Minnesota task force finalizes plan for implementing federal health care reform
The recommendations also cover ways to lower Minnesota’s increasing costs.
James Nord
James Nord covers politics and the Minnesota Legislature.
Dayton confident that state’s Vikings stadium funding mechanism is solid
Lower-than-expected revenue from early electronic gambling is considered only a start-up issue.
New MnDOT head Zelle ready to bring ‘fresh perspective’ to transportation issues
“I have a lot to learn, but I think I have something maybe a little bit different to offer,” he said.
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt says he’s ready to work with DFL
“We want to be productive and help the DFL as much as we can,” he says. “We understand our role … We appreciate their offer to work in a bipartisan fashion.”
Minnesota’s budgeting efforts clouded by nation’s fiscal uncertainty
Potential ripple effects from Washington’s fiscal-cliff debate make the state’s budget planning difficult.
Minnesota forecast shows $1.1 billion deficit for next biennium
The $1.3 billion surplus for the current budget cycle would go toward repaying schools for funds legislators borrowed to solve the last deficit.
Minnesota’s progressive groups, fresh from victory, ready to push their agenda at Capitol
TakeAction Minnesota’s tentative plans, for example, include changes in voting rules for felons, expanded early voting and modernized voter registration.
Wary business community appears ready to work with DFL Legislature
“We’re going to bring our agenda,” says the Chamber of Commerce’s David Olson. “We’re going to bank on the campaign promises they made.”
House Speaker-designate Paul Thissen: ‘First job is fixing the budget long term’
“Our goal really is to govern well, and hopefully with transparency and focused on the basics,” the DFL leader says.
Dayton administration commits to state-run health exchange
It also sent an early signal that Minnesota will apply for an additional $39 million in grant funding to develop the tool.
Minnesota House names committee chairs, completes legislative leadership
House Speaker-designate Paul Thissen said the leaders are “ready to roll up their sleeves, tackle tough challenges and govern well.”
Minnesota Senate DFL committee chairs named
Incoming Majority Leader Tom Bakk announced the chairs of the 19 Senate committees, subcommittees and finance subdivisions.
Minnesota’s health exchange path gets easier, but still lots to do in a little time
Government officials and industry stakeholders alike agree that getting the massive project done on time will be difficult.
11 ex-legislators successfully fight their way back to the Capitol
Ten DFLers and one Republican are back. Eight of the 10 DFLers were voted out of office in the 2010 Republican wave.
Sens. Parry, Newman appealing dismissed complaint against Mark Ritchie
The two had accused the secretary of state of using his office to mislead voters about the potential costs and effects of the voting amendment.
Foes did ‘the unthinkable’ in stopping the voting amendment
Despite enjoying 80 percent public support at one point, advocates ended up losing a battle where they were substantially outfunded and outmanned.
Scattered polling-place disruptions and problems reported
Among the incidents were a bomb threat in Canby, improper actions by election judges, and amendment campaign materials too close to voting areas.
Early voting reports: long lines and hour-long waits
There are conflicting predictions of whether Minnesota’s voter turnout will dip slightly or stay on par with the 2008 presidential race turnout.
Politicos ready for potential recounts, given Minnesota’s recent history
With 10 electoral votes up for grabs and two controversial constitutional amendments on the ballot, many of the players here have lawyered up.
Watchdog groups, political partisans plan busy Election Day at Minnesota polls
The state DFL and GOP have recruited volunteer attorneys and poll watchers, and government officials have been conferring to ensure that elections go smoothly.
