Legislators agree on disaster relief but disagree on tax-repeal measures
Republicans praised the special session for offering natural-disaster relief but called it a “missed opportunity” in addressing the “man-made disaster” of new taxes.
James Nord covers politics and the Minnesota Legislature.
Republicans praised the special session for offering natural-disaster relief but called it a “missed opportunity” in addressing the “man-made disaster” of new taxes.
Advocates worry that judicial elections here, as in several other states, could start resembling political campaigns with big-money and special-interest influence.
Community forums are giving exchange officials a chance to answer the public’s basic questions about the evolving program.
Before Aug. 1, same-sex couples who were legally married in supportive states or Canada couldn’t receive a divorce in Minnesota courts.
Wednesday’s party offered a chance for supporters to commemorate the culmination of years of efforts to secure the right to marry.
The departments of Health and Commerce requested that insurers reveal prices for their health plans a month earlier than previously required.
The state Commerce Department is examining ways to provide at least a summary of the rate information before October.
While the state so far has avoided the expensive, highly politicized judicial elections that have plagued other states, we may not stay so lucky for long.
Early MNsure issues involve a dual-tier payment system for the system’s “helpers,” and a blackout on rate information until October.
Voting-rights advocates are happy with Minnesota’s expansion of absentee balloting but disappointed that the Legislature failed to approve early voting.
Gov. Dayton praised him as “an invaluable source of economic wisdom, sound judgment, and common sense.”
Three legislators say Senate leaders got passage of the bonding bill in exchange for no action on the wage measure and the anti-bullying bill. The Senate leader denies it.
They acknowledge a few regrets: no increase in minimum wage, the small bonding bill and the mountainous backlog of transportation projects awaiting funding.
Successes include $2 billion in new taxes to solve a projected budget deficit and fund program investments, as well as legislation making us the 12th state to approve same-sex marriage.
Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to sign the legislation, which would allow many child-care workers and personal-care attendants to decide if they want union representation.
Lawmakers head into the session’s final day with deals in place to conclude their budget work on time, following days of messy debate.
As Monday’s adjournment deadline approaches, most of the legislation for Minnesota’s $38 billion budget is falling into place.
By Saturday afternoon, DFLers had finished up with the massive Health and Human Services legislation, plus jobs and economic development, the judiciary and higher education.
The package includes a fourth-tier income tax hike and a $1.60-per-pack cigarette tax increase, ends some corporate loopholes and extends the sales tax to certain business services.
The plan involves using one-time tobacco revenue and funds from closing a corporate tax loophole.
By James Nord
Sept. 9, 2013