>>OIG Bill Clears Another Hurdle
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill to create a statewide Office of Inspector General in Minnesota is moving forward after clearing its final House committee. Matt Norris, a DFL lawmaker from Blaine and the bill’s author, says a key compromise delays the creation of a separate law enforcement agency. Instead, the new office would initially work with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to investigate fraud. The proposed watchdog agency would oversee fraud prevention statewide, with an estimated startup cost of about $16 million. Norris says investing now could save taxpayer dollars in the long run.
The bill now heads to the House floor, and would need to pass both chambers again before becoming law, though supporters say it has bipartisan backing.
>>Senate Tax Bill Aims to Lower Property Taxes
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota Senate tax bill aimed at lowering property taxes is moving forward, offering more than $100 million in relief. Lawmakers say that could mean about $171 in savings for most residents. Grant Hauschild, a DFL state senator from Hermantown, says the measure is meant to ease the burden as rising costs are passed down to property owners. The proposal also includes funding for Hennepin Healthcare, tax relief for farmers, and a new tax on the largest social media platforms. DFL Senator Ann Rest of New Hope says that the tax would generate millions without directly impacting residents. The bill now heads to the full Senate, while a similar measure in the House is still being worked on in committee.
>>Housing Advocates Push to Extend State’s Housing Credit
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota housing advocates and lawmakers are pushing to extend the state’s housing tax credit program beyond its 2028 expiration. Elizabeth Glidden, executive director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership, says the program has been successful and should be expanded to ensure it reaches communities statewide and works alongside other housing efforts. The program allows individuals and businesses to contribute between $1,000 and $2 million toward affordable housing projects and receive a tax credit worth 85 percent of that investment. Republican Representative Spencer Igo, of Wabana Township, is leading the effort at the Capitol, saying increasing housing options helps improve affordability and stability across Minnesota. Since launching in 2023, the program has generated about $42 million in contributions, supporting more than 100 housing projects statewide.
>>Rep. Craig Criticizes Passage of Skinny Farm Bill
Congresswoman Angie Craig is criticizing a Republican-backed “skinny farm bill” passed by the House, saying it falls short for farmers and working families. Craig says rising costs, from fuel to groceries, are already straining Americans, and argues the bill does nothing to address high input costs, lost markets, or food prices. She also raised concerns about tariffs, global conflict, and cuts to food assistance worsening economic pressures. However, Craig says Democrats were able to block a provision that would have protected pesticide companies from legal liability. She’s now urging the Senate to work in a bipartisan way to pass a comprehensive five-year farm bill that better supports farmers and consumers.
>>Rep. Omar Disapproves of the Proposed 70 Billion Increase in Funding for ICE
(Washington, D.C.) — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is speaking out against a proposed $70 billion increase in funding for immigration enforcement agencies. The Minnesota Democrat criticized the House Republican-backed budget resolution, accusing federal agents of “inhumane” and “reprehensible” actions tied to recent operations in her district, including what’s known as Operation Metro Surge. That operation has drawn national attention following the fatal shootings of two Minnesota residents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during enforcement actions earlier this year, incidents that remain under investigation and have sparked protests and legal battles over accountability. Omar argues increasing funding would worsen conditions on the ground, while House Republicans say the proposal is part of broader budget priorities. The resolution passed on a party-line vote, but does not directly fund the Department of Homeland Security.
>>Minnesota Receives Average Grade for Infrastructure
(St. Paul, MN) – A new report card on Minnesota infrastructure that includes water, transportation, bridges, and roads gives the state a “C” grade. The report card by the Minnesota Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers studied 11 different categories. Minnesota’s best grade was a B- for aviation and public parks, but lower than average grades for drinking water and roads. The organization says the state has made some progress, but without constant funding, these improvements may only be temporary.
>>Emergency Closures Across Parts of Superior National Forest
(Duluth, MN) — Heavy rain and melting snow have forced emergency closures across parts of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. The U.S. Forest Service says washouts have made several forest roads unsafe, prompting closures in the Gunflint, Kawishiwi, and Tofte ranger districts. Roads impacted include sections near Grand Marais, Ely, and along the Cross River. Officials say recreation sites and campgrounds are still expected to open this weekend, and access to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points remains open for now. Visitors are urged to use caution, as water levels and road conditions continue to change, and to check for updates before traveling.
