How ‘Duck Dynasty’ and ZZ Top entered a Minnesota Senate debate on hair discrimination
The CROWN Act passed the Legislature and was signed into law last week but not before a Senate debate over beards.
Greater Minnesota
A collection of news and stories from around the state of Minnesota.
Why Walz wants to spend $276M on broadband on top of nearly $1 billion in federal funds
The money would propel the state toward its goal of having universal access to high-speed internet by 2026, which might cost $426 million in the next four years, according to one estimate by the state’s broadband task force.
Republicans, DFLers change hats in debate over how much control cities, counties have over recreational marijuana
A perennial legislative issue — state preemption of local government decisions — has been turned on its head when it comes to recreational marijuana.
Minnesota’s carbon emissions on track to meet climate goals set in 2007
It’s a significant moment for DFL lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz’s administration as they push to slash pollution that causes climate change, but the news comes with significant caveats, including pandemic-related reductions.
What a new abortion law says about changing DFL politics in Minnesota
Minnesota’s new law establishing a fundamental right to an abortion — signed by Gov. Tim Walz at the Capitol on Tuesday — would not have passed the DFL-controlled House just one year ago.
McCollum reintroduces Boundary Waters bill
McCollum said “without permanent protection, this special place (the BWCA) is subject to political interference,” which means a subsequent administration could lift the moratorium.
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.
What surplus? Budget picture not so rosy for Minnesota transportation
With gas taxes, motor vehicle excise taxes and tab fees are all coming in lower than was projected a year ago, are tax hikes coming?
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.
GOP takeover of U.S. House roils efforts to stop Twin Metals mine
Permanent federal protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is likely now out of reach and the new GOP House of Representatives will try to ease federal rules for the mine permitting process.
Panel rebuffs Powell, Painter, Hsu in recommendations for U of M Board of Regents
The panel did send 12 names to the Legislature, where they will again be reviewed by the combined House and Senate higher education committees.
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.
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.
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?
Panel to interview 18 U of M regent applicants including Hsu, Luther, Turner, Painter, Wheeler, Burns
Among those who will be interviewed by members of the Regent Candidate Advisory Council next month are incumbent members Kendall Powell and Tadd Johnson, former member Michael Hsu, and former U.S. Rep. Bill Luther.
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.
How can Minnesota have a record-breaking surplus in a challenging economy?
There’s a disconnect between that unfathomable $17.6 billion surplus and the other half of the report. While taxes continue to overperform, the underlying economy – state, national and global – is getting squishier.
