Michelle Griffith
@michellemgriff.bsky.social
Reporter, Minnesota Reformer. [email protected]
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
The short answer is no.
Gov. Tim Walz said Minnesota has universal pre-K. Do we? • Minnesota Reformer
Gov. Tim Walz boasted about Minnesota’s education system to a Texas audience on Thursday. He said Minnesota’s graduation rates are improving, free school meals set students up for success and universa...
minnesotareformer.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:03 AM
The short answer is no.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman on Friday laid in the Minnesota Capitol where she dedicated 20 years of her life, next to her husband Mark, her golden retriever Gilbert, leafy trees, bright flowers and legions of Minnesotans whom she sought to help through public service.
As Hortmans lie in state, thousands of Minnesotans line up to pay respects • Minnesota Reformer
Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman on Friday was surrounded by things she loved: She laid in the Minnesota Capitol where she dedicated 20 years of her life, next to her husband Mark, her golden retriever...
minnesotareformer.com
June 27, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman on Friday laid in the Minnesota Capitol where she dedicated 20 years of her life, next to her husband Mark, her golden retriever Gilbert, leafy trees, bright flowers and legions of Minnesotans whom she sought to help through public service.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Got a doozy for you today: In 2023, Minnesota's DFL senate president authored a bill directing $3 million in public funds to a nonprofit. He did not disclose to his colleagues or the public that the nonprofit and its leader were his legal clients. minnesotareformer.com/2025/04/04/d...
April 4, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Got a doozy for you today: In 2023, Minnesota's DFL senate president authored a bill directing $3 million in public funds to a nonprofit. He did not disclose to his colleagues or the public that the nonprofit and its leader were his legal clients. minnesotareformer.com/2025/04/04/d...
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the 29 recall petitions against the House Democrats who boycotted the beginning of the legislative session earlier this year.
Minnesota Supreme Court dismisses recall petitions against House Democrats who boycotted session • Minnesota Reformer
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the 29 recall petitions against the House Democrats who boycotted the beginning of the legislative session earlier this year, ruling the allegations fai...
minnesotareformer.com
March 17, 2025 at 9:51 PM
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the 29 recall petitions against the House Democrats who boycotted the beginning of the legislative session earlier this year.
As part of the power-sharing agreement between the House DFL and GOP, Democrats agreed to unseat Rep. Leigh Finke from the House public safety committee.
"At the request of Republican leadership, I was pulled off of that committee,” Finke said.
"At the request of Republican leadership, I was pulled off of that committee,” Finke said.
Rep. Leigh Finke sought to make Minnesota safe for trans people. Now she’s feeling besieged.
Rep. Leigh Finke sought to make Minnesota safe for trans people. Now she’s feeling besieged. • Minnesota Reformer
Rep. Leigh Finke, DFL-St. Paul, made history in 2022 when she was elected to the Minnesota Legislature as the state’s first openly transgender lawmaker. Finke was instrumental as Democrats passed her ...
minnesotareformer.com
March 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
As part of the power-sharing agreement between the House DFL and GOP, Democrats agreed to unseat Rep. Leigh Finke from the House public safety committee.
"At the request of Republican leadership, I was pulled off of that committee,” Finke said.
"At the request of Republican leadership, I was pulled off of that committee,” Finke said.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Minnesota’s new paid leave program will launch with a 0.88% payroll tax in January 2026, which is 25% higher than what was originally proposed two years ago when the Legislature passed the law.
Minnesota’s paid leave program will launch with 0.88% payroll tax, state agency says • Minnesota Reformer
Minnesota’s new paid leave program will launch with a 0.88% payroll tax in January 2026, which is 25% higher than what was originally proposed two years ago when the Legislature passed the law. The Re...
minnesotareformer.com
February 21, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Minnesota’s new paid leave program will launch with a 0.88% payroll tax in January 2026, which is 25% higher than what was originally proposed two years ago when the Legislature passed the law.
I binged the latest season of "Love Is Blind" over the weekend and thought I saw a familiar face.
Minnesotans are basking in the national spotlight with the Feb. 14 release of the first six episodes of Netflix’s reality series “Love Is Blind,” and local politicos may have caught a glimpse of a familiar face.
Minnesota House member makes appearance on ‘Love Is Blind’ • Minnesota Reformer
Minnesotans are basking in the national spotlight with the Feb. 14 release of the first six episodes of Netflix’s reality series “Love Is Blind,” and local politicos may have caught a glimpse of a fam...
minnesotareformer.com
February 17, 2025 at 9:11 PM
I binged the latest season of "Love Is Blind" over the weekend and thought I saw a familiar face.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Congressional Republicans are considering a change to tax law that would make infrastructure projects in Minnesota more expensive.
minnesotareformer.com/2025/02/12/c...
minnesotareformer.com/2025/02/12/c...
Congressional Republicans weighing tax change that would make infrastructure more expensive • Minnesota Reformer
Republicans in Congress are considering eliminating a tax break that lowers the cost of public infrastructure projects across the country in an effort to free up money for their chief policy priority:...
minnesotareformer.com
February 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Congressional Republicans are considering a change to tax law that would make infrastructure projects in Minnesota more expensive.
minnesotareformer.com/2025/02/12/c...
minnesotareformer.com/2025/02/12/c...
