Minnesota's Economic Health / New Senate President / Former Senate Secretary Pat Flahaven

Minnesota is in the midst of uncertain times – with ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and an emerging variant, plus congestion in the supply chain and a labor shortage. There also are positive signs, including better-than-projected revenues for the current fiscal year and economic opportunities overseas for Minnesota businesses . Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joins moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the status of Minnesota's economy, the recent trade mission, the grading of his COVID-19 response, leveraging federal infrastructure funds and tackling the workforce shortage.

Senator Jeremy Miller's recent elevation to Senate Majority Leader left a vacancy in the role of Senate President. At a mid-October meeting, members of the Senate Republican Caucus elected Senator David Osmek, R-Mound, as the next President of the Senate. He talks with Shannon about his new role.

Former Senate Secretary Pat Flahaven passed away recently at the age of 78. He had retired from the Minnesota Senate in 2009, having served as the chief parliamentarian for 36 years. He was a pivotal figure in the modernization and professionalization of the Minnesota Senate’s operations. Shannon provides a brief look at some of his lasting contributions.