News of Note in Minnesota
Center events, initiatives, and policy work.
Freedom Rally
Hundreds of Minnesotans converged at the State Capitol on April 4 to rally for freedom at American Experiment’s “Stop the Madness” event. Speakers included American Experiment policy fellows, legislative leaders, and public policy leaders. American Experiment President John Hinderaker led the crowd gathered in the Rotunda in chants of “It’s our surplus, give it back!” The sound echoed throughout the building and drifted into the Senate and House chambers, where members were meeting for the last time before their spring break.
Annual Dinner
On Friday, May 12, American Experiment hosted its Annual Dinner at the Hilton Minneapolis hotel. Dennis Prager, one of the leading thinkers in American public life, long-time radio host, author, and founder of the Prager University Foundation, delivered the keynote address. He also introduced PragerU’s Amala Ekpunobi, a 21-year-old former leftist and now a podcasting and social media expert. Of the event, Center President John Hinderaker remarked, “It’s the biggest conservative event every year in the state of Minnesota. Dennis Prager being our keynote speaker at our annual dinner speaks to the intellectual, cultural, and political stakes at play not only in this state but across the country. American Experiment has always been at the forefront of the fight, and tonight really emphasizes that.”
American Experiment’s Impact Video, shown during the dinner, highlights the influence the Center and its policy fellows have had on state policy. State senators and representatives, as well as average Minnesotans, are featured discussing the important work being done in a crucial time of change for the state. The five-minute video can be viewed on American Experiment’s website (AmericanExperiment.org/multimedia).
Beyond the Metro
A crowd of over 100 attendees was on hand Thursday evening, June 15, at The Cactus Event Center in Perham to celebrate the inauguration of American Experiment’s West Central Minnesota chapter. As part of American Experiment’s commitment to turning positive, conservative-minded ideas into reality for every Minnesotan, the expanding Greater Minnesota chapters have been crucial. Micah Olson, the Center’s Greater Minnesota outreach director, says, “The purpose of these chapters is to amplify our reach in every corner of the state. We have five chapters so far. Each one is tasked with growing our networking and providing leadership in their area to represent the Center.”
American Experiment President John Hinderaker was the featured speaker delivering remarks about the devastating effects of the 2023 legislative session and about how the Center is fighting to restore Minnesota’s future through sound public policy and grassroots activism. Ben Anderson leads the West Central chapter, which covers Alexandria, Fergus Falls, Perham, Ottertail, and Detroit Lakes.
Summer tour
Over the next two months, American Experiment policy experts will visit nearly 20 cities across the state, unpacking the 2023 legislative session and pointing out common-sense solutions for Minnesota’s slow (but steady) climb back to sanity. Participants will enjoy a broad overview of the session from American Experiment policy fellows and speakers who will also answer questions about how the legislature impacted policies including economy, public safety, energy, education, and more. An event schedule is posted on American Experiment’s website, along with featured speakers and topics at each venue. New t-shirts will also be available for purchase featuring our “Stay & Fight” initiative based on Center Economist John Phelan’s article, which can be found in this issue. Go to AmericanExperiment.org/Events for tour dates, times, and locations.
New initiative
Farmers throughout Minnesota asked for American Experiment’s help in calling attention to the folly of wind and solar covering productive farmland. As a result, American Experiment launched a billboard campaign pointing out, “Wind and solar are not the answer.” Liberal energy policies are causing farmers throughout Minnesota to be bombarded by wind and solar companies eager to cash in on lucrative federal subsidies by building wind turbines and solar panels on prime farmland.