Minnesota Legislative Exchange

The Minnesota Legislative Exchange is a first-in-the-nation effort to build trust and bipartisan relationships in state legislatures. As Minnesota’s leading nonpartisan nonprofit focused on civic engagement and public policy solutions, Citizens League is proud to lead this important effort, intentionally forging new relationships to bridge divides and govern our state effectively.

Why?

Minnesota has a long history of divided government. In recent decades, however, political acrimony and distrust has been growing around the halls of the State Capitol and around the state as our communities and national politics have become more polarized and divisive.

How?

The MLE will pair one legislator with another from the opposite political party to visit each other’s districts, with special emphasis on identifying dissimilar districts, including geography, culture, politics, community demographics, etc.

Citizens League will work with host legislators to design itineraries that showcase unique experiences, industries, businesses and community leadership in the district. Itineraries will typically last 12-36 hours, and may include – but are not limited to – tours, roundtable conversations, and meetings with local civic and community leaders. The MLE aspires to nurture real, authentic connections and trust across differences.

Guiding Principles:

  • Trust must intentionally be built across the aisle as a precursor to solving problems.
  • Legislators must listen to one another and understand what motivates and concerns their colleagues.
  • A shared experience based on close personal interactions can help bring state legislators together, identify shared values and goals, and find ways to work together on behalf of the people of Minnesota.

Goals

  1. Identifying policy issues of local, regional and state importance that legislators may be able to work on together and find bipartisan solutions
  2. Encouraging and fostering deeper connections, relationships and trust with legislators and key civic and community leaders across the state
  3. Learning and hearing about local challenges and opportunities that may not be as well understood or known in different parts of the state

The first legislative pairings in 2025 will include:

  • Representatives Dave Baker (R-Willmar) and Mary Frances Clardy (D-Inver Grove Heights)
  • Representatives Sandra Feist (D-New Brighton) and Bernie Perryman (R-St. Augusta)

Additional pairings are expected later this year.

Questions and comments on this project can be directed to the Citizens League office at [email protected]