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.
The legal route by the Fond du Lac Band to take on the project formerly known as PolyMet was the first of its kind, as was the outcome. And it could have broader implications for tribes and industry in Minnesota going forward.
The governor and other supporters argue that incentives for a burgeoning industry can slash emissions, create jobs and provide a future for Minnesota’s large biofuels industry as electric vehicles become a larger share of ground transportation.
Most of the money is aimed at one stubborn issue plaguing cities across Greater Minnesota: workforce housing. And the aid got wrapped up in debate over helping Minneapolis rebuild in the wake of riots after the murder of George Floyd.
Tracking all the declared candidates.
Some sheriffs who opposed the red flag law could be more hesitant to file petitions to remove guns. When it comes to carrying out gun seizures ordered by a judge, the organization representing sheriffs across the state expects they will comply.
For just the eighth time in 40 years, a budget session did not require a special session to finish its work. There were many policy changes, too.
DFL legislators have thrown around the word “historic” for quite a lot of their bills this year. But two infrastructure bills definitely were.
DFL Gov. Tim Walz called it “the most successful legislative session, certainly in many of our lifetimes and maybe in Minnesota history.”
Democrats who control the Legislature also plan to cut grant funding for pregnancy centers advocating against abortion.
That means significantly more money will be available for upgrades to things like water treatment plants, college buildings, roads, bridges, parks, trails, police departments, ice arenas and more, and the deal ensures the infrastructure plan is spread more evenly across Minnesota.
The spending follows two other consequential energy bills adopted earlier in the legislative session: a law requiring a carbon-free electric grid by 2040 and a $115 million fund to match federal dollars for climate and energy projects in Minnesota.
DFLers in control of the Legislature say the “historic” tax package passed this week will make life more affordable for many Minnesotans. Republicans say the tax cuts are meager.
Those fees are part of a larger package of legislation that includes a massive $670 million infusion of new state spending from Minnesota’s general fund for the environment and natural resources.
Sen. Sandra Pappas, a St. Paul DFLer who chairs the Senate’s Capital Investment Committee, last week said “it’s only fair that we focus on funding the projects for members that are willing to be partners and that are voting for the bill.”
DFL lawmakers who control the Minnesota Legislature have cleared their toughest obstacle for approving two major gun regulations, paving the way for new limits on firearms to reach the desk of Gov. Tim Walz and become law.
The possibility of pesticides spreading PFAS across Minnesota and permeating soil, water and food has captured the attention of DFLers who control the state Legislature. And it’s behind a new effort to regulate the products.
Both were priorities of DFL leaders including Gov. Tim Walz, and Democrats hold narrow majorities in the House and Senate. Republicans appear united in opposition, so all DFL senators would need to support the measures. It’s been unclear for months if the party has enough votes.
Legislators agreed to a moratorium last week as they hashed out differences between major environmental bills passed earlier this year by the House and Senate.
Using more lottery money would mean less cash to use on other priorities. A DFL legislator said her leadership couldn’t agree where that additional money would come from.
Even as Democrats coalesce around a series of tax cuts and credits, the child care credit is one of a few significant differences the House and Senate will need to reconcile. It’s also one of few major DFL tax plans to benefit middle class residents.
