ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — As hundreds of people cheered on the lawn around him, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signed a document to symbolize the passage of his $72 billion “One Minnesota Budget” at a celebratory ceremony on the front steps of the State Capitol Wednesday morning. Earlier that day, Walz signed twelve bills into laws that are part…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — Minnesota is poised to become the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis. The Democrat-controlled Senate passed a bill 34-32 and now goes to Gov. Tim Walz who says he will sign it. The bill takes effect Aug. 1 and will allow a person 21 years or older to possess up to 2 oz. of marijuana…
ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announcing the state will receive $60.5 million over seven years in a settlement with e-cig manufacturer JUUL and tobacco marketer Altria. The settlement requires JUUL to pay more than one third of the settlement within 30 days, and 60 percent within the first year. The funds can then be dedicated by…
ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s House of Representatives has passed a public safety bill that includes several gun control provisions. The final vote was 69-63 in the Democrat-controlled chamber. The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 34-33 on Friday. Democrats hold a one-vote majority in that chamber. The bill is now headed to Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, to…
ST. PAUL, Minn, (AP) — A pair of gun violence prevention measures long sought by Minnesota Democrats were added Wednesday to a broad public safety budget bill, significantly raising their chances of becoming law. By unanimous voice votes, an all-Democratic House-Senate conference committee approved expanded background checks for gun transfers and a separate proposal for a “red flag law.” It would allow…
CHANHASSEN, Minn. — A section of Highway 5 near Paisley Park is now known as “Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway” in honor of the Minnesota music icon. Gov. Tim Walz signing the bill outside Prince’s home in Chanhassen. He was joined by Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, legislators and friends and family of Prince. The newly minted 7-mile section of highway runs…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Senate approved a plan Monday to entitle workers across the state to paid leave when they’re sick or caring for relatives who are ill. While Senate Democrats hold only a one-seat majority, paid family and medical leave has been a priority of the party for several years, and the final 34-33 vote followed party lines. The proposal passed…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The late pop superstar Prince will have a highway named after him in his home state, following a vote by Minnesota lawmakers Thursday. The Senate vote was 55-5 to rename the highway that runs past Prince’s Paisley Park museum and studios. Among those watching was his oldest sister, Sharon Nelson. The bill passed the House unanimously last…
HOLLYWOOD, FL (KVRR) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is attending the national convention of the International Union of Operating Engineers in Hollywood, Florida. He told the gathering that Minnesota is a labor state and it always will be a labor state. Walz highlighted the need for good-paying union jobs and collective bargaining rights across the country. He is also encouraging…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — The Minnesota Senate voted Friday to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, but the bill requires more work and negotiations before it can become law. The vote was 34-33, with all Democrats voting yes and all Republicans voting no. There are several differences between the Senate bill and the companion version that passed the House 71-59…
