GOV. TIM WALZ

Gov. Walz signs abortion shield law

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signs a bill into law shielding people who travel from out of state for an abortion. Supporters of Minnesota’s abortion shield law say it’s designed to stop courts, law enforcement and health care providers from cooperating with law enforcement outside of the state. “We’re giving basic rights to every single Minnesotan, rights…

Minnesota House Passes Recreational Marijuana Bill 71-59

ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — A bill to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana in Minnesota passes the Minnesota House of Representatives by a vote of 71-59. The House, where Democrats comfortably outnumber Republicans, debated its marijuana bill late into the night Monday before breaking around midnight. The debate resumed this morning. The Senate, where Democrats hold only a one-seat majority, is…

MN Democratic Leaders Agree On $17.9 Billion Budget Targets, Possible Rebate Checks

ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — Democratic legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz have agreed on broad budget targets that add up to nearly $17.9 billion in new spending, including $3 billion for tax cuts. But the details of where the money will go remain to be negotiated. Agreeing on the targets was a necessary step so that legislators can begin work…

Walz To Get Catalytic Converter Bill

ST. PAUL (KFGO) — The Minnesota House is sending a bill backers say will reduce the rash of catalytic converter thefts in the state to the desk of Gov. Tim Walz. It prohibits scrap metal dealers from buying any catalytic converter without a marking that ties it to the original vehicle. The House agreed to minor changes the Senate made…

Minnesota Governor Signs ‘Driver’s Licenses for All’ Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Immigration status will no longer disqualify more than 80,000 people from getting Minnesota drivers licenses under a bill signed by Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday. Supporters of the effort, dubbed “driver’s licenses for all,” say it will improve public safety by ensuring that all drivers are licensed and insured, and have taken driver’s education courses….

Gov. Walz Gets Clean Bill of Health, Ends Transfer of Power

ST. PAUL — Governor Tim Walz is back in power after getting a clean bill of health. Walz underwent a a colonoscopy at 1 o’clock Monday afternoon. By 2:30, his office issued a statement saying the temporary transfer of power to Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan had ended following the completion of the preventive procedure. Colonoscopies are commonly used to check…

Gov. Walz to transfer power during anesthesia for colonoscopy

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will temporarily transfer power to Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan on Monday while he’s under general anesthesia for a colonoscopy, his office said Sunday. The 58-year-old governor sent a letter Sunday to House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senate President Bobby Joe Champion informing them of his plan, as per state law. The…

Minnesota Republican Leaders Offer “Give It Back” Plan To Deal With Surplus

ST. PAUL (AP/KVRR) — Leaders of the Republican minority at the Minnesota Legislature roll out a $13 billion “Give It Back” plan in response to the states latest budget surplus forecast. Republicans announced their plan a day after state budget officials released an updated forecast showing that the surplus has remained stable at $17.5 billion. Higher-than expected revenues helped offset…

Walz Declares Peacetime Emergency In Minnesota as Twin Cities Expected To Get 2 Feet of Snow

ST. PAUL (KVRR/KFGO) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has already declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the National Guard to provide emergency relief services for stranded motorists. Walz says Minnesotans have a part to play: Plan ahead, drive safe, and limit travel. MnDOT has more than 800 snowplows and 1,600 snowplow drivers across the state that will be working day…