUSES, IF I GET INFECTED WITH MEASLES, I'M PROBABLY PROTECTED ALL MY LIFE.

IF I GET INFECTED WITH THE COVID VIRUS, I MAYBE ONLY HAVE PROTECTION FOR FOUR OR FIVE MONTHS SO WE HAVE TO TAILOR EACH ONE.

>> Cathy: LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT BIRD FLU.

ARE OU BECOMING MORE CONCERNED ABOUT IT?

WE JUST KIND OF FIGURED IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS SPREADING FROM WILD BIRDS TO FOUL, TURKEYS AND DUCKS.

FOWLE.

BUT IS IT WORSE THAN E THINK IT IS?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, THIS IS ONE OF THOSE EXAMPLES OF WHY YOU HAVE TO BE REALLY HUMBLE IN OUR BUSINESS, BECAUSE TWO WEEKS AGO, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SIT HERE AND SAY, BOY, DISCERN ARE REALLY IMPORTANT AND TODAY THEY ARE CRITICAL BECAUSE IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS H5N1 THAT WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT ACTUALLY IS MULTIPLYING IN THE UDDER OF THE COW, IT HAS RECEPTOR SITES FOR THE BIRD VIRUSES AND IT HAS RECEPTOR SITES FOR THE HUMAN VIRUSES, MUCH LIKE PIG LUNGS.

SO WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT NOT JUST THE ANIMALS ARE GETTING INFECTED, POSSIBLY TRANSMITTING BUT COULD THEY ALSO GET CO-INFECTED AT THE SAME TIME WITH A HUMAN VIRUS, A BIRD VIRUS, WHEN THAT HAPPENS, THEY CAN IX AND MATCH THEIR GENES, THAT'S WHEN YOU GET PANDEMIC STRAINS.

FOR EXAMPLE, IN 2009 WHEN H5N1 APPEAR FROM MEXICO, THAT CAME OUT OF A SWINE OPERATION WHERE IT WAS, AGAIN, SWINE HAVING THOSE SAME RECEPTOR SITES.

THIS IS A CONCERNING SITUATION, IT'S ONE THAT IS MUCH LARGER THAN WE'VE BEEN BUILTING FOR.

59 FARMS IN NINE STATES, WE KNOW NOW, I THINK IT'S IN ALL 50 STATES, MAYBE NOT HAWAII.

IT'S A REAL CHALLENGE RIGHT NOW.

I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT'S GOING TO GO.

IT'S KILLING LOTS OF DIFFERENT MAMMALS, 40 DIFFERENT MAMMAL SPECIES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED NOW.

HAS BEEN VERY VERY SEVERE ON THINGS LIKE WALRUSES, SEA LIONS, WE'RE SEEING IT IN BEARS, A LOT OF DIFFERENT ANIMALS RIGHT NOW.

>> Cathy: REALLY?

>> YEAH.

>> Cathy: AS YOU SAY, THE GENES WILL START TO MIX.

I MEAN, IS THERE A POINT WHERE, IS THERE ANY SURVEILLANCE OUT THERE?

>> WELL, WE'RE HURTING ON THAT.

THIS IS, I THINK, A DAY OF DISCUSSION REGARDING AGRICULTURE VERSUS PUBLIC HEALTH.

AGRICULTURE PRETTY MUCH SAID, STAY OFF THE FARMS, WE DON'T WANT YOU OUT HERE.

IT'S NOT -- IT'S KILLING THEIR ANIMALS, THEY HAVE A LEGITIMATE CONCERN, WILL IT CAUSE A BUSINESS CHALLENGE FOR THEM, BUT NOT REALLY MAKE THEIR ANIMALS ANY MORE HEALTHIER WITH THIS.

SO OUR SITUATION, THOUGH, WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT, COULD THESE BE THE ANIMALS THAT PRODUCE THE VIRUS FOR THE HUMANS THAT ARE GOING TO BE DEVASTATING.

>> Cathy: SPEAKING OF ANIMALS, CWD, BRAIN WASTING DISEASE IN WHITE-TAIL, DEER, OF COURSE, IS A CONCERN.

I'M WONDERING, THERE WAS THIS STUDY, IT APPEARS THAT IT MIGHT NOT JUMP TO HUMANS?

>> WELL, THIS STUDY, WHICH WAS A GOOD STUDY, AND IT WAS CONDUCTED BY THE N.I.H., AND IT'S ONE OF THE RESEARCHERS IS PART OF OUR RESEARCH GROUP.

BUT WHAT THIS STUDY LOOKED AT WAS REALLY JUST ONE MECHANISM FOR TRANSMISSION, POTENTIALLY BETWEEN CWD PRION IN DEER INTO HUMANS.

AND CLEARLY THERE ARE MANY OTHER ASPECTS, AVENUES THAT WE HAVE TO EXPLORE.

SO IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT WE STILL DON'T HAVE A RISK, AT LEAST IN THIS PARTICULAR STUDY, IT SHOWS THAT THE BARRIER IS STILL HIGH.

BUT IT SURELY DOESN'T MEAN THAT IT'S NOT ONE THAT YOU CAN CROSS OVER.

>> Eric: THANKS FOR THE UPDATE.

>> Cathy: GOOD TO SEE YOU IN PERSON, TOO.

>> GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> Eric: THANKS.

>> Cathy: TALK TO YOU LATER.

♪♪ >> YOU OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF, MR. SPEAKER!

[ INDISTINCT SHOUTING ] >> MR. SPEAKER!

[ INDISTINCT SHOUTING ] >> THE MOTION PREVAILS.

>> AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH ACTIVITY FOR ONE DAY, HOUSE SPEAKER DAVE ENNINGS HELD A PRESS CONFERENCE WHERE HE ANNOUNCED THAT HE WASN'T A CANDIDATE, NOT FOR GOVERNOR, NOT EVEN FOR HIS OWN SEAT IN THE HOUSE.

THE STUNNED MEDIA CALLED IT A BOMBSHELL, AND BOMBER DAVE JENNINGS IS WITH US TONIGHT TO TALK ABOUT IT.

