>>Gov. Walz Supplemental Budget Plan Includes $370M in Cuts
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz announced his supplemental budget today, and it includes cuts to the tune of $370 million in fiscal year 2029. Walz says that by attacking fraud, government spending will be more efficient, taking care of any structural deficit by the end of the decade. He assures that it will not take away services, but “make the delivery of these services more efficient.” The governor’s budget plan will also offer child care tax credits to help families with rising costs, and set aside $10 millionin partially forgivable loans to businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge.
>>Senate Democrats Announce Anti-Fraud Package
(St. Paul, MN) – Senate Democrats released their package of bills to fight fraud today. Several bills were included, but they still focus on getting an Office of Inspector General bill across the finish line. The Senate passed it 60-7 last year, but it is still stalled in House Committees. DFL Senator Heather Gustafson of Vadnais Heights says the bill needs to pass the House as it focuses on three important issues: “investigations, safeguards, and early detection.” She says it creates a centralized structure to improve coordination, identity risk earlier, and ensure consistent accountability. The Office of Inspector General would be an independent, transparent watchdog for fraud in the state. The price of this plan would need to be covered by multiple budgets or take money from the bonding bill.
>>Senate Bill to Give Manufactured Home Park Residents Bill of Rights Progresses
(St. Paul, MN) – DFL and GOP Senators joined Minnesota residents of manufactured home parks in support of a bill that would create a Bill of Rights for park residents when owners intend to sell the land. Tami Fry, a homeowner in the Blaine International Village Manufactured, says her rent only increased by $100 in the first nine years she lived there under mom and pop ownership. Since being sold to a private equity firm in Utah in 2021, which paid double the asking price, Fry says her rent has gone “from $425 to $700.” Since 2024, over 90% of home parks in the state have been purchased by out-of-state operators, usually private equity firms. If passed, the bill would help prevent exploitative rent increases and give residents the right of first refusal of owners. It now heads to the Judiciary and Public Saftey Committee.
>>Hennepin County Moves to Support Businesses, Renters After Enforcement Surge
(Hennepin County, MN) – Hennepin County leaders are rolling out new support for small businesses, renters, and property owners impacted by Operation Metro Surge. Named “Operation Reconnect,” the county has created a Small Business Recovery Fund, offering up to $2 million in grants to help about 200 businesses offset lost revenue and keep workers employed. Officials also approved waiving late penalties in 2026 for businesses licensed by Environmental Health to ease added financial pressure. For renters, partnerships allow for expanded eviction relief options, improving access to emergency rent assistance. Property owners facing hardship may also qualify for late property tax penalty abatements after paying past due taxes.
>>MDA Weekly Recalls
(St. Paul, MN) – Three products are part of this week’s recall by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Primal Supplements Group LLC is voluntarily recalling all orders of Volume placed between July 2nd and September 19th, 2025, after an unlabeled ingredient was confirmed. Sildenafil is used in Viagra, a prescription erectile dysfunction drug. The affected products are packaged in eight-and-a-half-round containers with green labels. Pure Vitamins and Natural Supplements LLC is voluntarily recalling Boner Bear Honey, Red Bull Extreme, and Blue Bull Extreme for the same reason. Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil, similar ingredients, were undeclared. Expiration dates include January 28th, May 2024 and ’29, and February 2029. Shaw Bakers LLC is issuing a public health alert for frozen, ready-to-eat turkey stuffed pastry products due to misbranding of ingredients. All affected LA Boulangere Turkey Pesto and Swiss Cheese Pockets were packaged on February 18th.
>>Gophers Women’s Hockey Coach Frost Fired
(Minneapolis, MN) – After 19 seasons and four national titles, Brad Frost will no longer be the head coach of the University of Minnesota women’s hockey team. Athletic Director Mark Coyle made the announcement today, calling the decision difficult, but “the program is not performing at the level expected.” The Gophers finished the season 26-12-1, ending with a 4-2 loss to Northeastern in the NCAA quarterfinals. Frost led the Gophers to national championships in 2012, ’13, ’15, and ’16, compiling a career record of 556-131-43.
