Governor Tim Walz is pushing lawmakers to approve an insulin assistance program, but also indicated this week he’d like to call a special session to pass a bonding bill for state public works projects. Walz says, “Understanding very clearly that was the prerogative of the minority specifically not to bring that forward, but I think […]
Top veterans official in Goodhue County resigns amid sex harassment allegations
A top Goodhue County official overseeing veterans’ benefits has resigned after several women accused him of inappropriate conduct at a mid-April conference in Mankato, reports the Star Tribune. Lyman “Robby” Robinson, former mayor of Cannon Falls, was a county veterans service officer. Goodhue County also reportedly settled a complaint in 2014 after Robinson’s assistant filed […]
U-of-M President Kaler gets pushback on tuition increase proposal
Outgoing U-of-M President Eric Kaler is defending his proposal to increase undergraduate tuition amid objections from some members of the Board of Regents and a vote set for next Wednesday. Kaler argues raising tuition two-and-a-half percent on the Twin Cities campus and one-and-a-half percent at U-M-D, Crookston, Morris and Rochester is part of “a responsible […]
High-ranking Trump administration official will get input from MN ag producers, others
Those involved in Minnesota’s agriculture industry have a chance next Tuesday morning (6/18) in Saint Paul to address their concerns to a top ag official in the Trump administration, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Minnesota native Steve Censky. Tamara Nelsen with the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council, which is sponsoring the forum, says, “He was interested in […]
Walz pushing state lawmakers to address insulin affordability in MN
Governor Tim Walz continues pushing lawmakers to agree on making insulin more affordable for Minnesotans with diabetes, after deal fell apart in the closing hours of the legislative session — some say due to pressure by drug manufacturers. The governor is asking legislators to “come together, get close to a compromise, get that deal that’ll […]
Advocates accuse Senate GOP of caving to lobbyists on insulin program
Advocates say an agreement to make insulin affordable for all Minnesotans with diabetes fell apart at the end of the legislative session under pressure by drug manufacturers — and Quinn Nystrom with the group “Minnesota Insulin for All” accuses Senate Republicans of caving. She says, “I think this sort of lackadaisical kind of attitude about, […]
White House approves disaster declaration for 51 MN counties, 4 tribal govts
Governor Tim Walz says the White House has approved a major disaster declaration that will make federal funds available to 51 Minnesota counties and four tribal governments. It’s in response to widespread major flooding, blizzards and gale-force winds earlier this year that are estimated to have caused 40 million dollars in damage to infrastructure. The […]
Associate Justice David Lillehaug stepping down from MN Supreme Court, cites health reasons
Associate Justice David Lillehaug plans to step down from the Minnesota Supreme Court in about a year, citing a diagnosis of early stage Parkinson’s disease and saying he wants more time for travel and outdoor activities with his wife. Governor Tim Walz says Lillehaug has spent a lifetime serving Minnesota and the U-S, and has […]
Price of insulin is focus of State Capitol roundtable hosted by Gov. Walz
Make insulin affordable for all Minnesotans living with diabetes, said advocates at today’s State Capitol roundtable convened by Governor Tim Walz. Quinn Nystrom with the group Minnesota Insulin for All says without better access, “People are going to die in the state of Minnesota. There’s no sugar-coating that. We will have more deaths in the […]
Walz, Flanagan host roundtable discussion on insulin prices
The price of insulin is the focus as Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan host a roundtable discussion at the State Capitol this morning (10am). A bill to set up a statewide insulin assistance program died in the closing hours of the special legislative session. Some say it was miscommunication while others blame […]