Legislative leaders preview the 2024 session; answer lightning round questions

Feb 13, 2024

Each year, the Minnesota Chamber's Session Priorities event unofficially kicks off the legislative session. While it's a key way for the Chamber to share the business community's priorities, it's also a chance for legislative leaders to share priorities of their own. KSTP's Tom Hauser hosted a series of lightning round questions for the four legislative leaders: Speaker Melissa Hortman, House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson. Here are their answers:

Tom Hauser: What're the odds of sports betting passing this year?
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson: 50-50.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy: 51-49.
House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth: 52-48.
House Speaker Melissa Hortman: I'll go big, 60-40. 60% likely it will pass.

Hauser: Speaking of sports, sometimes the opposing player that is frustrating to play against is also the one who'd make a good teammate. Who from your opposing caucus is the most frustrating to debate but would be welcomed as a member of your caucus?
Murphy: I can't say Senator Johnson so I'll say Sen. Jordan Rasmusson.
Demuth: Rep. Gene Pelowski.
Hortman: Rep. Pat Garofalo.
Johnson: Sen. Ron Latz.

Hauser: Minnesota's current permitting process: onerous or appropriate?
Johnson: Onerous.
Murphy: Appropriate.
Demuth: Onerous.
Hortman: A little from column A, a little from column B.

Hauser: Beer in convenience and grocery stores?
Johnson: No.
Murphy: No.
Demuth: No.
Hortman: No.

Hauser: Reforming the Met Council, yes or no?
Hortman: No.
Demuth: Yes.
Murphy: Yes.
Johnson: Yes.

Hauser: Total number of legislative retirements this year?
Murphy: 19
Demuth: 21.
Hortman: 21.
Johnson: 21.

Hauser: Constitutional amendment for a year-round Legislature?
Johnson: Absolutely not.
Murphy: No.
Demuth: No, that would be terrible.
Hortman: No.

Hauser: In 1-3 words, how are businesses in your district describing the 2023 session?
Johnson: Confusing.
Murphy: Thank you.
Demuth: Unaffordable.
Hortman: Better for workers.

Hauser: When you look back on the 2024 session, how do you want it to be described?
Hortman: Short.
Demuth: Not damaging.
Murphy: Productive.
Johnson: Repairing. Repairing the damage from last year.

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Interested in other Minnesota Chamber events related to policy?

Join us on April 11 for Chamber Day at the Capitol! Throughout the state legislative session, lawmakers will debate policies that could help or harm your business and Minnesota’s economy. Join us for Chamber Day at the Capitol and hear from key legislators on the proposals impacting your business. Employers voices are needed at the Capitol now more than ever!