Minnesota’s newest member of Congress takes office; funeral services for longtime state lawmaker

January 03, 2025

TLDR: Kelly Morrison starts as Minnesota's newest Congress member replacing Dean Phillips in the 3rd District. Funeral services are held for longtime state Rep. Mary Murphy, longest serving woman in Minnesota House and 2nd-longest serving legislator. Minnesota Frost beat Boston Fleet 4-3 in overtime in a hockey game.

Minnesota Today

In this episode of the podcast hosted by Phil Picardi, the focus is on significant political changes in Minnesota and a heartfelt tribute to a veteran lawmaker.

Key Takeaways

New Congressional Appointment:
Kelly Morrison officially joins Congress, filling the seat for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District. She takes over from fellow Democrat Dean Phillips, who chose not to run again. Morrison, a doctor and former state senator, expresses a desire for political practices that emphasize active listening to constituents and collaborative problem-solving.
Background on Kelly Morrison:
Kelly Morrison previously represented the Western suburbs as a state senator. Her medical career shapes her approach to governance, advocating for a more patient-centered dialogue between legislators and the public.
Minnesota's Legislative Landscape:
Aside from Kelly Morrison, Minnesota’s House delegation ranges in experience from two terms to twelve. This diversity in congressional tenure may shape the dynamics in Washington as these representatives work together.

Honoring a Legislative Legacy

The episode also pays tribute to longtime state Representative Mary Murphy, who recently passed away at the age of 85. Murphy holds the distinction of being the longest-serving woman in the Minnesota House and the second-longest serving legislator overall. Her contributions to Minnesota politics and her impact on the local community are remembered profoundly.

Funeral Services:
Murphy's funeral services are held today, reflecting on her enduring legacy and service.

Political Updates

Special Elections on the Horizon

Minneapolis Senate Seat:
A special primary election is scheduled for January 14, 2024, to fill a Senate seat vacated by the late Carrie Deedsick. The election will feature eight Democrats and two Republicans, with the Democratic candidates favored due to party registration. The primary results will lead to a special election on January 28.

Legislative Reactions and Investigations

Sanford Health Investigation:
The podcast discusses a state investigation into Sanford Health, which was found to have violated conditions of the Women’s Economic Security Act. This reinforces the importance of fair workplace accommodations for pregnant employees and parental leave policies.

Other Notable Events

Traffic Incident:
A tragic incident occurred when a St. Louis Park man was charged with criminal vehicular homicide after hitting two pedestrians, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to another.

Sports Highlights

Gopher Football:
The Gopher football team faces Virginia Tech in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Professional Sports:
The Minnesota Wild played a thrilling game against the Washington Capitals, securing a victory after a shootout. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Frost triumphed over the Boston Fleet in an exciting overtime matchup.

Weather Report

Forecasts indicate cold temperatures throughout Minnesota, with highs ranging from below 0°F in the north to around 15°F in the south. Expect clear skies but frigid conditions, emphasizing the need for winter preparedness.

Conclusion

This episode encapsulates a pivotal moment in Minnesota's political landscape with the swearing-in of Kelly Morrison and the remembrance of Mary Murphy's contributions. These developments set the stage for ongoing legislative dialogues and community engagement in the coming weeks.

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