The Minnesota House voted (79-53) to pass a bill requiring that Minnesota abortion clinics be licensed and inspected. Opponents say the proposal is an effort to restrict women’s access to healthcare. Republican Representative Kathy Loehmer (loh-mer) of Stillwater voted “yes” on the bill and questioned why anyone would vote “no.” She argues the bill simply […]
Dayton reserves judgment on bill overriding Mpls/St. Paul sick leave ordinances (with AUDIO)
Governor Mark Dayton isn’t saying whether he’d sign a bill the state Senate passed Thursday that would override Minneapolis and Saint Paul’s paid sick leave ordinances, and prevent communities from enacting any minimum wage higher than the statewide level. But the governor does say he has “very significant concerns” about the state pre-empting local ordinances, […]
Minnesota security hospital, lawmaker outlines safety concerns
A $56 million expansion to the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter was completed last year and when it was unveiled, the Department of Human Services said the design of the new addition made it much safer for both staff and patients. But even with the new building, half of the hospital is the in […]
Mankato lawmaker says he’s worked to reach across the aisle this legislative session
With Minnesota lawmakers back in their districts for the Easter break, a Mankato state representative is answering to claims mid-session that Republicans and Democrats are more at odds than ever before. DFL Representative Jack Considine said, “At least one or two people have said, ‘Well, you seem to be blaming the Republicans for everything.’ I […]
MN House approves measure to move forward with Enbridge Pipeline (with AUDIO)
A measure that moves forward the controversial Enbridge Pipeline passed the Republican-controlled Minnesota House Thursday night as part of a major jobs bill. Farmington Republican Pat Garofalo says, “If after two-and-a-half years, if a regulatory body [the Public Utilities Commission] can’t take action, this body is not gonna stand by and ignore it, and today this problem […]
MN House Republicans pass $1.3 billion tax relief bill (with AUDIO)
The Republican-controlled Minnesota House Thursday night on a vote of 80-52 passed a bill that would cut taxes 1.3 billion dollars, over the objections of Democrats. House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman says, “By choosing to give tax cuts to the super-rich and corporations, Republicans have crowded out Minnesotans who need and deserve help.” Preston Republican […]
MN House, Senate negotiators agree on “reinsurance” health care bill, but governor’s signature uncertain (with AUDIO)
The state would pick up the cost of care for seriously-ill Minnesotans, under a bill Minnesota House and Senate negotiators agreed on Wednesday — but Governor Mark Dayton wants assurances from H-M-Os that in exchange they’ll hold the line on premiums and stay in the market. D-F-L Senator Tony Lourey from Kerrick says, “Those are […]
Future of Southwest Light Rail up in the air (with AUDIO)
A group of G-O-P lawmakers is trying to block Southwest Light Rail in the Twin Cities,but it remains to be seen whether they have enough votes in the Senate, where Republicans hold only a one-vote majority. Mound Senator David Osmek (OZ-mek) says some rural Democrats are very much against Southwest Light Rail, evidenced by what […]
Trump/Pence leading so far in first statewide high school mock election
The first round of results are in and Donald Trump and Mike Pence are in the lead over Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine in Minnesota’s first-ever statewide high school mock election. Trump and Pence are narrowly defeating Clinton and Kaine by about two percent-34.97-percent to 32.89-percent. The Trump/Pence ticket received 26,930 votes and the Clinton/Kaine […]
Dayton, Daudt spar over health insurance fixes
Sharp words from House Speaker Kurt Daudt leveled at Governor Dayton and his administrations as lawmakers work toward a solution to big health insurance hikes for some Minnesotans. Daudt said today if he finds out that Dayton’s administration haven’t been “working 24/7, to find a solution to help these people get health insurance on […]