Minnesota earned a “C” grade for overall infrastructure, according to a new report out today from the American Society of Civil Engineers or ASCE. Spokesman Jason Staebell says the “C” grade means “infrastructure is mediocre and requires attention. While our bridges, transit system, ports and more are in fair condition, some elements show general signs of […]
Congressman Ellison running for MN attorney general
Political ripples are spreading after Congressman Keith Ellison announced he’s running for Minnesota attorney general, giving up almost certain re-election in the heavily-Democratic Fifth District (Minneapolis and near suburbs). Ellison says “I decided this morning that the right thing to do is not seek comfort and security… to get out there and fight for consumers, […]
Rep. Peppin retiring from State House
House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin of Rogers today announced that she will not seek re-election to the Minnesota House this November. Peppin, an attorney, has accepted a job with the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) in Maple Grove. Peppin is currently serving her seventh term in office. Peppin says “it has been a great privilege […]
Rep Howe announces run for Senate seat vacated by Lt Gov Fishbach
Republican State Representative Jeff Howe of Rockville announced today he is running for the state Senate in District 13 to replace Michelle Fischbach, who is retiring to become the full-time Lieutenant Governor. Howe was first elected to the state House in 2012 and currently serves on the Transportation, Public Safety, Job Growth and Civil Law […]
Gov Dayton vetoes GOP Tax plan at St. Paul elementary school (AUDIO)
Governor Dayton today vetoed the GOP tax plan in St. Paul at Bruce Vento Elementary School surrounded by students. Dayton said he’s vetoing the bill because Republicans “have not met the condition I set, which is to include the emergency school aid and also because it’s a bill that’s skewed toward the rich.” Dayton is referring […]
Sec of State Steve Simon urges lawmakers to release $1.5 million in federal funds to bolster election cybersecuirty
Secretary of State Steve Simon is calling on lawmakers to release a million-and-a-half dollars in federal funding for statewide election cybersecurity upgrades. Simons says failure to do so this year, this session “is a direct threat to our Democracy because the number one threat to our election system in this country and this state is the […]
House GOP lawmakers roll out plan to combat childcare fraud in wake of recent news reports
Republican lawmakers today unveiled their plan to help cut down on childcare fraud in the wake of recent reports that millions of dollars are being funneled overseas–at times allegedly to support terrorism. Representative Nick Zerwas of Elk River is calling for criminal and civil penalties for those who illegally transfer public program money to countries […]
Lawmakers ramp up inquiries, set to unveil plan to combat childcare fraud in MN (AUDIO)
State House Republicans today are unveiling their plan to help cut down on childcare fraud. And this afternoon, Republican State Senator Jim Abeler of Anoka is holding a hearing in the wake of a recent news report on apparent fraud in the state childcare assistance program. Abeler says he and Minnesota taxpayers want to know […]
Rep Garofalo applauds Supreme Court decision on sports betting, says it must be done right in MN
A federal ban on sports betting is being overturned by the U-S Supreme Court. Republican State Representative Pat Garofalo of Farmington has been pushing for legalized sports betting here and says he looks “forward to Minnesota joining those states that are going to provide for a safe, fair and regulated sports gambling experience, as opposed […]
Bill increasing penalties for protests blocking traffic will go to Gov Dayton
After lengthy debate, the Minnesota Senate today passed a bill (40-27) that aims to increase the penalties on protesters convicted of blocking traffic and public transit. Republican Senator Bill Ingebrigsten of Alexandria says the goal of the bill is to allow people to “express themselves under the first amendment and at the same time do […]