DAVE ENNINGS, HOW COME YOU ADJOURNED THE HOUSE AT 5:00 A.M. TUESDAY MORNING?

>> WELL, BECAUSE WE HAD COMPLETED ALL OF THE BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BUDGET BALANCING BILLS, THE TWO BUDGET-BALANCING BILLS AND WE WERE OWHERE NEAR AGREEMENT ON THOSE BILLS, AND I COULDN'T SEE HAVING THE ENTIRE LEGISLATURE SITTING AROUND WAITING FOR THOSE TEN CONFEREES TO REACH AGREEMENT.

I BELIEVED THAT THE BEST WAY TO BRING PRESSURE TO BEAR ON THEM WAS -- TO SETTLE UP SO WE COULD GET IT OVER WITH, WAS TO ADJOURN, SEND THE REST OF THE FOLKS HOME SO THE FOCUS OF YOU FOLKS WOULD ALL BE ON THEM.

>> SHELETTA: THIS MORNING, MY DAUGHTER, CAMERON, WOKE ME UP OUT OF A DEEP SLEEP AND TOLD ME THE MOST FRIGHTENING THING YOU CAN SAY TO ANY PARENT.

SHE SAID, MOM, THERE’S ONLY 12 DAYS OF SCHOOL LEFT BEFORE SUMMER BREAK.

WHAT?

IT’S ALREADY MAY?

HONEY, WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

SEEMS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY WE WERE RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR AND MAKING RESOLUTIONS THAT WE’D PROMPTLY BREAK BEFORE BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BAD DREAM.

BUT WHEN I CHECKED THE CALENDAR AND REALIZED SHE WAS TELLING THE TRUTH, IT BECAME A NIGHTMARE.

THE MONTH OF MAY IS THE BUSIEST AND A MOST STRESSFUL TIME FOR MANY PARENTS.

I GOTTA RUN OUT TO THE BIG BOX STORE AND FILL THE HOUSE WITH QUICK MEALS AND SNACKS.

IN ADDITION TO FINDING FUN SUMMER CAMPS TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY FOR A FEW MONTHS, YOU’VE GOTTA GET TREATS FOR ALL YOUR TEACHERS.

AND IF YOU’VE GOT KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, LIKE ME, THEIR PARAS, TOO.

DON'T FORGET THE BUS DRIVERS, CROSSING GUARDS AND SCHOOL OFFICE STAFF.

THIS YEAR MY SON ANDREW GRADUATES FROM PARK HIGH SCHOOL.

SO WE’VE GOT THAT PARTY TO PLAN.

IN ADDITION TO THE TRACK BANQUETS, SOCCER SOCIALS, AND HOCKEY HOE-DOWNS, MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS GOING UP JUST THINKING ABOUT ALL THE THINGS US PARENTS HAVE TO DO IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

I USED TO LOOK FORWARD TO MAY, BEFORE I HAD KIDS, YOU KNOW, 'CAUSE THAT MEANT WARM TEMPERATURES AND BLUE SKIES.

BUT NOW, MAY IS MY LEAST FAVORITE MONTH.

IN FACT, I’M GONNA SCRATCH THE WORD MAY OFF THE CALENDAR AT MY HOUSE.

I DON’T EVEN WANT TO SEE IT FOR THE NEXT 12 DAYS.

FROM NOW ON, I’M GONNA CALL IT MAY-CEMBER.

FOR ME, MAY IS LIKE HAVING THE STRESS OF CHRISTMAS WITHOUT ANYBODY BUYING ME ANY GIFTS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

♪♪ >> Cathy: I LOVE SHELETTA.

LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON, AS WE SPEAK, GOVERNOR WALZ SIGNED A SPRAWLING EDUCATION POLICY OMNIBUS BILL INTO LAW.

INCLUDED IN THAT PACKAGE ARE NEW OVERSIGHT RULES FOR CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACTS.

THIS COMES ON THE HEELS OF A SAHAN JOURNAL INVESTIGATION THAT REVEALED THAT MINNESOTA CHARTER SCHOOLS AWARD MORE THAN $100 MILLION ANNUALLY OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS IN OUTSIDE CONTRACTS WITHOUT THE SAME OVERSIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE SUBJECT TO.

EDUCATION REPORTER BECKY DERNBACH IS BACK TO DISCUSS HER DEEP DIVE INTO THIS ISSUE.

WELCOME BACK.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> Cathy: NOW FOR FOLKS NOT FAMILIAR, THIS IS ABOUT THE NOBLE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL.

BEFORE WE ACTUALLY TALK ABOUT NOBLE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL, FOR FOLKS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR, CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE DIFFERENT.

>> YEAH.

>> Cathy: THAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR A SPECIFIC REASON.

>> RIGHT.

SO CHARTER SCHOOLS WERE DESIGNED TO HAVE MORE AUTONOMY THAN PUBLIC CHOOLS TO INNOVATE AND SORT OF DECIDE WHAT WORKS BEST FOR THEIR STUDENTS, WITHOUT BEING SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE SAME BUREAUCRACIES AND CONSTRAINTS YOU MIGHT SEE IN A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT.

>> Eric: ND YOU FOUND PATHWAYS TO FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE, IS THAT FAIR TO SAY, WITH THE LACK OF SUPERVISION OF THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS?

WAS THAT THE -- >> YEAH.

SO THERE'S NOT THE AME OVERSIGHT FOR CONTRACTS IS ONE OF THE LAWS THAT THEY'RE EXEMPT FROM.

THEY'RE NOT CLASSIFIED AS GOVERNMENT ENTITIES, WHICH ARE ALL SUBJECT TO THESE SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT LAWS.

SO IF YOU WANT TO BUY DESKS FOR A PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, YOU THINK IT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN $175,000, YOU HAVE TO GO OUT, UT AN AD IN A NEWSPAPER, GET MULTIPLE BIDS OR SOLICIT MULTIPLE BIDS, AND THEN SEE WHO'S THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER AND CHARTER SCHOOLS JUST DON'T HAVE TO DO THAT.

