Two Influential Women Legislators Reflect on Senate Careers

More than 500 years of experience is about to retire from the Minnesota legislature at the end of this year, and retiring lawmakers take with them a significant amount of institutional knowledge and negotiating prowess. Among the soon-to-be retirees are two influential women legislators--Senate Finance Chair Julie Rosen and Senate Health and Human Services Chair Michelle Benson-- who have played significant roles in shaping state policy. They join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to reflect on their legislative careers as they prepare to leave public service.

Senator David Tomassoni, who served 30 years in the Minnesota Legislature, passed away recently from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was called "a giant" and "a wonderful colleague, friend and mentor" by fellow Senators. He was considered a legislator who "built bridges and worked collaboratively and with dignity, love and respect, even during the most contentious of debates.” On this week's program, we remember Senator David Tomassoni.

Each year, state fairgoers are asked to take an opinion poll on pressing state issues. Questions are developed from among the numerous bills proposed by lawmakers and represent pressing issues and concerns that remain unresolved. On this week's program, we take a look at the Minnesota Senate booth and the House of Representatives booth inside the Education building, on Cosgrove street, at the state fair grounds.

Finally, Historian Brian Pease talks with Shannon about the historical Supreme Court Chamber in the Minnesota State Capitol.