DFL nixes Citizens’ Board, narrows environmental justice bill after intra-party split with Greater Minnesota lawmakers
It was an unusually public last-minute change, and it drew discontent and disappointment from many Democrats.
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.
‘Exactly the right moment.’ House DFL wants tax on top earners, corporations amid budget surplus
The House tax bill released Monday represents House Democrats’ view that wealthy individuals and corporations don’t pay their fair share and that any tax relief should be aimed at those at the lowest incomes.
Future of Minnesota environment funding, state lottery could be on your ballot in 2024
While the constitutional update is flying somewhat under the radar at the Capitol given a record $17.5 billion surplus, legislation to renew lottery money for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund could be among the more notable policies under consideration this year.
From recreational marijuana to free school lunch: Where the big issues stand with 6 weeks of Minnesota’s legislative session to go
Democrats in control of all three branches of government have plenty of unanswered questions left to address, starting with the Big One: how, exactly, they plan to spend a Paul Bunyan-sized $17.5 billion surplus.
Ellison takeover of murder case from Moriarty at odds with campaign criticism of GOP
Attorney General Keith Ellison’s takeover of the case seems to counter Ellison’s stance during last year’s re-election campaign, when he criticized the idea of circumventing a county attorney without their permission.
Minnesota lawmakers might pass the largest environmental budget in state history. Including some new fees.
The DNR has asked to hike the cost of fishing licenses, boat registrations, park passes and more. That has split even some Democrats who control the Minnesota Legislature given Minnesota’s $17.5 billion surplus.
Some DFLers, including Walz, push for nuclear study after Xcel plant leak
Nuclear has long been controversial among Democrats, many of whom argue that new plants are too expensive and carry pollution risk. But others want to study its future.
DFL energy plans include incentives for heat pumps and other climate-friendly technology
Democrats have some significant differences to sort out on climate policy and spending. But they agree on directing cash into a smorgasbord of rebates, tax incentives and grants for climate technology.
Xcel Energy agrees to pay Prairie Island $7.5 million more a year to store spent nuclear waste
Under a deal announced Tuesday at the Minnesota Legislature, Xcel said it would increase a yearly payment from $2.5 million to $10 million, a hike that Prairie Island leaders said would bring benefits to the tribe more in line with the tax revenue that nearby local governments like Red Wing get.
Minnesota lawmakers likely to spend $100 million on broadband. How far will that go?
Gov. Tim Walz and some legislators had originally proposed $276 million in state spending on broadband this year.
Lawmakers consider influx of cash for Minnesota cities, counties facing inflation
One bill would significantly boost Local Government Aid, a subsidy that primarily benefits Greater Minnesota.
Senate GOP blocks infrastructure bill amid pressure campaign on rural Minnesota lawmakers
Republicans held firm in voting against bonding in an effort to advance tax cuts at the Legislature.
Critical of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, some DFLers want to revive citizens board idea
The proposed eight-member “community board” would vote alongside the MPCA commissioner on permits for things like new dairy farms and mining projects.
Having reporters at the Capitol is critical
MinnPost journalists are your guide to the fast-paced and jam-packed legislative session, telling you not only what’s happening, but why.
One year after Ukraine War, has Minnesota fully divested from Russia and Belarus?
Officials on Minnesota’s State Board of Investment now say the state’s holdings were worth far less than previously estimated. And while the SBI has sold off most of those assets, it’s had trouble fully divesting.
DFL lawmakers want to end a state report on abortion data in Minnesota
The bill is meant to safeguard the privacy of patients, and Democrats contend the data collection is intrusive and unnecessary. But the proposal has also drawn the ire of both transparency advocates and Republican lawmakers.
Why a group of rural Republicans helped the DFL pass a bonding bill in the Minnesota House
Votes from House Republicans in favor of a bonding bill were notable in an era of political gridlock, but Senate Republicans still aren’t on board.
Public Utilities Commission vice chair on how regulators will approach Minnesota 100% carbon-free law
MinnPost caught up with PUC vice chair Joe Sullivan last week about whether the electric sector can hit goals in the landmark climate law and whether he’s concerned about reliability of the grid.
‘It’s not dead.’ Where repealing Minnesota’s Social Security tax stands at the Legislature
Sen. Aric Putnam, DFL-St. Cloud, said a bill to eliminate the state tax will be part of a larger tax plan advanced by Senate Democrats in negotiations with House DFLers and Gov. Tim Walz. Key Democrats, including Walz, still oppose the idea.
With carbon-free law in place, Minnesota Democrats now debating whether to mandate energy storage
A thorny debate has been emerging at the Legislature over whether lawmakers should pass more regulations on the electricity sector after requiring utilities to be carbon-free by 2040. One Democrat hopes to jumpstart construction of batteries to store wind and solar power.