SO, THAT OPENS THE DOOR TO WAYS OF AWARDING CONTRACTS THAT COULD COST CHARTER SCHOOLS MORE MONEY OR COULD BE BASED ON PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.

>> Cathy: SO THERE'S ALWAYS A SPARK BEHIND EVERY STORY WHEN YOU START DIGGING, RIGHT?

SO THE ACCOUNTANT, FORMER ACCOUNTANT AT NOBLE ACADEMY EVIDENTLY STOLE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FROM THE SCHOOL, AND YOU STARTED TO LOOK INTO, THAT RIGHT?

AND THAT LED TO YOU SOME INTERNAL COMPLAINTS THAT WERE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ABOUT THESE CONTRACTS AT THE SCHOOL.

>> RIGHT.

AND, SO, THESE ARE UNRELATED ISSUES, TO BE CLEAR.

>> Cathy: YES.

>> BUT WHEN I WAS LOOKING AT THIS ACCOUNTANT, WHO HAS SINCE PLEADED GUILTY TO THEFT BY SWINDLE FOR STEALING FROM THE SCHOOL AND HE'S SENTENCED TO PROBATION, I STARTED LOOKING INTO THAT, I WAS LOOKING INTO A BUNCH OF DOCUMENTS, SOME OF THOSE WERE, YOU KNOW, LEGAL DOCUMENTS, ACCOUNTANCY DOCUMENTS, I WAS LOOKING AT THE CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES, AND AT THE SAME TIME IT WAS TALKING ABOUT A COMPLAINT THE SCHOOL WAS FACING THROUGH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

I HADN'T SEEN THAT, I WONDERED WHAT THAT COMPLAINT WAS ABOUT, I REQUESTED IT, TOOK IT FROM THERE.

>> Eric: WAS THE MODEL FLAWED, YOU WANT TO HAVE FLEXIBILITY AND ABILITY TO DO STUFF BEYOND WHAT KIND OF THE BUREAUCRACY IS IN A REGULAR PUBLIC SCHOOL, BUT THEN HAT LEAVES IT OPEN TO MISCHIEF, I GUESS, OR NEPOTISM OR WHATEVER YOU MIGHT SAY?

>> YEAH, I THINK THAT PEOPLE BEHIND THE CHARTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT BEHIND IT IT'S ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE.

WHAT ARE THE WAYS THAT WE ENABLE CHARTER SCHOOLS TO HAVE THE AUTONOMY TO BE NIMBLE AND FLEX ILL IN A WAY THAT, YOU KNOW -- FLEXIBLE IN A WAY THAT A LARGE PUBLIC SCHOOL MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO, WHAT ARE THE ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS IN PLACE, HOW DO YOU MAKE THAT BAHL IS -- BALANCE IS IN PLACE.

>> Cathy: I BET POURING THROUGH DOCUMENTS, THERE WAS QUITE A PAPER TRAIL, I'M SURE, BECAUSE HOW MANY CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE THERE IN MINNESOTA?

DID YOU LOOK AT ALL CHARTER SCHOOLS?

DID YOU HAVE TO USE ANY TOOLS TO HELP YOU GO THROUGH ALL THESE CONTRACTS?

>> YEAH.

SO I REALLY HAVE TO GIVE CREDIT TO OUR DATA REPORTER CYNTHIA TU, WHO USED TECHNOLOGY, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE, SOME SCRAPING TOOLS TO COLLECT ALL THE FORM 990s, CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE NONPROFITS, THEY FILE 990s, SO THEY PULLED ALL OF THOSE, THEN THERE WERE SOME THAT WERE OUTSTANDING, SO I EMAILED THE CHARTER SCHOOLS TO ASK FOR THEM.

THEN TOGETHER WE FIGURED OUT HOW TO USE THIS OTHER A.I.

TOOL TO GO THROUGH AND TABULATE THE DIFFERENT LARGE CONTRACTS IN THOSE ONPROFIT FILINGS, CHARTER SCHOOLS DISCLOSE THEIR -- OR ALL NONPROFITS DISCLOSE THEIR FIVE LARGEST CONTRACTS OVER $1 THOUN -- $100,000, SO WE WERE ABLE TO TABULATE IT USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

>> Cathy: WHAT DID YOU SEE?

YOU FIRST DISCOVERED, YOU THOUGHT, WOW, LOOK AT THESE NUMBERS.

>> YEAH, YEAH, THE NUMBER CAME TO -- WE EXCLUDED FOOD SERVICE CONTRACTS, TOO, BECAUSE THOSE USE FEDERAL FUNDS.

SO EXCLUDING THAT WE CAME TO $132 MILLION.

SO, THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY.

>> Cathy: YEAH.

>> Eric: SO THE LEGISLATIVE RESPONSE, IS HAT -- >> I THINK WE'LL HAVE TO SEE.

PART OF THE NEW BILL, AS YOU MENTIONED, IS CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE NOW GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE A PROCUREMENT POLICY FOR STATE FUNDS AND THAT INVOLVES A COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS FOR CONTRACTS OVER $25,000.

BUT ONE ISSUE THAT HAS COME UP IN REPORTING ON CHARTER SCHOOLS AGAIN AND AGAIN IS THE OVERSIGHT PROCESS IS REALLY COMPLICATED.

THE SCHOOL BOARDS HAVE A LOT OF AUTHORITY BUT SCHOOL BOARDS ARE VOLUNTEER RUN, HAVE A LOT OF TURNOVER.

THEY'RE OVERSEEN BY THE AUTHORIZERS, AUTHORIZERS SAY, CONTRACTS ARE NOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY, THAT'S NOT ON US.

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL STEP IN OCCASIONALLY AS WE SEE BUT THAT'S NOT SUPER COMMON SO WITH THE NEW RULES, WE STILL NEED TO SEE WHO'S GOING TO ENFORCE THEM.

>> Cathy: BUT YOUR REPORTING LED TO A BILL THAT WAS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR.

>> Eric: GOOD JOB.

