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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
Hayley Bloom Peterson Researcher 1300 MSB 651.296.2156
Krista Broton Director of Majority Research and Communications 1300 MSB 651.296.7423
Felicia Brown Digital Strategist 1300 MSB 651.296.4167
Jacquelyn Clinton Assistant Director of Majority Research 1300 MSB 651.296.1113
Ryan Featherstone Media Relations Specialist 1300 MSB 651.296.0475
William Freeman Researcher 1300 MSB 651.296.7425
Daniel Gillis Researcher 1300 MSB 651.296.7422
Salena Koster Assistant Director of Majority Communications 1300 MSB 651.296.5308
Ryan Majerus Researcher 1300 MSB 651.296.0178
Bahea Manasra Media Relations Specialist 1300 MSB 651.296.3521
Mike Mullen Majority Associate Press Secretary 1300 MSB 651.296.5968
Nate Pasko Researcher 1300 MSB 651.296.7089
Amanda Pedersen Researcher 1300 MSB 651.296.5607
Emily Spiteri Researcher 1300 MSB 651.296.5922
Eden Teller Media Relations Specialist 1300 MSB 651.296.6436
Cassie Tommerdahl Researcher 1300 MSB 651.296.9271
Skyler Vilt Media Relations Specialist 1300 MSB 651.296.1939
Jack Vinck Legislative Assistant 1300 MSB 651.296.4113
Jess Yeganeh Media Relations Specialist 1300 MSB 651.296.6996