Verifying Residency of Candidates, Forming a Reproductive Freedom Caucus

The controversy surrounding the residency of Representative John Thompson, I-St. Paul, and the decennial process of redrawing legislative districts prompted the Senate State Government and Elections committee to hold an informational hearing last week. Senator Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, chair of the State Government and Elections committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about potential changes to the candidate filing process and the impact of redistricting on lawmakers and citizens.

The Supreme Court is poised to hear arguments in a case that challenges Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that guarantees a woman’s right to end a pregnancy. Many states have recently passed laws to limit access to abortion care, most notably Texas. In response, DFL members of the Minnesota House and Senate recently announced the formation of a Reproductive Freedom Caucus. Senator Jennifer McEwen, DFL-Duluth, is a vice-chair of the new caucus and joins Shannon to talk about the group's goals.

Also in the program, highlights from recent press conferences by Republican and DFL members of the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group. Members remain divided over how to divvy up the $250 million set aside by the legislature to reward workers who continued to work in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.