Over the decades, MPR has presented the many different perspectives of Minnesota politics and politicians. This collection is home to a multitude speeches, interviews and debates on the issues of the day. Important topics of civil rights, environment, crime, budget, legislation, and campaigns are addressed.
Click on link to these well-known figures to see audio segments directly related to them: Michele Bachmann Arne Carlson Keith Ellison Hubert Humphrey Amy Klobuchar Eugene McCarthy Walter Mondale Tim Pawlenty R.T. Rybak Jesse Ventura Paul Wellstone
February 26, 2019 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on DFL Governor Tim Walz’s release of a $1.3 billion package of public construction projects that he says makes crucial investments across the state. The largest parts of the borrowing plan are for transportation and higher education, but Walz put a special emphasis on spending he wants for affordable housing.
March 5, 2019 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports that DFL Governor Tim Walz signed his first two bills, and he suggested the bipartisan agreements could be a model for the rest of the session. Despite frequent calls for “early wins,” lawmakers took two months to put legislation on the new governor’s desk. Neither Walz nor top legislative leaders were sounding disappointed.
April 4, 2019 - MPR News Presents Governor Tim Walz's first 'State of the State' address. MPR political editor Mike Mulcahy hosts the broadcast and MPR political reporters Brian Bakst and Tim Pugmire interview key lawmakers after the address. Walz highlighted education, transportation, and healthcare.
April 4, 2019 - MPR’s Brian Bakst breaks down Governor Tim Walz’s first State of the State address. Walz aimed to connect everyday Minnesotans with the policies he’s pursuing in his initial year in office. Faced with the nation's only divided party Legislature, Walz implored lawmakers to put common purpose ahead of partisan ideology.
April 5, 2019 - On this episode of MPR News with Angela Davis, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy talks with DFL Governor Tim Walz about his term so far and how he'll seek agreement with lawmakers on the state's next two-year budget. Walz also answers listener questions.
May 29, 2019 - MPR’s Brian Bierschbach interviews Governor Tim Walz as he prepares to sign an education bill that tops 20 billion dollars, with more budget bill signatures coming. Walz says he believes the state budget moves Minnesota forward even though he had to leave some priorities behind.
October 14, 2019 - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan issued a proclamation declaring it Indigenous Peoples' Day in Minnesota. Several cities, including St. Paul and Minneapolis, celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day. Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Nation and the first Indigenous statewide elected official, spoke to people celebrating at Indian Mounds Park.
January 2, 2020 - Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan have been friends for nearly 15 years after meeting at a training session. Back then, Flanagan was an elected officeholder and Walz wasn't. Here's the story of how their unique partnership developed, in their own words.
June 6, 2023 - On this segment of ChangeMaker series, MPR’s Nina Moini interviews Davin Sokup, the first trans man elected to office in greater Minnesota. Sokup, 36, has served Northfield as an at-large council representative since January 2023. Sokup speaks to getting involved in public service and for people to begin dialog with a trans individual to better understand each other.