Good morning. I wonder if Clay Masters talks about Brian as “my predecessor” as frequently as the president does about the guy who held his job before.
President Joe Biden delivered an animated, sometimes combative final State of the Union address of this term last night, one that could have been delivered from a campaign stage if you closed your eyes and listened. He worked to draw contrast between himself, Republicans and “my predecessor” — former President Donald Trump, whom he didn’t name — and leaned into weak spots. That includes humanitarian relief in Gaza, the immigration crisis on the border and even his age. “I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while,” was one of his lines that drew a laugh, along with, “In my career I’ve been told I’m too young and I’m too old. Whether young or old, I’ve always known what endures. Our North Star.” Spoiler alert: Democrats in the room liked the speech, Republicans didn’t. I’ll spare you the statements that were probably written days ago.
Gov. Tim Walz, one of the president’s most ardent defenders in Minnesota, said Biden should perk up to the message sent by “uncommitted” voters in the primaries. That includes nearly 46,000 Democratic voters in Minnesota. Walz spoke yesterday with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer. On the topic of a cease-fire in Gaza, Walz said, “I certainly call for a cease-fire. It has to be a working cease-fire.” Listen to it here.
The presidential race seems set after Super Tuesday and Minnesota’s part of the primary is behind us. We’ll recap the week on Politics Friday with analysis from the University of Minnesota’s Michael Minta. Also tune in for a discussion around where the construction projects bill stands. Our guests are state Sen. Sandy Pappas and Rep. Dean Urdahl. Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters help round out the show. It’s at noon on your radio or check here for a recap.
Lawmakers are considering several changes to last year’s marijuana legalization law to clear obstacles that businesses aiming to be part of the market could face. Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is proposing changes to the state’s marijuana law, including one that would allow the issuance of a set number of temporary licenses. The bill would allow the temporary license holders to get ready to open but still hold off on marijuana product sales until final rules are set. Officials hope it will make it easier for those proprietors to obtain space and financing. Legal sales on a wide basis might not start until a few months or more into 2025.
One feature of last year’s bill allowed for the possibility of municipal-run cannabis operations. MPR’s Nicole Ki looked into the cities and counties exploring an entry into the marijuana industry. And she caught up with the leader of a small city in Washington state that tried the same thing — and didn’t fare well. The store closed after failing to break even.
Sen. Kari Dziedzic made a virtual appearance Thursday from a doctor’s office to make a case for her bill that would require health plans to cover the cost of wigs for cancer patients. Dana reports that the former DFL leader who has been working remotely this session shared her own account of losing her hair last year as she underwent cancer treatment, which she likened to a “cool slap in the face.” Dziedzic said while she had the resources to buy a wig, not everyone does. And that should be covered under their insurance plans, she said. The measure advanced to another Senate committee.
Another hearing Thursday got heated at times, as the Senate Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee considered transferring White Earth State Forest land to the White Earth Band. More than a dozen tribal leaders, local officials, business owners and residents in the area came to the Capitol to speak their piece. Melissa Olson and Dan Gunderson had a good rundown about the proposal and history of the land here. The panel voted on party lines to set the bill aside for now with Democrats supporting the effort and Republicans opposing. | 