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 covers politics and the Minnesota Legislature.
That’s down significantly from the earlier estimate of a $1.1 billion deficit for the 2014-15 biennium.
Sen. Scott Dibble said he’s unsure of the bill’s prospects but argued that Minnesotans are ready to legalize same-sex marriage.
Sen. Roger Reinert, a key backer, acknowledges that the perennial issue isn’t going anywhere this session.
Chief of Staff Tina Smith reports efforts that saved the state “tens and tens of millions of dollars.”
Sen. Ron Latz says Senate unlikely to consider bans on so-called assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
DFL pushes early voting and no-excuse absentee voting, but Dayton’s insistence on bipartisan bills looms large
The progressive coalition wants a “smart-purchaser” authority that can negotiate on behalf of Minnesota individuals and small businesses.
Neither Democrats nor Republicans have counted legislative votes, and both sides said they wouldn’t take official caucus positions on the issue.
The four biggest concerns, she says, are its governance structure, the board’s powers, the financing and the accountability.
There appears to be some room for compromise on a measure that would toughen rules involving juveniles.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will have its own compressed week of hearings to consider several gun control measures.
Wednesday’s heated session — Day 2 of legislative hearings — showed just how deep the rift is between the two sides.
They shared the progrsm’s bipartisan history and pushed for answers from the federal government by the end of February.
Advocates of more firearm restrictions supported two bills, while NRA representatives and other pro-gun groups vehemently opposed the measures.
Beginning Tuesday, a House committee will hear three days of testimony on nearly a dozen proposals aimed at reducing gun violence.
The governor urged detractors to propose better alternatives and accused Republicans of inaccurately portraying his budget ideas.
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.
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.
Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson praised lawmakers and the Dayton administration for working to enroll more low-income Minnesotans.
It would also prevent the use of marital status as a reason for eliminating potential jurors.
By James Nord
Feb. 28, 2013