Hosted
February 2nd, 2022
Duration
58:43
Speakers
Kirsten Christopherson, President of Christopherson Advocates, and her team briefed participants on expectations for the 2022 Minnesota state legislative session. The state has a projected $7.7 billion budget surplus. What will be the priorities of Governor Walz, House Democrats, and Senate Republicans? Bonding bills are typically on the agenda for even-numbered years. What might the bonding debate look like this year? In addition, 2022 is an election year. How will the election impact the priorities of legislative leaders and Governor Walz? Will retirements be significant this year? Will the legislature get its job done prior to adjournment or will another special session be needed? Kirsten discussed these and more. The webinar will allow ample time for Q&A, it is free, and everyone is invited to participate.
Speakers
Kirsten Christopherson
Kirsten Christopherson has over two decades of legal and government relations experience. She served in the public sector as a staff member with the Minnesota Legislature and as an Unemployment Law Judge for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Most recently, Kirsten worked at Libby Law Office, overseeing a multitude of government relations clients’ legislative efforts. Additionally, she was with Ward Einess Strategies, LLC providing strategic planning and government relations services for a variety of large corporate and non-profit clients, practiced law in St. Paul with the firm of Richard D. Hawke Attorney at Law, and served at the Minneapolis-based Winthrop & Weinstine with a focus on government relations. Kirsten’s legal expertise is in the areas of business formations, regulatory work, business transactions, estate planning, and real estate law, which has been a significant advantage in her work as a lobbyist. She maintains her licenses in Minnesota and Illinois, and while she no longer practices law, that strategic and methodical prowess guides her approach to government relations. Kirsten’s focus when lobbying is being a leader who can work collaboratively with others to maximize results for her clients. She excels at identifying important issues, analyzing options, and finding creative solutions to problems for her corporate and non-profit clients. When the Legislature is in session, she works extensively with the Jobs, Education, Tax, Capital Investment, Commerce, Public Safety, State Government, and Veterans Affairs committees. Kirsten has a proven track record securing funding for a series of nonprofit clients, which is a source of pride for her. She enjoys teaching her clients about effective advocacy and believes that to be a key element to client success.