Senate passes 'parents' rights' bills

being taught in class, and would make it easier for parents to access curriculums.

Senate Democrats opposed the measure, saying it is unnecessary as parents already have curriculum access, and would create extra work for schools and teachers that are struggling with continued impacts of the pandemic in classrooms. The measure is unlikely to pass given Democratic control of the House. But expect more bills on this topic — and a lot of campaign season discussion of the issue — in the months ahead.

U.S. Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson is making the rounds on Capitol Hill ahead of her confirmation hearings, which are set to start March 21. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar met with the judge Thursday, and gave Emma Nelson her take on the upcoming confirmation process:

"I do think she's going to get some bipartisan support," Klobuchar said. The senator said they discussed, "the importance of precedent and the importance of actually understanding the lives of everyday people."

In Minneapolis, a tentative new contract would give police raises and $7,000 in incentive payments, Liz Navratil writes. It would require mental health screenings after "critical incidents" and would clarify some disciplinary language. The City Council will discuss the agreement Monday, which needs their approval. The proposed raises and incentives come as the state Legislature is considering similar measures to help recruit law enforcement.

And in the latest from the Andy Mannix and Zoë Jackson on the photos of Hennepin Healthcare employees in blackface, a Hennepin County commissioner who is on the hospital system's board called for the three employees to be fired. Commissioner Irene Fernando said the lack of immediate action from leadership is "appalling" and also called for the demotion of supervisors who were aware if the misconduct. Hennepin Healthcare CEO Jennifer DeCubellis said they took "strong action" against the employees, but did not specify what action, citing personnel data policies.

CAMPAIGNS: Sen. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, announced he will run for re-election in Senate District 12.

Itasca County Commissioner, former Nashwauk mayor and small businessman Ben DeNucci is seeking the DFL nomination for the Senate District 7 seat.

Rep. Jen Schultz, DFL-Duluth, said she will not seek re-election for House District 7A. She is in her fourth term representing the eastern half of Duluth.

Republican candidate Kathleen Fowke, a realtor who lives in Tonka Bay, announced she is running for Senate District 45 that includes the Lake Minnetonka area.

WHERE'S WALZ: There are no events or meetings on Gov. Tim Walz's public schedule today.

MNLEG: It's a relatively quiet day at the Minnesota Legislature. The House state government committee and public safety and criminal justice reform committee are meeting this morning. Full schedule here.

Yesterday there was bipartisan support in the Minnesota House for a bill that would require the Office of the Legislative Auditor to do a special review and program evaluation of the Southwest light rail line. The House passed the measure 129-1.

CONGRESS: U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is introducing a bill to prohibit Congress members from flying first class on the taxpayer's dime. "Serving your community in Congress is a privilege — but taxpayers should not foot the bill for special privileges or perks," Craig said in a statement.

READING LIST:

• Attorney General Keith Ellison's office is asking for court oversight of the dissolution of Feeding Our Future, Kelly Smith reports.
• Ryan Faircloth has a must-read story on how three embattled community college presidents left their jobs and then immediately landed high-paying administrative posts with the Minnesota State system.
• Developers of a luxury high-rise in Edina are looking for a $22 million tax subsidy, Kim Hyatt writes.
• Rachel Blount introduces us to Minnesotans competing in the Paralympics.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the spring-ish weekend — mid-40s and rain tomorrow. Seems like weather for a baking project (I keep eyeing these rolls). As always, we are here for your politics story ideas and tips, so get in touch at hotdish@startribune.com.

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