EPISODE · Feb 3, 2026 · 43 MIN
Perry Schumacher and State Rep Mike Mostchenbacher Free Lunch Bills, Minneapolis Protests & Accountability"
from Open Range · host garyemineth
n this episode of Open Range, host Perry Schumacher sits down with North Dakota State Representative Mike Motchenbacher (District 47) for an in-depth discussion on pressing political issues facing the state and nation. The conversation begins with a detailed examination of the "free lunch" debate that dominated a recent special legislative session. Motchenbacher dismantles common misconceptions, revealing that legislators receive no meal benefits during session and that North Dakota already provides taxpayer-funded lunches to families earning up to $73,000 annually (225% of federal poverty level). He emphasizes that no child is denied a meal in North Dakota schools, questioning the necessity of spending $65 million on universal free lunch programs. The discussion shifts to the escalating situation in Minneapolis, where organized protests against federal immigration enforcement have turned violent. Motchenbacher contrasts these demonstrations with the peaceful Tea Party rallies he and Schumacher organized years ago, highlighting the stark difference in tactics. They analyze why Minneapolis officials resist federal efforts to remove criminal illegal immigrants, connecting it to voting demographics and political power—noting that 100,000 Somalis in Minneapolis represent the margin that keeps Minnesota blue. The conversation addresses the shocking invasion of a Minneapolis church by protesters, debating whether houses of worship need security plans to protect parishioners. Finally, they tackle the Trump administration's perceived lack of accountability for previous government corruption, expressing frustration that despite numerous investigations, no high-profile figures have faced consequences for alleged crimes ranging from the January 6th setup to the COVID response. Throughout, both men advocate for fact-based policy decisions over emotional reactions and call for Republicans to better communicate their achievements to voters ahead of crucial midterm elections. #NorthDakotaPolitics #ImmigrationDebate #SchoolLunchProgram #MinneapolisProtests #Trump2024
What this episode covers
n this episode of Open Range, host Perry Schumacher sits down with North Dakota State Representative Mike Motchenbacher (District 47) for an in-depth discussion on pressing political issues facing the state and nation. The conversation begins with a detailed examination of the "free lunch" debate that dominated a recent special legislative session. Motchenbacher dismantles common misconceptions, revealing that legislators receive no meal benefits during session and that North Dakota already provides taxpayer-funded lunches to families earning up to $73,000 annually (225% of federal poverty level). He emphasizes that no child is denied a meal in North Dakota schools, questioning the necessity of spending $65 million on universal free lunch programs. The discussion shifts to the escalating situation in Minneapolis, where organized protests against federal immigration enforcement have turned violent. Motchenbacher contrasts these demonstrations with the peaceful Tea Party rallies he and Schumacher organized years ago, highlighting the stark difference in tactics. They analyze why Minneapolis officials resist federal efforts to remove criminal illegal immigrants, connecting it to voting demographics and political power—noting that 100,000 Somalis in Minneapolis represent the margin that keeps Minnesota blue. The conversation addresses the shocking invasion of a Minneapolis church by protesters, debating whether houses of worship need security plans to protect parishioners. Finally, they tackle the Trump administration's perceived lack of accountability for previous government corruption, expressing frustration that despite numerous investigations, no high-profile figures have faced consequences for alleged crimes ranging from the January 6th setup to the COVID response. Throughout, both men advocate for fact-based policy decisions over emotional reactions and call for Republicans to better communicate their achievements to voters ahead of crucial midterm elections. #NorthDakotaPolitics #ImmigrationDebate #SchoolLunchProgram #MinneapolisProtests #Trump2024
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Perry Schumacher and State Rep Mike Mostchenbacher Free Lunch Bills, Minneapolis Protests & Accountability"
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