MCA Announces Hiring of New Lobbying Firm

Exciting News!

To find the best possible lobbyists to represent the arts at the capitol, a group of dedicated board members and organizational representatives worked on your behalf through a thorough and thoughtful hiring process.

The staff and board at Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is pleased to announce the hiring of the highly reputable lobbying firm Winthrop & Weinstine with lead lobbyist Joseph Bagnoli. Winthrop & Weinstine and Joe Bagnoli have a long history of success at the Capitol and are looking forward to supporting and representing the arts at the Capitol. Winthrop will also be working with Former Senator and Legacy Champion Richard Cohen who will be working on special relationships and outreach.

The team at Winthrop and Weinstine is passionate about supporting the arts, and access to the arts for our communities. Winthrop & Weinstine has been a repeated sponsor of arts events, and members of the firm have been involved on arts and culture boards throughout the state and country. In addition, included in their firm are a former professional opera singer, a classically trained pianist, a bagpipe band drummer, a painter, among others.

The role of lobbyist at MCA is to represent MCA’s legislative agenda at the Legislature and to advocate directly with legislators for the arts. The lobbyists will work directly with our staff, board and community on strategy and talking points and will continue to protect, defend, and increase arts funding and arts policy throughout the state. They will also help to lay the groundwork for a successful renewal of the Legacy amendment as the sunset date approaches.

More information on our team:

Joseph T. Bagnoli is an attorney and has worked as a lobbyist since 2002. His practice consists primarily of representing clients before the Minnesota legislature, state administrative and regulatory agencies, and local governments. Prior to becoming a lobbyist, he served as a Senior Policy Advisor to Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura. Joe has represented Visit Saint Paul, the Minnesota State Fair, and a variety of other business and non-profit organizations. He has a range of relationships which are relevant to this representation.

Tom Hanson joined Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.’s legislative & regulatory practice after serving as the Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) from 2006 to 2010. Tom’s experience working in both the minority and majority at the legislature, including eight years in administration, four in government office and four running a state finance agency, gives him a unique perspective of the full spectrum of government activities. Tom Hanson has also previously represented MCA when there were conflicts of interest from our previous lobbyists.

Haley D. Cobb has held numerous roles in the political arena since 2017, including most recently as Finance Director of Walz for Governor, the re-election campaign for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. She also previously served as Legislative Assistant to Rep. Melissa Hortman, the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her experience includes leading fundraising efforts, coordinating meetings with elected officials and community leaders, extensive issue research, and planning, managing, and executing grassroots organization programs.

Andrea Rau has 20 years of lobbying experience, which has given her the opportunity to develop strong relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle. She has a deep understanding of the political environment, and has drafted legislation, lobbied legislators and staff, and ushered legislation through the legislative process. This includes finding authors, securing hearings and floor votes, testifying, and using her understanding of the legislative process to benefit her client.

Richard Cohen served in the Minnesota State Legislature for 44 years and was the leader behind the creation and passage of the Legacy Amendment. Former Senator Cohen is/has been a board member of multiple arts organizations in the state of Minnesota.

Minnesota State Arts Board Seeks Advisors

The Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) wants to hear from you! Your voice and perspective are important.

• Do you ever wonder who applies for Minnesota State Arts Board grants?
• Have you ever thought about applying for a grant from the Arts Board, but you don't have a lot of experience writing grant proposals?
• Do you love the arts and would like to know more about activities taking place all across the state?
• Have you wondered how the board decides which applicants receive funding?

Click the link box below to learn more about becoming an MSAB advisor and apply today!

Learn more about being an MSAB Advisor!