The Budget Surplus, Sports Betting & More / Removing Education Mandates

The chair of the Senate Finance Committee is one of the most powerful positions in the Senate. Any bill with a fiscal impact must get its final approval from the committee, and the chair ultimately decides which bills to consider. Senator John Marty, DFL-Roseville, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the budget surplus and proposals for a MinnesotaCare public option, universal health care, legalizing sports betting, and prohibiting cashless establishments.

Despite substantive investments in E-12 education during the 2023 budget-setting legislative session, many school districts are facing budget shortfalls. Senator Jason Rarick, R-Pine City, lead Republican of the Education Finance Committee, joins Shannon to outline a plan intended to help school districts' finances by delaying the implementation of new educational mandates.

Also in the program, Republican lawmakers call for changes to the new state seal and for a statewide vote on the new state flag, and DFLers promote legislation that would reform the health insurance prior authorization process, clarify the difference between employees and independent contractors, and enhance business competition.