Legislators Scramble as New Legislative Districts Are Released
On Tuesday, February 15th, the Minnesota Judicial Branch released the new state and congressional electoral maps that will shape the political landscape for the next decade. Every 10 years the Minnesota Legislature is required by the state constitution to redraw its electoral map. The maps are supposed to be drafted and agreed upon by the legislature, however it has become common practice for the maps to be drawn by a judicial redistricting panel. Minnesota's new maps can be found here.
With new district boundaries, comes the opportunity for incumbent legislators to be drawn into the same district. Based on our review, and investigation of a variety of Capitol insiders, the following legislators appear to have been drawn into the same district:
Senate Republican vs. Senate Republican :
- Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer and Sen. Andrew Mathews
- Sen. Carla Nelson and Sen. Gene Dornink
- Sen. Richard Draheim and Sen. Julie Rosen
- Sen. Justin Eichorn and Sen. Carrie Ruud
Senate DFL vs. Senate DFL:
- Sen. Jason Isaacson and Sen. John Marty
- Minority Leader Melissa Lopez-Franzen and Sen. Ron Latz
- Sen. Jim Carlson and Sen. Matt Klein
Senate Republican vs. Senate DFL
- Sen. David Osmek and Sen. Ann Johnson-Stewart
House DFL vs. House DFL:
- Rep. Sandra Feist and Rep. Connie Bernardy
- Rep. Frank Hornstein and Rep. Jamie Long
- Rep. Ruth Richardson and Rep. Liz Reyer
- Rep. Andrew Carlson and Rep. Steve Elkins
- Rep. Leon Lille and Rep. Peter Fischer
House Republican vs. House Republican:
- Rep. Cal Bahr and Rep. Peggy Scott
- Minority Leader Kurt Daudt and Rep. Sondra Erickson
- Rep. Don Raleigh and Rep. Nolan West
- Rep. Debra Kiel and Rep. Steve Green
- Rep. Ron Kresha and Rep. Dale Lueck
- Rep. Kristin Robbins and Rep. Jerry Hertaus
House DFL vs. House Republican:
- Rep. Rick Hanson and Rep. Keith Franke
- Rep. Zack Stephenson and Rep. John Heinrich
Even prior to the new legislative maps being released, a number of legislators announced their intention to retire. That number has grown significantly since last week. Here is a list of all legislators that will retire or seek other office in 2022: Minnesota State Legislature Retirements
Senate Republican’s Release Long-term Care Staffing Package
On February 17, Sen. Karin Housley (R- Oak Park Heights) held a press conference to promote the Senate Republican Caucus’ $322 million workforce shortage initiative. The bill would appropriate:
- $206 million in LTC retention grants (approximately $1,000 per recipient) ;
- $30 million in LTC signing bonuses ($750 after the first 30 days and an additional $750 after six months); and
- $30 million in LTC education and training grants (approximately $1,500 per recipient).
House DFL Announces Housing Assistance Proposal:
On February 16, members of the House DFL caucus unveiled their plan to address the crisis level shortages of housing throughout the state. The proposal includes:
- Build More Homes: $600 million to build 5,500 new homes through the use of Housing Infrastructure Bonds, various housing-based tax aid, and programs like the Minnesota Challenge Program
- Cost Reduction: $400 million in rental assistance for those paying more than 30% of their income and $100 million towards first time home buyer down payment assistance.
- Asset Preservation: $150 million for preserving and rehabilitating as many as 3000 homes and $100 million to modernize 1,000 public housing units.
- Resources for Homelessness: $75 million statewide for those seeking shelter and $75 million for services that provide a pathway to stable housing.
- Emergency Rental Assistance: $300 million in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for renters and landlords who experienced income loss during the pandemic.
Plan for Sports Betting in Minnesota Announced
On February 16th, Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R- Lino Lakes) announced his proposal to legalize sports betting in the Minnesota. Joined by a bipartisan collection of co-authors, including Sen. Julia Coleman (R- Waconia), Sen. Karin Housley (R- Oak Park Heights), Sen. Mark Koran (R- North Branch) and Sen. Karla Bingham (DFL- Cottage Grove), Chamberlain detailed a proposal that would allow for the operation of brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in tribal casinos and at the state’s two racetracks. The proposal would also authorize the issuances of mobile licenses for online betting. According to Sen. Chamberlain, revenues generated by the mobile gaming licensees would be taxed by the state, but he did not specify a dedicated use for those new revenues.
Congressman Jim Hagedorn Passes Away
Minnesota Congressman Jim Hagedorn (R-MN1) passed away from kidney cancer on February 17, 2022. The two-term congressman had been battling stage IV kidney cancer for nearly 3 years. In a statement released by his office, Rep. Hagedorn passed away peacefully at home while sleeping surrounded by people he loved.
Important Dates to Remember:
The 2022 Minnesota Legislative calendar, complete with dates for the holiday recess, is below:
- February 28, 2022 Updated budget forecast from MMB
- March 25, 2022 1st Committee Deadline - committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin.
- April 1, 2022 2nd Committee Deadline - committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other house.
- April 8, 2022 3rd Committee Deadline - committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.
- April 9 - April 17, 2022 Easter/Passover Break
- May 23, 2022 Constitutional deadline to adjourn
- August 9, 2022 Primary Election Day
- November 8, 2022 General Election Date
Federal Update
This is a short week in D.C., and Congress is out of session. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy are visiting Israel this week with separate congressional delegations.
Deadlines
6 days until President Joe Biden has said he’ll announce his Supreme Court nominee. 7 days until the State of the Union. 17 days until government funding runs out. 259 days until the midterm elections.
Please reach out to any of the Larkin Hoffman Government Relations team members with any questions.
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