>>Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Metro Transit Bus in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — A man is dead after being hit by a Metro Transit bus early this morning in St. Paul. A Metro Transit spokesperson says the bus was traveling on Ford Parkway when it struck the pedestrian as he crossed in front of it. Firefighters and paramedics tried to save him, but the man died at the scene. The bus driver was placed on administrative leave. The Minnesota State Patrol is assisting investigators in St. Paul.
>>MN House Advances Legislation to Regulate Online Ticket Sales
(St. Paul, MN) – Legislation that would regulate online ticket sales and add consumer protections is advancing in the Minnesota House. Representative Kelly Moller of Shoreview says the “genesis” of this bill is her terrible experience trying to get Taylor Swift tickets, but, regardless of what kinds of tickets people try to obtain, “All of Minnesota consumers deserve transparency in that process and fairness in the process, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve and hopefully you can support my bill.” Moller says it would ensure that buyers know the total cost of the ticket and fees up front, ban speculative ticketing before on-sales, and prevent misleading practices on re-sale sites. House File “1989” is named after a Taylor Swift album.
>>Rep. Craig Convenes Mental Health Advisory to Fight Fentanyl, Opioid Crisis
(Undated) – Representative Angie Craig Covened her Mental Health Advisory Council Tuesday to continue her fight to expand substance use disorder treatment and prevention resources for Minnesotans. Craig says in recent efforts against the opioid and fentanyl crisis, she’s been pushing the Biden Administration to take more diplomatic action against foreign countries. She says “We know that 97% of the ingredients that are coming into our communities, that those base ingredients are coming from China.” Craig says we need “all our resources in place, whether it be in China or Mexico, to curtail the flow of illicit drugs into MN in the first place.”
>>MN DEED Hosting Several Entrepreneur, Small Business Events
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) hosts several events across the state, highlighting the many organizations and resources available to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start and succeed. DEED spokeswoman Neela Mollgaard says “Anyone thinking of starting a business or already has a growing business to attend these regional events. We are trying to make it easier to connect with our entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state on the vast amount of resources that our state and partners across the state offer them.” All of the events are free and open to the public. To register and find a site nearest you, visit DEED’s website.
>>Republican Tax Cut Package Moving Forward to WI Gov. Evers, Could be Beneficial to MN, Surrounding States
(Undated) – A two-billion-dollar Republican tax cut package that draws down a budget surplus is now ready for Governor Tony Evers to act on in neighboring Wisconsin. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu contends it will help Wisconsin compete with surrounding states: “All of our neighbors except… the crazy neighbor to the west have more friendly… income tax codes than we have.” The Walz administration says Minnesota has one of the fairest tax codes in the nation, which also allows for long-term investments that Minnesotans want.
>>MN Nursing Home Workers Authorize ULP Strikes
(New Hope, MN) –Nursing home workers announced Unfair Labor Practice strikes across seven homes in Minnesota as they push for higher wages, better benefits, and more respect to address worker shortages. SEIU Healthcare MN and Iowa President Jamie Gulley says this group includes teachers, nearly 8,000 janitors and security officers, the Minneapolis city workers with the Laborer’s Union, and more, as“It brings together climate justice and renters and non-union workers alike. Each group has said that if we didn’t see progress in our fights by the first week of March, that that was our deadline for action, and that time is here.” The striking list so far includes New Hope, Roseville, Fridley, Excelsior, Robbinsdale, Humboldt, and St. Louis Park homes, with additional homes expected to vote on strike authorization later this week.
>>MN School Bus Driver’s Appreciation Day
(Undated) – Today is Minnesota School Bus Driver’s Appreciation Day. Since 2017, the third Wednesday of February has been set aside to thank bus drivers for their work. Bethany Bertram, President of Trobec’s Bus Service, says it’s simple to thank your bus driver. She says “If you want to give them a little token of appreciation or a card from your student that’s riding the bus, those things are always well received as well.” The I-35W bridge in downtown Minneapolis will be lit in yellow to honor all bus drivers in the state.
>>MN DNR Bans 13 Invasive Species
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is putting 13 plants, fish, and worms on its prohibited invasive species list. The DNR says a dozen types of plants, fish, and shellfish are immediately banned to protect Minnesota’s environment and economy. The list includes mitten crabs, walking catfish, golden clams, and the non-native common reed. Jumping worms will be banned effective July 1st to allow businesses that sell worms to comply with the new regulations.
