Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Caucus (DFL) Research
Legislative Role
Senate DFL Research provides three important services for DFL State Senators: Research, Media and Constituent Services. Staff members are assigned specific issue areas to follow as a researcher and are considered the internal experts on that issue for DFL Senators and staff, providing background information for constituent inquiries. Staff members are also assigned a number of DFL Senators to provide a wide range of media services. The office Director reports to the Minority Leader.
Functions and Services
Senate Minority Research provides information to constituents of DFL Senators. Examples of specific functions and services provided include:
- Research: Researchers attend committee hearings in their research areas and work closely with the DFL members of the various committees. Our internal research analyses are designed exclusively for DFL Senators and staff. We provide DFL Senators with the impact of proposed legislation, the pros and cons of implementation, and background information indicating the impact on our constituencies.
- Media: Senate Minority Research provides DFL Senators a wide range of media services including press releases, news advisories, speeches, setting up press conferences, recording radio actualities, television/cable programming, photography services and graphic design. A daily News Digest linked to state political news is distributed electronically to DFL Senators and staff.
- Constituent Services: Our office responds to constituent inquiries, assisting DFL Legislative Assistants in answering letters from constituents.
Timeline/Calendar Highlights
| Date timeline | Description |
|---|---|
| July 1 | State fiscal year begins each year, and in odd-numbered years, state fiscal biennium begins. |
| July through December | Groundwork is laid for upcoming legislative session. Ongoing budget activity, budget-related events, trends, and issues are analyzed for their fiscal policy implications. Budget divisions, committees, and legislative commissions hold special meetings to examine pending issues. |
| End of November | Department of Finance issues November Forecast of state revenues and expenditures. |
| Beginning of January | Legislature convenes, begins official budget hearings and committee hearings to discuss pertinent issues and bills. Staff drafts bills and amendments upon request of Senators. |
| Fourth Tuesday in January in odd-numbered years, or third Tuesday in February, if a new governor has just been elected | Governor issues detailed budget for following biennium. |
| Mid February | Governor issues detailed budget and policy bills for the next biennium. |
| End of February | Department of Finance issues February Forecast of state revenues and expenditures. |
| March to June | Legislature finishes committee and budget hearings, bills are debated and voted on in floor sessions, and conference committees meet to finalize bills. Governor signs or vetoes legislation. |
| Monday following third Saturday in May | Constitution mandates end of regular session. |
Staff List
| Name | Title | Office | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krista Broton | Assistant Research Director | G300 MSB | 651.296.7423 |
| Jacque Clinton | Researcher | G300 MSB | 651.296.1113 |
| Danna Elling | Researcher | G300 MSB | 651.296.7089 |
| Gloria Gunville | Researcher | G300 MSB | 651.296.9271 |
| Shannon Hunter | Media Relations Specialist | G300 MSB | 651.296.3521 |
| Craig Janezich | Researcher | G300 MSB | 651.296.7425 |
| Bailey Koch | Media Relations Specialist | G300 MSB | 651.296.3350 |
| Ryan Majerus | Researcher | G300 MSB | 651.296.0178 |
| Elizabeth Stein | Researcher | G300 MSB | 651.296.7422 |
| Cassie Tommerdahl | Legislative Assistant | G300 MSB | 651.296.4113 |
| Skyler Vilt | Media Relations Specialist | G300 MSB | 651.296.1939 |
| Jackie Wegleitner | Director Research | G300 MSB | 651.296.0475 |