MN House Reps Liz Reyer (52A) & Bianca Virnig (52B)
(6-28-2024)   [Steve Francisco]

The 2024 session of the Minnesota Legislature produced significant legislation that will affect Minnesotans for years to come, from increased aid to education, new protections for patients with medical debt, protecting reproductive freedom, strengthening gun laws, and more.

In this joint interview, Representatives Liz Reyer, District 52A, and Bianca Virnig, District 52B, sit down with host Steve Francisco to discuss what was accomplished this session and what did not pass this year and why, most notably a biennial bonding bill.

Learn more about how these legislators’ work in St. Paul to represent the concerns of their constituents.

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Sen. Jim Carlson, MN Senate District 52
(6-28-2024)   [Steve Francisco]

Senator Jim Carlson returns to Access to Democracy with host Steve Francisco to offer his perspectives on what was accomplished in the 2024 session of the Minnesota Legislature.

Protecting access to health care and affordable prescription drugs, protecting womens’ health and reproductive rights, and passing new legislation to strengthen penalties for so-called straw purchasers of guns and banning binary triggers were a few of the top priorities that passed the Senate, House, and were signed into law by Governor Walz.

Senator Carlson explains why a supermajority requirement was one obstacle to passing a bonding bill to put Minnesotans to work.

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Russ Matthys, Director of Public Works, City of Eagan
(6-14-2024)   [Bill Raker]

If you have ever wondered what a city’s “Department of Public Works” is responsible for and the critical role it has in making life safe, healthful, and enjoyable for the residents and businesses, then here’s your opportunity to learn all about it.

In and interview with host Bill Raker Russ Matthys, Director of Public Works, City of Eagan, MN, shares how “public works” works. You’ll be amazed at the comprehensiveness and complexity of the planning, designing, implementing, and maintaining of public infrastructures. Russ tells us how he does it, how much it costs, and what it means to get it right.

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Jeff Sheridan
(6-14-2024)   [Alan Miller]

Jeff Sheridan is the founding partner of the Eagan law firm Sheridan, Dulas and Kins, which specializes in criminal and family law.

Jeff has long been known for his slogan: “I don’t judge you. I don’t lecture you. I defend you. Period.” He has been recognized as one of the best lawyers in America in the field of criminal law by a national magazine. He and Randall Kins specialize in criminal defense, and protecting Constitutional rights.

DeAnne Dulas, who started as a clerk in the firm, has risen to become recognized as one of the best female lawyers in the State in domestic and family law.

The firm just became one of the Access to Democracy sponsors.

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Colleen Feller, Theresa Back, & Lorenzo Galindez
(5-24-2024)   [Bill Raker]

The annual Future City Competition (FCC) gives middle school students hands-on experience in learning about planning, designing, constructing, and operating a city of the future. Host Bill Raker brings the show to ATD with his three guests. Hear perspectives of the FCC program as Minnesota Coordinator Colleen Feller, explains the FCC’s history, objectives and process. Then classroom teacher and FCC coach, Theresa Back, talks about her role guiding the student team through the project.

Finally, seventh-grade student, Lorenzo Galindez, shares what he has experienced and learned in being on a project team for two years in the FCC. Lorenzo shows us and demonstrates his team’s prize-winning model city — a first for Access to Democracy program!

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