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Some Minnesota lawmakers want to stop the practice of legislators giving money directly to nonprofits, concerned that it leads to uneven outcomes and lax oversight while favoring politically connected nonprofits.
Minnesota lawmakers seek to limit practice of legislators giving money directly to nonprofits • Minnesota Reformer
Some Minnesota lawmakers want to stop the practice of legislators giving money directly to nonprofits, concerned that it leads to uneven outcomes and lax oversight while favoring politically connected...
minnesotareformer.com
February 12, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Some Minnesota lawmakers want to stop the practice of legislators giving money directly to nonprofits, concerned that it leads to uneven outcomes and lax oversight while favoring politically connected nonprofits.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Walz administration says spending imperiled by Trump's executive order adds up to $1.9 billion a month. Police, farmers, cancer patients, schoolchildren affected. "Amateur-hour cruelty" minnesotareformer.com/2025/01/28/t...
Trump spending freeze imperils Minnesota police, farmers and cancer patients, governor says • Minnesota Reformer
A Trump administration spending freeze directly imperils $1.9 billion in monthly federal spending in Minnesota, nearly $23 billion annually, according to an estimate from Gov. Tim Walz’s office. “Dona...
minnesotareformer.com
January 28, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Walz administration says spending imperiled by Trump's executive order adds up to $1.9 billion a month. Police, farmers, cancer patients, schoolchildren affected. "Amateur-hour cruelty" minnesotareformer.com/2025/01/28/t...
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Thursday appeared skeptical of House Republicans’ argument that the judiciary should stay out of the workings of the Minnesota House, and it appeared poised to rule on the quorum question.
Minnesota Supreme Court seems skeptical of House GOP's separation of powers argument in quorum suit • Minnesota Reformer
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Thursday appeared skeptical of House Republicans’ argument that the judiciary should stay out of the workings of the Minnesota House. The six justices hearing the high-s...
minnesotareformer.com
January 23, 2025 at 11:34 PM
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Thursday appeared skeptical of House Republicans’ argument that the judiciary should stay out of the workings of the Minnesota House, and it appeared poised to rule on the quorum question.
Minnesota House Republicans just passed a motion calling on Gov. Walz to direct the State Patrol to locate the absent DFL House members and “ensure their presence” at the Capitol tomorrow.
January 22, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Minnesota House Republicans just passed a motion calling on Gov. Walz to direct the State Patrol to locate the absent DFL House members and “ensure their presence” at the Capitol tomorrow.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Walz proposes slowing spending on disability services to address looming deficit.
Walz proposes slowing spending on disability services to address looming deficit • Minnesota Reformer
The state of Minnesota is spending more money than it’s bringing in, and if current trends continue, the state will spend down the current balance as soon as 2027. DFL Gov. Tim Walz wants to address t...
minnesotareformer.com
January 16, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Walz proposes slowing spending on disability services to address looming deficit.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
House Democrats, secretary of state ask Supreme Court to weigh in on quorum question minnesotareformer.com/2025/01/15/h...
House Democrats, secretary of state ask Supreme Court to weigh in on quorum question • Minnesota Reformer
As expected, Minnesota House Democrats and Secretary of State Steve Simon appealed to the state Supreme Court on Tuesday, asking the high court to declare that Republicans aren’t able to elect a speak...
minnesotareformer.com
January 15, 2025 at 5:54 PM
House Democrats, secretary of state ask Supreme Court to weigh in on quorum question minnesotareformer.com/2025/01/15/h...
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Minnesota Republicans claim control of state House while Democrats threaten a ‘strike’
Minnesota Republicans claim control of state House while Democrats threaten a ‘strike’ • Minnesota Reformer
Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, proudly introduced herself as the House speaker designate at a news conference on Monday, saying there’s no longer need for a power-sharing agreement after a newly ele...
minnesotareformer.com
January 6, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Minnesota Republicans claim control of state House while Democrats threaten a ‘strike’
Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, is the likely speaker of the House under a GOP majority. Demuth would likely remain speaker even if a special election pulls the chamber into a tie, because 68 votes would be required to vacate the speakership.
Republicans win MN House majority, for now, after judge rules candidate ineligible.
Republicans win MN House majority, for now, after judge rules candidate ineligible • Minnesota Reformer
District Court Judge Leonardo Castro on Friday ruled that Democrat Curtis Johnson did not meet the residency requirement to serve in the Minnesota House, enjoining him from receiving an election certi...
minnesotareformer.com
December 20, 2024 at 6:38 PM
Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, is the likely speaker of the House under a GOP majority. Demuth would likely remain speaker even if a special election pulls the chamber into a tie, because 68 votes would be required to vacate the speakership.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Low-income mothers lost tax refunds to tutoring companies using overseas instructors
Low-income mothers lost tax refunds to tutoring companies using overseas instructors • Minnesota Reformer
Success Tutoring and Achievers Tutoring received thousands in state funds from K-12 Education Tax Credit while paying Filipino instructors less than $5 per hour.
minnesotareformer.com
December 17, 2024 at 2:40 PM
Low-income mothers lost tax refunds to tutoring companies using overseas instructors
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Rep. Brad Tabke appears to have the votes. Now a judge will decide if that’s enough to take office.