>> Cathy: YEAH.

>> Eric: GLAD YOU CAME OVER, THANKS.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> Cathy: SEE YOU LATER.

>> ERIC: MARATHON FLOOR SESSIONS AND CONFERENCE COMMITTEES ARE WHERE ALL THE WORK IS HAPPENING AT THE CAPITOL AS LAWMAKERS NEAR ADJOURNMENT.

MARY LAHAMMER IS BACK TO SHOW US HISTORY THAT WAS MADE IN ONE OF THOSE COMMITTEES WITH TWO GROUNDBREAKING LEADERS SUCCEEDING AMIDST END OF SESSION TENSIONS.

>> THE MOTION PREVAILS.

>> DIVISION!

DIVISION!

DIVISION!

>> CALENDAR -- >> DIVISION!!!!

>> Mary: CHAOTIC, LONG, LATE-NIGHT FLOOR SESSIONS OFTEN MARK THE ENDING DAYS OF THE LEGISLATURE.

>> DIVISION.

>> SENATOR LONG.

>> THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE.

>> MADAM SPEAKER, I MOVE WE ADJOURN SINE DIE.

>> EVERYTHING IS AT RISK BECAUSE OF THE ACTION TAKEN LAST NIGHT.

>> WE'VE SEEN A LONG AND UGLY HISTORY OF FILIBUSTERING OF >> Mary: MUCH OF THE ACTION AT THIS STAGE IS IN CONFERENCE COMMITTEES WHERE OUSE AND SENATE MEMBERS CRAFT FINAL COMPROMISES.

>> COOL.

>> Mary: SOMETHING COOL HAPPENED IN ONE OF THOSE COMMITTEES THAT MAKES HISTORY.

>> I THINK MAYBE I WAS THE FIRST ONE TO REALIZE IT, BUT I FIRST TWO BLACK WOMEN TOHE- CO-CHAIR A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE?

>> Mary: DID YOU KNOW THAT GOING IN, YOU WERE MAKING HISTORY OF BEFORE THE COMMITTEE MET?

>> NOT AT ALL.

I MEAN, RIGHT AFTER OUR PRECONFERENCE COMMITTEE, ESTHER WAS LIKE, I THINK WE'RE THE FIRST, AND WE'RE SITTING IN THE ROOM, IT WAS ME, HER, AND SENATOR OUMOU VERBETEN, WE'RE LIKE, OW.

SO IT WAS KIND OF LIKE A GOOD MOMENT TO JUST TAKE IT IN.

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW MUCH I ENJOY SEEING THE TWO OF YOU CHAIR OUR CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

IT'S JUST LOVELY.

>> Mary: SHE KIND OF CREATED A MOMENT, IT FELT LIKE, IN THE ROOM.

>> IN THE ROOM, I WAS GLAD THAT SHE DID THAT BECAUSE IT'S NICE TO JUST, LIKE, HAVE THAT RECOGNITION, HAVE THAT REPRESENTATION, LET PEOPLE WHO, IF THEY DO STUMBLE ACROSS THIS SOMETIME, SEE IT, THEY'RE, LIKE, OH, MAYBE I CAN DO THAT, TOO.

>> Mary: WHAT DID YOU IT MEAN TO YOU?

>> IF SHE HADN'T POINTED IT OUT, I DON'T THINK PEOPLE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT IT, WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED IN THIS BODY.

I THINK IT POINTS O THE FACT THAT WE'RE REPRESENTING MORE THAN JUST OUR SEATS AND WHO WE ARE, BUT WE'RE REPRESENTING GENERATIONS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO COME THROUGH THESE DOORS AND OPENING DOORS FOR THEM.

>> Mary: MOHAMED IS A FRESHMAN ND ONE OF THE FIRST BLACK WOMEN ELECTED TO THE SENATE AND THE YOUNGEST EVER.

SO SHE'S NOT NEW TO BREAKING BARRIERS.

LIKE YOUR SECOND CHANCE AT HISTORY.

>> I THINK SO.

I MEAN, RIGHT BEFORE I WAS RUNNING, ESTHER WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE I CALLED.

I LOOK AT EPRESENTATIVE AGBAJE, A DOUBLE IVY DEGREE, LIKE DOING THIS WORK WITH HER, LIKE WHO AM I?

I THINK THAT'S THE PART THAT MINNESOTANS GET TO SEE S HOW SMART SOME OF THE PEOPLE HERE WHO WALK THROUGH THESE DOORS THAT ARE REPRESENTING GENERATIONS OF EOPLE ARE AND THE WORK THAT THEY HAVE DONE TO GET HERE.

>> Mary: THE REPRESENTATIVE HAS TWO IVY LEAGUE DEGREES WITH A MASTER'S FROM PENN AND A J.D.

LAW DEGREE FROM HARVARD.

SO IN HER SECOND TERM, HER SMARTS ARE WELL ESTABLISHED.

>> FEELS LIKE I KNOW MY WAY AROUND A LITTLE BIT, BUT I'M STILL LEARNING NEW THINGS EVERY AY, I'M STILL WORKING WITH NEW ADVOCATES, I'M STILL TRYING TO MAKE SURE I'M BRINGING IN ALL TYPES OF VOICES.

ONE OF THE THINGS I REALLY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I DO HERE, WE DON'T KEEP DOING THE SAME STATUS QUO AND THAT WE'RE BRINGING IN PEOPLE WHO REALLY WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MINNESOTA, ARE REALLY FIGHTING FOR PEOPLE WHO BE DON'T EVEN KNOW THEY CAN COME TO THIS BUILDING.

>> WHAT I'VE BEEN ABLE TO LEARN FROM REPRESENTATIVE AGBAJE, HOW GOOD SHE IS AT THIS JOB AND HOW MUCH OF A MENTOR SHE'S BECOME TO ME.

I GET TO BE ABLE TO LEARN FROM SOMEONE WHO LOOKS LIKE ME, WHO'S LOOKING OUT FOR ME, MAKING SURE THAT I DO A GOOD JOB.

