Politics Friday: Moves in Washington hover over state budget outlook
Amid upheaval at the federal level, Minnesota officials released the state’s latest economic forecast.It’ll set the parameters for the new budget that lawmakers will craft before they gavel out of this year’s session. The state’s fiscal cushion continues to shrink, and actions from federal government will have a bearing on Minnesota government operations. Now, state finance officials warn there could be disruptions to the state’s economy.  MPR News senior politics editor Brian Bakst discussed how deeply intertwined the state and federal actions are and the challenges that lay ahead. U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a Democrat, and state Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, a Republican, joined the conversation. Later in the program, a recap of the voices we heard at the Capitol this week. Guests:U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, DFL, District 4Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks  Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Â
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49:33
Politics Friday: Newly elected lawmakers reflect on their first legislative session
State lawmakers have less than three months to adopt a state budget for this legislative session — it’s a must-do item this year.Many Capitol veterans know to expect a late-session pileup of decisions, but what do the newcomers think about the inevitable rush to the finish line?MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talked with two freshmen representatives about their first legislative session, its delayed start and the time crunch to pass bills in the coming months. The program also featured the latest from the Office of the Minnesota State Auditor. Two-term State Auditor Julie Blaha joined the conversation to share the ongoings from her office and what she needs from the Legislature this year.
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49:35
Politics Friday: Crime, public safety measures drive debates at the Capitol
It’s back to business at the Capitol, and several public safety-related bills have been introduced this session. But which bills have enough bipartisan support to pass in a divided Legislature?  MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with two key lawmakers about public safety and the proposals seeking to reshape laws from traffic offenses to felony crime sentencing.  Later in the hour, two political analysts break down the last month in state and national politics. President Donald Trump has brought his predictably unpredictable style back to the White House and Minnesota’s 2026 election stakes have been raised. We’ll find out what to expect over coming months. Guests:  Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River Abou Amara is a political analyst and Twin Cities attorney.  Preya Samsundar is a political analyst and a GOP strategist.  Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.  Â
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50:36
Politics Friday: As a Minnesota senator bows out, a GOP lawmaker leans into party agenda
President Donald Trump’s makeover of the federal government is going full steam. But he’s doing it in a way that has gone around Congress — with one executive action after another. But soon, Trump will need congressional votes to pay for his immigration crackdown and to extend a series of tax breaks. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst will speak with Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, from a northern Minnesota district, about the part he’ll play in Washington. Later, a check-in with the top tax official in Minnesota as tax filing season approaches its second busiest filing weekend. Plus, a frank conversation with Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith about her decision to not run for reelection in 2026. Guests: U.S. Sen. Tina SmithU.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, MN-8Paul Marquart, commissioner at the Minnesota Department of RevenueSubscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.  Â
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52:34
Politics Friday: Blur of action in Washington, back to action in St. Paul
MPR News host Brian Bakst talks about the blistering change in Washington with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith. And the scuffle in the Minnesota House is over. We discuss how lawmakers struck a deal to gavel in the session.
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