Good morning. Playoff hockey is back in town today and playoff hoops is on tap for tomorrow with the start times a bit more respectful to those with early tuck-ins.

There are bills that punch above their weight, or what are sometimes called talkers. One of them is now among a batch of the newest laws. Gov. Tim Walz signed a liquor bill yesterday that makes clear nursing and assisted living home residents can tip one back together. Yes, the so-called “Granny Happy Hour” bill. Basically, some facilities worried they’d run afoul of liquor laws if they served liquor without an intoxicating liquor license. The law clarifies that they can do it without a license, only a notification. "Living in a nursing home or assisted living facility should not mean giving up everyday freedoms,” Walz said in announcing the law while missing the opportunity for a themed photo-op signing ceremony. Also, they can’t sell booze and the events must be conducted primarily for residents or their guests. So don’t consider this to be giving the green light to those Red Solo Cup house parties of the kind seen on college campuses. And if things do get a little out of hand, the law specifies that regulators or peace officers can inspect them. Criminal laws associated with liquor would still apply as well. There are several other liquor licenses approved – for food halls, college campuses, theaters, golf courses and more in the bill that’s now law.

The well-traveled Gov. Tim Walz popped into a quick meeting yesterday with legislative leaders between international travel, national television appearances and new political activity. Walz said leaders got primed by state budget experts about Minnesota’s budget landscape ahead of conversations about where lawmakers might spend a slim budget surplus in touch-up budget bills this year and in a public construction projects bill. “It'll be tough in the next few weeks, because we're going to have to come to some decisions,” he told reporters. He said he’ll prioritize putting the state into a fiscally stable position with any new spending bills. Like legislative leaders involved in the meetings, he said top concerns for this session should include a capital investment bill, budget support for safety net hospital HCMC and anti-fraud measures. He also said that while proposals to offer property tax relief may be well intended, it will be a heavy lift this year given the state’s tight budget. “I don't think you'll probably get anything tackled around that, but some of these things are conversations that will eventually get there,” he said.  The governor is heading out to California today to fundraise with Democratic governors and candidates and join late night host Jimmy Kimmel on his show. He spoke at a summit on progressive policymaking in Barcelona over the weekend.

Minnesota lawmakers are feeling pressure to finally find a solution to rising health care costs for school employees in rural areas. They’re considering proposals to create health insurance pools for school employees statewide, which could result in lower costs due to the power of combined purchasing. As Molly Castle Work reports, the bill has bipartisan backing and 40 sponsors . It’s written as a “hold harmless” proposition, meaning the new plan shouldn’t cost school districts any more than what they’re already paying. Instead the state would be expected to supplement any gaps in coverage. Eric Teders, a junior high math teacher and union president in Waseca, said a majority of states already do it. “As good as Minnesota is in education, we are behind the eight ball on this,” Teders said. The proposal is far from a sure thing as lawmakers limit their spending this session and weigh it against competing demands. But school employees say something has to be done at some point. 

Candidate filing comes right on the heels of the Legislature’s conclusion. As in, the opening day arrives the day after the May 18 adjournment. The Secretary of State’s Office has gone live with its how-to guide for the various offices on the ballot. The upshot is state and federal candidates have until June 2 to get their paperwork and fees in (which are waived if they’re filing by petition drive). Local office candidates have a bit longer to get their names on the ballot, with a late-July filing window for nonpartisan offices. New this year: State and local candidates are required by law to provide a photo ID and proof of residence (that’s tripped prior lawmakers and candidates up). 

Election preparations and efforts by the federal government to monitor or change voting procedures this November will remain an important story line to follow. Yesterday, Angela Davis spoke with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and a national election expert, Jennifer Morrell, about that. Simon, a DFLer who is seeking a fourth term this year, said he is working with the Attorney General’s Office on court steps that could be required if there are sudden federal changes. “We are ready to go to court on a moment's notice,” Simon said. He also said he’s asked a lot lately if federal agents could be positioned at polling places; they can’t, nor can local law enforcement that isn’t affirmatively called in to address disturbances. Morrell, who is an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota, talked about the rarity of illegal voting, but noted that even casting aspersions on the fairness of elections can have a detrimental effect on voters. “We want them to come and participate, and when they hear repeatedly that they can't trust the system, certainly that's going to have an impact on participation,” she said. Hear the full program here.