>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH YOU ON THIS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

>> THIS YEAR WHAT WE DID, WE WERE BUILDING ON THE TENANT'S RIGHTS THAT WE PUT INTO PLACE LAST YEAR.

SO WHAT I LIKE TO SAY, MINNESOTA IS COMING UP TO PAR WITH TENANTS' RIGHTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

SO WHAT WE DID THIS YEAR IS ENSURE THAT WE HAD THE CLARIFICATIONS IN PLACE, SO PEOPLE KNEW HOW TO FOLLOW IT.

WE ALSO ADDED A REALLY BIG ONE, TENANTS' RIGHT TO ORGANIZE, SENATOR MOHAMED WORKED REALLY HEAVILY ON THAT.

>> Mary: HOW ABOUT YOU PERSONALLY AND YOUR CONSTITUTENTS, WHY THIS MATTERS?

>> IT MATTERS TO MY CONSTITUENTS T MATTERS TO ME.

I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF RENTERS, I RAN ON BEING AN IMMIGRANT, RENTER, ORGANIZER, BOTH OF US ARE STILL RENTING, 1/3 OF MINNESOTANS ARE RENTERS.

WE KNOW THAT THERE'S A LARGE POPULATION THAT THIS IS GOING TO AFFECT.

>> Mary: THE HOUSING CHAIR HAS HIGH PRAISE FOR THE PAIR.

>> THIS IS A REALLY REALLY BIG DEAL.

AND I'M JUST GRATEFUL FOR THE LEADERS ON THIS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE THAT HAVE WORKED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

>> I THINK POLITICS IS A WAY TO MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING.

SO I'M HOPING THE SOMETHING THAT I'M MAKING IS GOING TO CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES FOR THE BETTER.

>> THERE ARE NO OTHER BUSINESS, THIS MEETING IS ADJOURNED.

>> Mary: IN THE MEND, THEY'RE -- IN THE END, THEY'RE HUMBLE AND APPRECIATIVE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES.

>> WE HAVE ONE MORE THING, GUYS.

FIRST TIME CHAIRING, I APOLOGIZE.

>> THERE'S SO MANY THINGS YOU DON'T ACTUALLY LEARN UNTIL YOU'RE SITTING THERE AT THE TABLE, YOU'RE DOING IT YOURSELF, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE.

ALL THOSE OPPOSED SAY NAY.

WITH THAT, THE MEETING IS ADJOURNED.

>> ERIC: HAVE WE MENTIONED IT'S FINAL FRIDAY OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION?

YEAH, WE HAVE.

SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT WITH OUR POLITICAL PANEL TONIGHT.

IT'S A GROUP THAT REMEMBERS WELL THE SLEEPLESS FINAL NIGHTS OF SESSION.

DEMOCRATS UP FIRST.

FORMER SENATE DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER JEFF HAYDEN IS HERE.

FORMER LEGISLATIVE STAFFER, NOW ATTORNEY, ABOU AMARA JOINS US.

REPUBLICANS ON THE COUCH TONIGHT.

FORMER SENATE MAJORITY LEADER AMY KOCH.

AND ROUNDING OUT THE PANEL, FORMER GOVERNOR PAWLENTY SPOKESPERSON BRIAN MCCLUNG.

MADAM LEADER?

>> YES.

>> Referee: WE ABLE TO CLOSE THE BOOK ON THE '23-'24 SESSION SO WE KNOW WHAT THE FALL CAMPAIGN IS GOING O LOOK LIKE, ARE DO WE NEED THE WEEKEND TO FIGURE IT OUT?

>> I THINK THEY'RE GOING TO TAKE THE WEEKEND TO FIGURE OUT .

THERE IS TIME.

WE'RE NO TOO LATE.

YOU HEARD THE LEADERS SAY THAT.

THERE REALLY IS.

I SAY THERE'S BEEN GLUE POURED ALL OVER THE SENATE AND HOUSE FLOOR BECAUSE OF THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS BECAUSE OF THE DYNAMICS THERE, THERE'S NOT BEEN REALLY GOOD BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT.

IF THERE WERE, THEY COULD UNSTICK ALL THOSE FLOORS AND THINGS WOULD MOVE PRETTY SMOOTHLY, THEY COULD GET SOME THINGS DONE, LIKE BONDING, SPORTS BETTING, YOU KNOW, AND OTHER BUDGET BILLS.

>> Cathy: WHAT DID YOU HEAR HERE ON THE COUCH WITH THE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS THAT MADE YOU THINK, OH, THAT'S INTERESTING, ANYTHING?

>> WELL, HEN LEADER DEMUTH SAID, I THINK WE CAN WORK THIS OUT, RIGHT?

I THINK SHE HAS BEEN A REALLY CALM, STEADY VOICE AT THE LEGISLATURE.

THIS IS HER FIRST TERM AS THE REPUBLICAN LEADER IN THE HOUSE.

AND I THINK SHE'S BROUGHT THAT.

I MEAN, SENATOR JOHNSON AS WELL.

I THINK YOU SEE FROM THE REPUBLICANS A WILLINGNESS TO DO THIS.

BUT THEY HAVE TO BE INCLUDED.

AND REPUBLICANS REALLY FEEL, AND THIS IS TRUE ALWAYS, RIGHT, THE MINORITY FEELS LEFT OUT, BUT YOU SEE IT ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR.

THAT REPUBLICANS FEEL LIKE THEY REALLY HAVE NOT BEEN PART OF THESE KEY CONVERSATIONS.

AND THAT HAS TO CHANGE.

HAS TO CHANGE RIGHT AWAY.

IF THEY WANT TO HAVE A SMOOTH END OVER THESE LAST 72 HOURS, YOU NEED TO HAVE BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT, A LOFT THESE BILLS NEED BIPARTISAN VOTES.

>> WELL, TWO THINGS.

FIRST, REMEMBER, THIS IS NOT A BUDGET YEAR.

THIS IS NOT A YEAR WHERE ANYTHING MASSIVELY NEEDS TO HAPPEN.

