A guide to the Minnesota DFL’s 100% carbon-free standard
The bill, which would steer utilities toward a carbon-free electric grid is simple in concept, but is full of exceptions, carve-outs and off-ramps.
Walker Orenstein
Walker Orenstein reports on the state Legislature for MinnPost, with a particular focus on covering issues affecting Greater Minnesota. He can be reached at worenstein@minnpost.com, and you can follow him on Twitter at @walkerorenstein.
Why Budget Day (days, really) was so much fun for Gov. Tim Walz and how surplus spending will make Minnesota history
A $17.6 billion surplus means Walz gets to both spend money on new programs and cut taxes. In fact, the fun volume for Walz this year is at levels perhaps never seen before, as past state surpluses have mostly been in the $1 billion range.
Some DFLers want to ensure there are no legal restrictions on late-term abortions in Minnesota
The law surrounding a viability standard in Minnesota is murky. Such a standard exists in state statute — and experts say providers act as though it exists — but it was ruled unconstitutional by a federal court in 1976 under Roe v. Wade. Now, legislation advancing at the Capitol would strike the viability standard from state law.
Will Attorney General Keith Ellison now get his extra criminal prosecutors?
Gone is the Republican majority in the state Senate, which repeatedly stalled Ellison’s plan as the GOP fumed over other issues like enforcement of executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dziedzic, DFLers want to ‘ban the box’ for Minnesota boards and commissions
Reporting by MinnPost in 2020 showed Minnesota’s ‘ban the box’ laws covered everything except government boards and commissions such as the Public Utilities Commission and Metropolitan Council.
Minnesota GOP stops ‘bail out’ for Cleveland-Cliffs as part of mining unemployment extension bill
The $10.27 million plan would extend unemployment benefits for laid off Iron Range workers while a Cleveland-Cliffs taconite mine in Babbitt and a processing plant in Silver Bay remain idled.
DFL makes state-protected abortion rights a top priority at Legislature
Top DFL leaders say moving fast to cement abortion access in state law is a top priority, as it’s the issue they say won them control of the Legislature.
In DFL-controlled Legislature, Twin Cities metro has more clout than Greater Minnesota
It may be an unprecedented situation, one that Democratic leaders have downplayed by arguing their priorities will help everyone in Minnesota.
A ‘lightning round’ with legislative leaders on policy — and Minnesota favorites
“Brief” was the task for legislative leaders Wednesday when faced with a ‘lightning round’ of questions, like the odds of legalizing sports betting, from KSTP’s Tom Hauser at the annual Minnesota Chamber of Commerce dinner event at the RiverCentre.
MinnPost’s guide to 7 things to watch at the Minnesota Legislature in 2023
From managing pent-up demands to navigating narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, all eyes are on DFL leaders in what could be a big year for both policy and the state budget.
5 Greater Minnesota storylines to watch at the Legislature in 2023
From Greater Minnesota’s diminished clout in a DFL-controlled Legislature to how leaders handle agriculture issues, it’ll be an interesting year.
Minnesota Democrats hope to sharply limit the deer farm industry in push to fight CWD
While Republicans in the past have protected the cervid farms, Democrats now have the upper hand in an emotional debate over the existence of the businesses — and their potential impact on Minnesota’s lucrative wild hunting industry.
Will DFL leaders skip negotiations with Republicans on public construction bonding?
The bonding bill is the traditional way the state pays for things like wastewater treatment plants and park infrastructure. Will the giant surplus prompt DFL legislative leaders to opt for a cash construction bill rather than borrowing money?
Walz, DFL leaders, cast doubt on full repeal of state Social Security tax
Criticism of repealing the state tax on Social Security benefits comes after several DFLers campaigned in support of the repeal in swing districts that were key to the DFL’s control of state government.
New House Republican leader Lisa Demuth plans to lead minority with ‘calm and conversational’ style
Demuth was a school board member before being elected to the Legislature in 2018. She replaces Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, in leading the House Republican caucus.
Will Minnesota Democrats pass ‘most significant climate legislation in history’ next year?
With the Legislature now fully in Democratic hands after the November election, leaders are promising an ambitious climate agenda aimed at shrinking carbon emissions.
What four incoming majority-makers for the Senate DFL are pushing at the Legislature
The DFL owes its new one-vote majority in the state Senate and its narrow control of Minnesota government to just a handful of candidates who won close elections last week.
Hennepin County suburbs, Minneapolis key in DFLer Ellison’s win over GOP’s Schultz for attorney general
The dream of a suburban revolt against DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison from voters concerned about public safety failed to materialize.
How the DFL pulled off ‘Senate miracle’ and could move on education spending, paid family leave
DFL Senators gathered at the Capitol said support for abortion rights in the suburbs and some remaining DFL-friendly districts in Greater Minnesota made the difference.
DFL wins control of Minnesota Senate; House for first trifecta since 2014
The GOP had hoped to win seats in battleground legislative races across the Twin Cities suburbs. Instead, Democrats did well in places like Coon Rapids, Lino Lakes, Blaine and Shakopee.
