Capitol Report

Among the ten newly elected members to the Minnesota Senate, former House Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Communications Professor Aric Putnam will draw upon their experiences in political and collegial discourse. Murphy talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about future legislative challenges, including prioritizing equity in healthcare, education, economic development, and the environment. Putnam underscores the correlation between his future legislative role and his expertise in public arguments about race, colonialism and political culture.Also in the program, the Senate makes history in the election of a new Senate President, plus the significance and uniqueness of the portraits hanging in the State Capitol.

Cars that runs on gasoline have a special device, called a catalytic converter, that helps minimize the release of harmful exhaust chemicals into the air. Made with precious metals, the catalytic converters are a hot commodity and of great interest to thieves. Senator John Marty, DFL-Roseville, joins Shannon to explain his efforts to curb the thefts.The Minnesota Senate will have ten new Senators when they convene in 2021, including current House Assistant Majority Leader Mary Kunesh-Podein, DFL-New Brighton, and Lakeville School Board Member Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville. Shannon talks with the Senators-elect about their experiences and goals for the coming session.