News of note in Minnesota

Center events, initiatives, and policy work.

Greater Minnesota

American Experiment is making significant strides in Greater Minnesota through six volunteer chapter boards that work to address pressing community issues. Duluth, West Central, St. Cloud, Mankato, Owatonna, and Rochester each sponsor programming designed to raise awareness and provide solutions to pressing local problems.

On April 9, the Rochester chapter tackled the childcare crisis, bringing together local leaders, parents, and childcare providers to discuss solutions and strategies to improve access and affordability. Important conversations focused on reducing government regulations to increase options and lower costs for parents looking for high-quality childcare. American Experiment economist Martha Njolomole was the featured speaker.

In Duluth, the focus has been on homeownership challenges. Limited availability, high cost, and interest rates all impact the northeast Minnesota housing market. On May 27, American Experiment’s Duluth chapter hosted State Senator Eric Lucero (R-St. Michael), who led a panel of real estate agents, a mortgage lender, and a prospective buyer about the challenges they face in meeting the homeownership needs of the Northland.

By leveraging the unique perspectives and expertise of each chapter, American Experiment tailors initiatives to the specific needs of different communities, and is making a tangible impact on the lives of residents in Greater Minnesota.

American Experiment North Dakota

2025 North Dakota Legislative Session

This session marked our first year of active lobbying at the Capitol. We didn’t just show up — we made a difference. We co-authored bills, built coalitions, testified in key hearings, and earned the trust of leaders in both chambers. Our influence was felt in shaping policies across education, healthcare, tax reform, election integrity, and public safety. Here are just a few examples.

HB 2241: Charter School Establishment

We supported this successful effort to expand charter school opportunities in North Dakota. Education policy fellow Catrin Wigfall provided expert testimony in support. The bill’s passage marks real progress for school choice and innovation.

HB 1540 & SB 2303: Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)

We helped design and introduce a customized ESA plan for North Dakota developed through a year-long effort with partners like EdChoice, Americans for Prosperity, American Federation for Children, yes. every kid., and the Institute for Justice. We fought tirelessly to keep HB 1540 alive — overturning two “do not pass” recommendations on the House floor, winning key votes in Appropriations, and guiding it through conference committee. Though Gov. Kelly Armstrong ultimately vetoed it, our efforts were not in vain. Legislative leaders have already invited us to help craft the next version for 2027.

HB 1172: Distance Education Cost Shift

This bill would have reversed recent progress by shifting the cost of distance education courses from school districts to families, placing a greater burden on parents and limiting student access. American Experiment’s efforts and growing state coalition helped defeat this misguided bill.

HB 1297: Ban on Approval Voting

We backed the successful effort to prohibit approval voting, a system that allows multiple candidates to receive votes. Approval voting can complicate election outcomes and doesn’t align with the rest of North Dakota’s voting systems. Healthcare policy fellow Matt Dean provided testimony in support of this return to election clarity and accountability.

SB 2128: Truth in Sentencing Reform

Public Safety policy fellow David Zimmer testified in support of legislation that would have required violent offenders to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence. This legislation preserved judicial flexibility while increasing public safety and accountability. We continue to support these evidence-based reforms as alternatives to failed lenient sentencing models.

HB 1454: Medical Autonomy Safeguards

After HB 1391 failed, we pivoted quickly to support and improve HB 1454. We worked with legislative leaders to restore substantial House amendments during the conference committee process. HB 1454 passed both chambers and was signed by the governor.

HB 1176: Property Tax Reform & Local Spending Caps

Our “Crush and Cap” campaign promoted moving North Dakota toward two important goals: phasing out state income tax and capping local government spending growth.

HB 1176 advanced a new property tax reform policy and caps local spending at three percent. This represents real progress in shifting the tax burden away from working families.