Legislature

BEMIDJI —Ron Kinn isn’t sure how the Turtle River town board is going to compensate for the extra snowplowing costs from this winter season. “We’re just going to have to take a look at it, and maybe we’ll have to cut back on some of our other maintenance to make it up,”...

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota House, Senate and governor’s tax plans vary in how they raise funds to cover a $627 million projected deficit and new investments. Here are some highlights from the three plans and how they compare: — Income taxes: Senate, raise third tier rate from...

ST. PAUL – Minnesota senators passed a tax plan 35-31 Monday — eventually. It took two tries, but they moved the bill forward, nearly two hours after it initially failed 34-32 with seven Democrats voting no. The second vote set the stage for legislative leaders and Gov. Mark...

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota House likely will approve a minimum wage increase later this week, after a committee Monday expanded the bill’s reach by doubling state-required parental leave for a new child. Under the amended measure by Rep Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, employers...

ST. PAUL – Gov. Mark Dayton said Minnesota should move toward cleaner energy and set a goal to eliminate power use from coal-fired plants, he told hundreds gathered at the Capitol. Those at the Monday rally pushed lawmakers to pass legislation setting solar electricity generation...

ST. PAUL -- Minnesota state representatives approved 70-64 a health-care spending bill late Monday without knowing how it would affect hospitals around the state. Most Democrats favored the bill while most Republicans opposed it. Highlighting debate was an amendment by Rep. Will Morgan,...

ST. PAUL – A decision by Minnesota State University Moorhead to make a controversial figure a visiting scholar led state senators to argue whether public colleges and universities should be allowed to host or honor terrorists. Senators adopted a provision 58-6 Wednesday requiring...

ST. PAUL – House Democrat leaders say they need to raise taxes on the richest Minnesotans’ incomes, alcohol and cigarettes to make funding top priorities possible. The extra $2.5 billion in revenue they would gain from new or expanded taxes would go to pay back state money owed...

ST. PAUL -- The sponsor of the Minnesota House public works funding bill says it would help Minnesota continue its recovery from recession. Rep. Alice Hausman, DFL-St. Paul, today unveiled House Democrats’ bill to fund construction projects such as those dealing with state-run colleges...

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A proposed state law would give underage drinkers protection from prosecution if they call 911 because of a medical emergency. Winona State and Minnesota State University are among colleges across the country that have a similar policy on campus. DFL Rep....

ST. PAUL – Here are major areas where Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton proposes borrowing money to fund public works projects: — Capitol building restoration, $109 million — Capitol area parking facility, $15.7 million — Correction facility upgrades, $50.3 million — Rehabilitation...

ST. PAUL – Minnesota would borrow money for relatively small projects, such as $775,000 to improve Clara City streets, to a massive one all Minnesotans would notice, like the planned $109 million Capitol building renovation, under the governor’s public works funding proposal....

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A leading House Democrat has introduced a bill to add the state sales tax to team jerseys and other pro sports memorabilia to help cover the state's share of the new Vikings stadium. The proposal released Monday by state Rep. Ann Lenczewski of Bloomington...

ST. PAUL -- Gov. Mark Dayton says 21,000 people would get jobs if the Legislature funds his $750 million public works project proposal. The Democratic governor said he emphasized projects that are ready to begin. They would be funded by the state selling bonds. The biggest Dayton...