Call of the Senate

Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent and Senator Ann Johnson Stewart join the show to talk about the budget, the recent resignation of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Laura Bishop, and the conclusion of the first special session. Senator Johnson Stewart also talks about her upcoming plans to continue her informative online videos known as the infrastructure series.

Stonewall DFL Leaders Alex Palacios (Chair) and Sam Doten (Political Director) join Senator Scott Dibble to reflect on Pride month, LGBTQIA+ progress, and the road ahead to achieve equal rights and full protections for LGBTQIA+ Minnesotans.

Senator Patricia Torres Ray and Representative Cedrick Frazier talk about the life and legacy of George Floyd, police reform measures passed by the DFL House, and Republican opposition to police accountability in the Senate. Senator Torres Ray and Representative Frazier also discuss how activists can support the push for police reform and ways Minnesotans can get involved in their communities to inspire change.

Senator Chuck Wiger and Senator Steve Cwodzinski join the show to talk about education funding, the differences between the DFL and GOP budget proposals, funding for mental health support in schools, and the importance of doing more to attract people of color to become teachers in Minnesota schools.

Senator Sandy Pappas and Senator Karla Bigham have a conversation about their proposals to update Minnesota's sexual assault laws and the actions that the Senate DFL are taking to reform the criminal justice system as it pertains to sexual crimes. The two Senators also discuss the Equal Rights Amendment and recognize National Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Day. 

Senator Fateh, Senator Torres Ray, and JaNaé Bates from ISAIAH discuss police reform and accountability, the refusal of the Senate Majority to hold hearings on police reform bills, and the importance of a dual-track approach that prioritizes both police reform and long-term equity investments for communities of color.

Senator Lindsey Port of Burnsville joins the podcast to discuss a range of topics including her recent election to the Senate, the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, public safety & police accountability, housing, the recent changes in the political landscape of suburban Senate districts.

Senator Nick Frentz, Senator John Marty, and Senator Patricia Torres Ray join the show to talk about the Governor's push to reach carbon-free electricity by 2040. Our conversation touches on renewable energy, green jobs, sustainable infrastructure, and the importance of lowering greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of Minnesota's economy. 

Join us for this week's episode with Senator Mary Kunesh (New Brighton, Senator Sandy Pappas (Saint Paul), and Senator Jen McEwen (Duluth). The Senators discuss the history of the Equal Rights Amendment, the struggle for women's rights in America, and the various legislative proposals each Senator has authored to improve equality for all in Minnesota.

Listen to Senate DFL Leader Susan Kent, Senator Kari Dziedzic, and Senator Kent Eken on this week’s episode as we dive into policy to support working families. Our conversation focuses on paid family and medical leave, sick leave, housing, rural broadband, and long-term care.