Overdose trends are troubling
More efforts are needed to reduce the growing problem of illegal and prescription drug deaths.
Mankato Free Press
Mental health care deserves more state funding
Why it matters: Those in need don’t have powerful lobbyists to press their case.
Risk grows in sex-offender program
It’s becoming more and more clear that Minnesota legislators will have to do something, and do it sooner than later.
Solid steps advance women, but more needed
There’s plenty left to be done when it comes to improving the status of women in Minnesota.
Quick action is needed to fix systemic problems at Minnesota Security Hospital
Patients at the St. Peter facility deserve the best care and protections the state can provide them. That is not what they have received in recent years.
Saving lives trumps booking drug users
Providing limited immunity to those who seek help from a potentially deadly situation isn’t going to increase drug use. It would, however, save lives.
Approve the Keystone pipeline
The U.S. continue progress on energy independence by approving a significant energy supply in the Keystone pipeline from Canada.
Cut the number of state boards and commissions
Reports show Minnesota has many outdated and obsolete boards and commissions that cost taxpayers millions.
More resources needed to help the mentally ill
Anyone who examines the chronology of Burt Ewing Jr.’s spiraling condition can see that the mental health system failed him and his family.
State incentives need more transparency
Gov. Dayton’s administration looks like one that embraces the idea of providing public incentives to private companies pretty readily. And that can be a tad risky.
Chill out on tax-change talk — it’s too early
The ink is hardly dry on the new Minnesota sales taxes and already lawmakers are talking about changes.
Minnesota’s campaign law changes fail to enlighten
Voters need more information on who is saying what to arrive at an informed decision.
Obama should approve Keystone XL pipeline
The U.S. needs to diversify its source of crude oil and buying from a friendly country will be a way to make us more energy independent.
Background checks for gun buyers need upgrades
Clearly, the Legislature needs to fix this system with a sense of urgency. Will it cost money? Yes. Will it be worth it? Yes.
Tax reform should be smart reform
Gov. Mark Dayton appears to have made tax reform one of his top priorities. It couldn’t happen soon enough, and it doesn’t have to be a partisan effort.
More security needed at security hospital in St. Peter
The Minnesota Security Hospital is no place to skimp. These are dangerous people. If they’re not treated or escape, public safety is always at risk.
Prairie restoration plan deserves support
A public-private partnership that aims to preserve and restore what’s left of Minnesota’s priarie lands stands as a solid approach to a growing environmental problem.
Minnesota River cleanup needs renewed focus
But persistent problems and new threats — including Asian carp — still abound.
Putting an end to racino
The agreement appears to end the long-simmering dispute over the tribal monopoly on casino gambling in Minnesota.
A different tone at the Capitol
Amid the maturation of the legislative branch, this may just be a window of opportunity to get something substantial done on helping businesses with job creation.