SO THIS IS KIND OF, YOU KNOW, ICING ON TOP OF THE CAKE, IF YOU WILL, RIGHT?

WE'VE GOT FOLKS WORKING HARD TO GET TO THE END OF SESSION.

THAT'S POINT NUMBER ONE.

POINT NUMBER WO, I CTUALLY THINK I HEARD THE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER, ERIN MURPHY, REALLY TALK ABOUT, THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS, ABOUT HOW DO YOU ACTUALLY LAND THIS PLANE, CONSISTENTLY SHE SAID, WE'LL SEE WHAT THE HOUSE DOES, WE'LL SEE WHAT THE HOUSE DOES, THAT TELLS ME THAT THERE'S STILL DYNAMICS AT PLAY THAT LEADERSHIP DOESN'T KNOW ACTUALLY IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

>> Eric: WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE E.R.A.?

WELL, GO AHEAD.

>> LET ME SAY THIS.

I DISAGREE, BRIAN.

THEY CONTINUE TO BE INVOLVED, YOU CAN'T MAKE A DEAL WITH THEM NOT BEING INVOLVED.

THE GOP HAS BEEN INVOLVED.

THE THINGS -- I THINK THE DYNAMIC IS, WE TALKED ABOUT THIS A LITTLE BIT BACK STAGE, IS THIS IDEA OF THE E.R.A.

AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

NOW HERE'S A LITTLE CAVEAT ON THE E.R.A.

THE SENATE BILL FROM LAST YEAR AND THE HOUSE BILL ARE DIFFERENT.

SO, I'M NOT SURE THAT THE DEMOCRATS UNDERSTAND WHAT E.R.A.

BILL IS GOING TO PASS TO THEN TALK TALK TO REPUBLICANS TO SEE IF ANY PART OF IT IS WHAT THEY WANT TO DO.

>> WELL, THERE HAS BEEN AN E.R.A.

BILL THAT PASSED RECENTLY IN THE SENATE THAT WAS BIPARTISAN.

HAD BIPARTISAN VOTES.

SO, IT IS ACTUALLY POSSIBLE.

BUT YOU CAN'T LOAD IT UP WITH A BUNCH OF THINGS, RIGHT?

>> BY THINGS YOU MEAN RIGHTS, CIVIL RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE ACROSS MINNESOTA.

>> I DON'T MEAN BY RIGHTS.

I MEAN, LIKE ALL -- IT IS A HEAVY CHRISTMAS TREE OF OTHER THINGS.

THE E.R.A., YOU KNOW, WAS FORMED AS EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT FOR WOMEN.

IT'S PRETTY SIMPLE.

AND IT'S PRETTY CLEAR.

EXAMINE IT'S NOT PASSED -- AND IT'S NOT PASSED SINCE -- I MEAN, SINCE I WAS BORN IT'S BEEN TALKED ABOUT.

AND I'M OLD.

OLDER, OLD ENOUGH THAT IT PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE ALREADY PASSED.

THERE'S A PATH.

>> WE HAVE EVOLVED IN TERMS OF WHAT IT STARTED OUT TO BE AND WHAT WE TALK ABOUT TODAY.

SO I DON'T NECESSARILY -- I AGREE WITH ABOU, THESE ARE NEW RIGHTS THAT -- NO NOT NEW RIGHTS, NEW RIGHTS HAT PEOPLE HAVE EMERGED AND SAID THEY NEED TO BE PART OF THE PROCESS, TOO.

>> THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA GET TO DECIDE.

REPUBLICANS ARE AFRAID THAT IF THIS GOES ON THE BALLOT, PEOPLE WILL SAY YES.

>> I THINK ULTIMATELY IT'S A POLITICAL QUESTION.

SHOCK OF SHOCKS, THERE'S POLITICS AT THE CAPITOL.

DO DEMOCRATS WANT THIS ON THE BALLOT THIS FALL TO HELP WITH TURNOUT OR DO THE STATE SENATE DEMOCRATS PREFER THAT IT GETS PUNTED TILL TWO YEARS FROM NOW WHEN THEY'RE ON THE BALLOT AND THE GOVERNOR'S ON THE BALLOT?

I THINK YOU SEE A LITTLE BIT OF, YOU KNOW, POTENTIAL DISCHORD BETWEEN HOUSE AND SENATE BECAUSE, ULTIMATELY, THESE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS TEND TO BE ABOUT VOTER TURNOUT.

LET'S BE REAL.

>> Eric: YEAH.

>> SO WE'LL SEE WHETHER OR NOT THEY ACTUALLY GET IT ON THE BALLOT FOR THIS YEAR.

>> R WE'VE GOT TO BE CLEAR.

THIS IS NOT ABOUT VOTER TURNOUT.

DEMOCRATS HAVE WON EVERY STATEWIDE LECS ELECTION FOR 20 YEARS.

>> FOUR SEATS, RIGHT?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> SO I THINK THE DEMOCRATS ARE LOOKING FOR WHATEVER ADVANTAGE THEY CAN FIND, RIGHT?

AND I UNDERSTAND THAT.

I UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WOULD BE THINKING LIKE THAT.

>> YEAH, BUT IT IS A MORE DIVERSE HOUSE, IN PARTICULAR, AND A MORE DIVERSE SENATE THAN EVER.

SO I THINK NEW VOICES COULD COME TO -- HAVE COME TO THE TABLE.

YOUR POLITICAL CALCULATION IN A VERY TRADITIONAL WAY IS RIGHT.

I THINK THERE'S PEOPLE WHO REALLY ACTUALLY CARE, THEY'RE NOT THINKING ABOUT WHAT -- BECAUSE IF THEY WERE THINKING ABOUT, LIKE, YOU KNOW, THE ELECTION, THERE'S A WHOLE BUNCH OF THINGS THEY WOULDN'T BE DOING.

>> I ACTUALLY THINK THAT AS WELL.

I THINK THE POLITICAL CALCULATION ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS CAN BE PROBLEMATIC, ACTUALLY.