Rep. Brad Tabke appears to have the votes. Now a judge will decide if that’s enough to take office. • Minnesota Reformer
Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee, could be one step closer to definitively winning his reelection bid after a Shakopee trial concluded Tuesday, and six of the 20 voters whose ballots were lost testified ...
minnesotareformer.com
December 17, 2024 at 9:20 PM
Rep. Brad Tabke appears to have the votes. Now a judge will decide if that’s enough to take office.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Feds serve search warrant in autism fraud investigation
Feds serve search warrant in autism fraud investigation • Minnesota Reformer
It's shaping up to be another instance of state government struggling to stop a wave of fraud that has beset a number of safety net programs in the past decade.
minnesotareformer.com
December 12, 2024 at 3:31 PM
Feds serve search warrant in autism fraud investigation
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
The GOP candidate in a razor-thin Minnesota House race filed an election contest last week — seeking a new election — after officials announced that 20 absentee ballots were likely thrown away accidentally.
Republican Aaron Paul contests Shakopee House election result, requests special election • Minnesota Reformer
The Republican candidate in a razor-thin Minnesota House race filed an election contest last week — seeking a new election — after Scott County officials announced that 20 absentee ballots were likely...
minnesotareformer.com
December 2, 2024 at 7:38 PM
The GOP candidate in a razor-thin Minnesota House race filed an election contest last week — seeking a new election — after officials announced that 20 absentee ballots were likely thrown away accidentally.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Here's a compilation of Walz’s answers to various questions from the press in the past few days, including his reflections on his time campaigning with Harris; a delayed lottery for cannabis licenses; and his thoughts on a divided Legislature.
Walz answers flurry of Minnesota press questions after months-long silence • Minnesota Reformer
Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday presented Minnesota’s Thanksgiving turkey — rather than a presidential pardon, it received a gubernatorial condemnation; the bird will be eaten — and many local reporters were...
minnesotareformer.com
November 26, 2024 at 8:54 PM
Here's a compilation of Walz’s answers to various questions from the press in the past few days, including his reflections on his time campaigning with Harris; a delayed lottery for cannabis licenses; and his thoughts on a divided Legislature.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin, whose party hasn’t lost a statewide race since his tenure began in 2011, announced on Tuesday that he’s running to lead the Democratic National Committee.
Ken Martin, longtime head of Minnesota DFL Party, announces candidacy for DNC chair • Minnesota Reformer
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin, whose party hasn’t lost a statewide race since his tenure began in 2011, announced on Tuesday that he’s running to lead the Democratic Nationa...
minnesotareformer.com
November 19, 2024 at 5:46 PM
Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin, whose party hasn’t lost a statewide race since his tenure began in 2011, announced on Tuesday that he’s running to lead the Democratic National Committee.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
I’m trying hard not to be a hater & their climate stuff is strong but I’m channeling all my j-donations to local alt-media such as @racketmn.bsky.social, @sahanjournal.bsky.social, @minnpost.bsky.social, @mnreformer.bsky.social because we need coverage decisions made outside that newsroom.
As Give to the Max Day approaches, I’m curious to get Bluesky users’ opinions’ on the @startribune.bsky.social’s Local News Fund, which solicits donations to invest in investigative and climate reporting while expanding coverage across the state.
Thoughts?
www.startribunecompany.com/donate/
Thoughts?
www.startribunecompany.com/donate/
Donate - Star Tribune Company
Support the Minnesota Star Tribune Local News Fund Support the Minnesota Star Tribune Local News Fund DONATE NOW DONATE NOW Photo by Brian Peterson Limited-Time Offer Start Now: Join Our Founders Circle and Double Your Impact Since its first day as the Minneapolis Tribune in 1867, the Minnesota Star Tribune has grown…
www.startribunecompany.com
November 19, 2024 at 2:08 PM
I’m trying hard not to be a hater & their climate stuff is strong but I’m channeling all my j-donations to local alt-media such as @racketmn.bsky.social, @sahanjournal.bsky.social, @minnpost.bsky.social, @mnreformer.bsky.social because we need coverage decisions made outside that newsroom.
Reposted by Michelle Griffith
and now @michellemgriff.bsky.social
November 15, 2024 at 8:03 PM
and now @michellemgriff.bsky.social
A firefighter, a mayor and a hypnotist: Get to know a few newly elected Minnesota lawmakers. via @mnreformer.bsky.social minnesotareformer.com/2024/11/15/t...
The newbies: Get to know a few newly elected Minnesota lawmakers. • Minnesota Reformer
Editor’s note: Over the next couple weeks, the Reformer will be introducing readers to the 22 new state House members and one new state senator. Voters on Nov. 5 elected 22 new members of the Minnesot...
minnesotareformer.com
November 15, 2024 at 5:26 PM
A firefighter, a mayor and a hypnotist: Get to know a few newly elected Minnesota lawmakers. via @mnreformer.bsky.social minnesotareformer.com/2024/11/15/t...