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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gov. Tim Walz and some legislators had originally proposed $276 million in state spending on broadband this year.
One bill would significantly boost Local Government Aid, a subsidy that primarily benefits Greater Minnesota.
Republicans held firm in voting against bonding in an effort to advance tax cuts at the Legislature.
The proposed eight-member “community board” would vote alongside the MPCA commissioner on permits for things like new dairy farms and mining projects.
MinnPost journalists are your guide to the fast-paced and jam-packed legislative session, telling you not only what’s happening, but why.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gov. Tim Walz has proposed billions to expand a child care tax credit, increase subsidy rates for low-income families and provide monthly payments for child care teachers. How much will pass the Legislature?