WE TEND TO PASS MONEY, WE DON'T TEND TO -- WE TEND TO PASS THOSE AMENDMENTS, WE DON'T TEND TO PASS POLICY QUESTIONS, SOCIAL ISSUES.

AND, SO, I ACTUALLY THINK THAT IT PUTS A QUESTION MARK ON THE BALLOT THAT PERHAPS THE SPEAKER DOESN'T WANT TO HAVE WHEN SHE HAS THOSE SIMPLE FOUR-SEAT MAJORITY.

>> Eric: PRESIDENT TRUMP IN TOWN TONIGHT.

I WONDER IF THIS IS ONE F THOSE WHERE IT FIRES UP BOTH SIDES.

AND IS A POLITICAL WINNER FOR THE DEMOCRATS WHO CAN RAISE MONEY BECAUSE HERE COMES TRUMP.

AND, OF COURSE, THE REPUBLICANS ARE EXCITED ABOUT TRUMP.

I MEAN, ISN'T THIS A TWO-ER IF?

>> YEAH, BUT HE WOULD LOVE TO PUT MINNESOTA IN PLAY, RIGHT?

HE'S LOOKING AT THE BATTLEGROUND STATES.

RIGHT NOW, ESSENTIALLY, IN THE SEVEN KEY BATTLEGROUND STATES, DONALD TRUMP IS LEADING IN THE POLLS.

SO HE IS LOOKING TO EXPAND THE MAP AND HE LOOKS AT MINNESOTA, HE THINKS ABOUT BACK IN 2016, WHEN HE LOST BY, YOU KNOW, A POINT AND A HALF, AND, SO, HE WOULD LOVE TO PUT MINNESOTA IN PLAY.

AND IT HASN'T BEEN WON BY A REPUBLICAN SINCE '72.

>> Eric: 48 YEARS.

>> SO JUST FOR HIM, THINK ABOUT TRUMP'S EGO, IM, SAYING, LIKE, I COULD BE THE GUY WHO CHANGES THAT.

SO I THINK THAT'S WHEN HE GETS THE INVITE.

HE'S LIKE, YEAH, OF COURSE I'M COMING TO MINNESOTA.

>> Cathy: POLLS SHOW IT IS CLOSE HERE IN MINNESOTA AT THIS POINT.

>> AT THIS POINT.

IF YOU LOOK HISTORICALLY, THEY GENERALLY SHOW A CLOSE RACE.

AS THE RACE GETS CLOSE, THE POLLING STARTS TO DEVIATE FROM THE NORM.

THAT'S WHY REPUBLICANS HAVEN'T WON IN 40 YEARS.

I'M NOT ACTUALLY CONCERNED ABOUT DONALD TRUMP, IN FACT, I'M EXCITED HE'S HERE, BECAUSE IT'S A REMINDER TO DEMOCRATS TO MOBILIZE, DESPITE OUR DIFFERENCES, DESPITE THE WAR IN GAZA THAT WE ACTUALLY HAVE A THREAT THAT WE HAVE TO COME ACROSS TO.

>> I THINK THAT WHAT YOU SEE FROM THE POLLS, IS THAT THE DEMOCRATS NEED THAT.

BECAUSE, FRANKLY, IT'S THE REPUBLICANS AND THE TRUMP SUPPORTERS THAT ARE SUPER FIRED UP AND IT'S THE DEMOCRATS THAT ARE PRETTY DISSPIRITED AND THEY'RE PRETTY DIVIDED WHEN IT COMES TO GAZA AND THEY ACTUALLY NEED THIS JOLT.

THEY'RE NOT -- WHEN YOU SEE THE POLLS, THEY'RE NOT EXCITED ABOUT VOTING FOR PRESIDENT BIDEN.

THEY'RE EXCITED TO VOTE AGAINST DONALD TRUMP.

THAT'S THE ONLY ENERGY THAT THEY'VE GOT RIGHT NOW.

>> Eric: SENATOR HAYDEN, I WONDER IF THE POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF BIDEN AND TRUMP BLEED DOWN TO DOWN-BALLOT RACES, ARE THOSE SEPARATE FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL?

>> YOU KNOW, THEY USUALLY KIND OF FOLLOW.

LIKE THE NATIONAL TRENDS USUALLY FOLLOW.

SO DEPENDING UPON THE MARGINS, WE GOT FOUR IN THE HOUSE, WE COULD HAVE TWO OPEN SEATS, CERTAINLY ONE IF WE TALK ABOUT SENATOR MORRISON, WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO SENATOR MITCHELL IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS.

SO THERE OULD BE TWO SEATS THAT YOU GOT TO FIGURE OUT IN THE SENATE AS WELL.

SO, I'M A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT T. WE GOT TO KIND OF FIGURE OUT.

I ALSO WILL SAY THAT THE POLLS HAVE SAID THAT PEOPLE OF COLOR, IN PARTICULAR, BLACK AND LATINO MEN, ARE MOVING FROM DEMOCRATS, NOT ONLY TO REPUBLICANS, BUT VOTING FOR TRUMP, WHICH I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT.

>> Cathy: WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

WHAT DO YOU THINK -- WHAT'S BEHIND THAT?

>> WELL, I DON'T KNOW.

I'VE BEEN AROUND, I TALK TO, YOU KNOW, AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN ALL THE TIME.

A LOT OF THEM SAY THAT, AND I'LL SYNTHESIZE IT FOR A LITTLE BIT, TRANSLATE THIS, THEY DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM SPEAKS TO THEM SPECIFICALLY.

THAT IT SPEAKS TO A WHOLE BUNCH OF THINGS THAT MAY HELP THEM, MEDICAID AND OTHERS, IT SPEAKS REALLY CLEARLY TO WOMEN AND THE THINGS THAT WOMEN NEED BUT IT DOESN'T SPEAK TO THEM.

>> LOOK, I THINK YOU HAVE A COMBINATION OF THINGS.

ONE, INFLATION AND THE ECONOMY ARE STILL FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES.

FRERNS, YOU KNOW, DISPROPORTIONATELY ARE GOING TO BE IMPACTED BY THE ECONOMY.

