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GMNP Update - April 2, 2026 |
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GMNP WEEKLY UPDATE |
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Dear GMNP Members,
This week at the Legislature was a quiet one with lawmakers on their Easter/Passover break. Many lawmakers had events in-district to connect with constituents before they return to the Capitol on April 7th for the last dash to complete the work of the 2026 legislative session by May 18th. The Legislature has only successfully passed four fairly minor bills this legislative session, with most of their anticipated work still to be accomplished before they adjourn.
Best,
Darielle Dannen Executive Director, Greater Minnesota Partnership |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BUSINESS OF CHILDCARE - CHILD CARE HOUSE |
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(Above) Business of Child Care Director of Development Services Tricia Andrews (left) and Brooke Garvey (right), the founder and caregiver at Tinny Roots child care in Mapleton. |
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With the legislative break upon us, I wanted to share a bit about a visit I had to a successful community-driven child care solution in Mapleton with GMNP member Business of Child Care - Child Care House right before the legislative session started.
Mapleton Mayor Jeff Annis partnered with Business of Childcare, the Mapleton EDA, and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (also a GMNP member) to support the development of this child care solution. They developed an 800-square-foot house that is child care ready and is able to accommodate 8-12 children. I was able to join the whole team in February for a celebration of their efforts. Tinny Roots founder and caregiver Brooke Garvey was on hand as well to talk about her experience starting this child care program in this Mapleton space.
It was an inspiring night, and it’s definitely worth connecting with the team at Business of Child Care about the work they do supporting child care solutions in Greater Minnesota. |
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(Above, from left to right) Mapleton Mayor Jeff Annis, GMNP Executive Director Darielle Dannen, and Business of Child Care Director of Development Services Tricia Andrews. |
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SIGNIFICANT UPCOMING HEARINGS |
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Wednesday 4/8/26 Additional hearings are likely to be posted throughout the week. |
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KEY BILLS WE'RE WATCHING |
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HEARINGS |
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If you are interested in watching a hearing, most hearings will be viewable online and the easiest way to find the link is to visit the Legislature’s website here and click on the day you’d like to watch a hearing. Then you will be able to click on the committee and the links to the hearing broadcast. Many of the hearings can be found on YouTube as well in the respective Senate and House YouTube channels. |
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COMMITTEE DEADLINES / KEY DATES |
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Legislative Breaks:
Committee Deadlines:
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MONTHLY LEGISLATIVE DEBRIEF SESSIONS |
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If you found this update helpful and are interested in learning more, make sure you join GMNP's monthly Legislative Debrief Sessions!
Each debrief session will feature a Capitol activity update, a review of GMNP’s policy priorities, and an open dialogue with GMNP Executive Director Darielle Dannen to hear your insights, feedback, and opportunities for increased involvement during the 2026 legislative session. These sessions are meant to be informal discussion-based conversations among GMNP members. Sessions will take place on the last Friday of each month during the legislative session (with the exception of May). All meetings will be held virtually via Zoom from 12:00pm-1:00pm.
Visit GMNP's event calendar on our website for details and registration. |
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CONTACT & CONNECT |
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Darielle Dannen, Executive Director (651) 259-1908
Emma Nelson, Membership & Operations (651) 259-1936
Alex Wildfang, Media & Communications (651) 259-1917
Visit us online at www.gmnp.org |
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The Greater Minnesota Partnership advocates for public policies and investments that stimulate prosperity throughout Greater Minnesota. |
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Copyright © 2026 Flaherty & Hood, P.A., All rights reserved. |