Minnesota’s projected budget deficit shrinks to $627 million, forecast shows
That’s down significantly from the earlier estimate of a $1.1 billion deficit for the 2014-15 biennium.
James Nord
James Nord covers politics and the Minnesota Legislature.
Gay marriage supporters unveil proposed legislation
Sen. Scott Dibble said he’s unsure of the bill’s prospects but argued that Minnesotans are ready to legalize same-sex marriage.
Minnesotans shouldn’t count on Sunday liquor sales anytime soon
Sen. Roger Reinert, a key backer, acknowledges that the perennial issue isn’t going anywhere this session.
Dayton administration says government efficiency efforts paying off
Chief of Staff Tina Smith reports efforts that saved the state “tens and tens of millions of dollars.”
Gun laws: Support for ‘prosecutors’ bill,’ but ‘ban’ proposals unlikely
Sen. Ron Latz says Senate unlikely to consider bans on so-called assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Expanded access to voting: Is bipartisanship achievable?
DFL pushes early voting and no-excuse absentee voting, but Dayton’s insistence on bipartisan bills looms large
TakeAction’s Liz Doyle Q-A: Health exchange must be consumer-friendly and help small businesses
The progressive coalition wants a “smart-purchaser” authority that can negotiate on behalf of Minnesota individuals and small businesses.
GOP leaders rule out reprisals against caucus members who vote for gay marriage
Neither Democrats nor Republicans have counted legislative votes, and both sides said they wouldn’t take official caucus positions on the issue.
Chamber’s Kate Johansen Q-A: Business supports health exchange … but plan needs ‘ton’ of work
The four biggest concerns, she says, are its governance structure, the board’s powers, the financing and the accountability.
Legislative search for consensus on gun laws looks tricky
There appears to be some room for compromise on a measure that would toughen rules involving juveniles.
Contentious ‘Gun Week’ ends, but more legislative hearings and debate await
The Senate Judiciary Committee will have its own compressed week of hearings to consider several gun control measures.
Gun advocates vent over proposed restrictions on assault weapons
Wednesday’s heated session — Day 2 of legislative hearings — showed just how deep the rift is between the two sides.
Dayton, Jesson working to get federal funding for MinnesotaCare
They shared the progrsm’s bipartisan history and pushed for answers from the federal government by the end of February.
House gun hearings open with charged — but polite — arguments from both sides
Advocates of more firearm restrictions supported two bills, while NRA representatives and other pro-gun groups vehemently opposed the measures.
Gun-control advocates, opponents ready for legislators’ ‘Gun Week’
Beginning Tuesday, a House committee will hear three days of testimony on nearly a dozen proposals aimed at reducing gun violence.
Dayton defends his budget plan, ready for a post-session re-election run
The governor urged detractors to propose better alternatives and accused Republicans of inaccurately portraying his budget ideas.
First election-change bill would offer ‘no-excuse’ absentee voting
It also would permit voters to apply for permanent absentee status, which would require the state to mail them an absentee ballot before each election.
Dayton’s human services budget drawing general enthusiasm from health care legislators
The plan seeks to spend $11.2 billion — a modest increase — from the general fund and would bring Minnesota in line with the complicated federal health care law.
Effort to expand access to Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program praised
Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson praised lawmakers and the Dayton administration for working to enroll more low-income Minnesotans.
Senate committee advances juror selection bill banning bias over sexual orientation
It would also prevent the use of marital status as a reason for eliminating potential jurors.