AFRICAN AMERICANS.

IF IT'S DOING BAD FOR THE GENERAL POPULATION, IT'S GO TO BE WORSE FOR THEM.

THERE'S UNDERLYING ISSUES.

THE ELECTION, DON'T COMPARE THEM TO THE ALMIGHTY, COMPARE THEM TO THE ALTERNATIVE.

THAT'S WHAT DEMOCRATS HAVE TO REMIND PEOPLE IN THIS ELECTION.

IT IS TRUE, WE ARE NOT WHERE WE WANT TO BE.

IT IS TRUE, JOE BIDEN IS MAYBE NOT THE MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR.

THAT'S KNOTS THE ISSUE, THE ISSUE IS WHAT IS THE CHOICE BEFORE VOTERS.

THAT'S WHAT VOTERS AVE TO REMEMBER.

>> I WANT TO KEY OFF ONE THING SENATOR HAYDEN SAID, WE COULD HAVE TWO SPECIAL ELECTIONS IN THE STATE SENATE, I THINK IF SENATOR MITCHELL IS PRESSURED TO RESIGN, AFTER THE SESSION, THEY DON'T NEED THE 34th VOTE, I THINK THERE WILL BE A LOT OF PRESSURE FOR HER TO RESIGN, THE ETHICS CASE IS NOT HANGING OUT THERE, THEY DON'T WANT THAT TO BE THE HEADLINE, FOR THAT TO HAPPEN ON THE REGULAR SCHEDULE, SHE NEEDS TO RESIGN BY JUNE 8th.

SAME WITH SENATOR MORRISON.

BUT IF THEY BOTH RESIGN, THERE ARE 32 DEMOCRATS IN THE SENATE AND 33 REPUBLICANS.

SO NOW REPUBLICANS, ACTUALLY, IN THE INTERIM, IF YOU BROUGHT THEM BACK IN A SPECIAL ELECTION, WOULD HAVE THE MAJORITY, YOU'D HAVE MAJORITY LEADER MARK JOHNSON.

NOW, THE LIKELIHOOD OF THAT, THE GOVERNOR CALLING THEM BACK INTO THAT SCENARIO IS VERY HOE N MIND IT'S MINNESOTA POLITICS.

SO WE ALWAYS HAVE WEIRD THINGS.

WHAT IF THERE WERE A TRAGEDY, A DISASTER, OR ANOTHER REASON THAT YOU NEED THE LEGISLATURE IN SESSION, RIGHT?

SO THESE ARE THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN.

AND, SO, I THINK THAT WILL ALL PLAY OUT.

AND ENATOR MITCHELL SHOULD RESIGN.

RIGHT?

GIVEN THE FACT THAT SHE IS FACING THESE FELONY BURGLARY CHARGES, SHE SHOULD RESIGN, THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO TO CLEAR THAT UP AND TO HAVE SOME CERTAINTY ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE SENATE.

>> Cathy: SO ANYWAY RIDESHARE BILL THAT WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT, THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT THROUGH, THERE WOULDN'T BE A SPECIAL SESSION NECESSARILY?

>> I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE DIFFICULT, YEAH.

>> I DON'T THINK SHE -- I ACTUALLY DON'T THINK SHE RESIGNS RIGHT AWAY.

>> I DON'T THINK SHE RESIGNS ANYWAY.

>> I DON'T THINK SHE DOES.

I THINK THAT'S INTERESTING.

>> I THINK YOU'RE RIGHT.

THE QUESTION CAN BE -- >> WE AGREE, ON SENATOR MITCHELL.

WE DIDN'T LAST TIME.

>> I THINK THERE IS AGREEMENT ON A LOT OF THE ISSUES.

SPORTS BETTING THE I WORK A LITTLE BIT.

SOME OF US DO.

RIDESHARE.

I THINK THERE'S AGREEMENT THERE.

THE QUESTION IS, AND THEN MY TALKED ABOUT THIS A LITTLE BIT, IS WILL REPUBLICANS GIVE THOSE VOTES IN THERE'S NOT A GLOBAL DEAL?

SO IF YOU TOOK THE DEALS INDIVIDUALLY, I THINK THEY'RE PRETTY CLOSE.

THE QUESTION IS, WHAT IS THAT ONE LINCHPIN THAT REPUBLICANS NEED?

>> Eric: YOU GUYS PACE YOURSELF OVER THE WEEKEND NOW.

>> I'M GOING BACK OVER THERE NOW.

>> Eric: ENJOY THE WEEKEND.

THANKS.

WITH SO MUCH POLITICAL NEWS TO COVER THIS WEEK, WE'VE RUN LONG TONIGHT SO WE'LL SAVE OUR HISTORY SECTION OF THE SHOW FOR NEXT WEEK.

COUPLE OF QUICK TUNE-IN REMINDERS FOR YOU.

THE LEGISLATURE IS HEADING FOR THE HOME STRETCH.

YOU CAN WATCH THE ACTION ON THE STATEWIDE MINNESOTA CHANNEL AS THEY HEAD FOR ADJOURNMENT ON MONDAY.

MAKE SURE TO TUNE IN TO OUR SISTER PROGRAM "ALMANAC AT THE CAPITOL" NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 7:00 ON THE SAME PBS STATEWIDE MINNESOTA CHANNEL.

IT'S THE LAST EPISODE OF THIS YEAR AND MARY LAHAMMER WILL WRAP UP THE SESSION FOR YOU WITH A COUPLE OF HER CAPITOL PRESS CORPS COLLEAGUES.

JUST ENOUGH TIME LEFT FOR SOME SHOW-ENDING MUSIC.

IT WAS ONE YEAR AGO THIS WEEK WHEN THE STEELES RETURNED TO THE STUDIO FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN THREE YEARS.

THEY JOINED US TO HONOR THE RETIREMENT OF "ALMANAC" CO-CREATOR AND LONGTIME PRODUCER BRENDAN HENEHAN.

IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE IT'S ALREADY BEEN A YEAR.

TAKE A LISTEN.

BE CAREFUL.

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