lawmaker Archives - KVRR Local News

Legislator: Law Limiting State Auditor a ‘Mistake’

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued an opinion last month that says the new law is likely unconstitutional.

July 17, 2019

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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ A lawmaker who pushed a measure that requires a state auditor to get approval from the Legislature to conduct performance audits is now calling the law a “mistake.” Republican Rep. Keith Kempenich tells The Associated Press that he will introduce legislation when lawmakers meet again in 2021 that will strike the requirement to have the auditor…

Minnesota Lawmaker Proposes Anti-Vaxx Parents to See Doctor Before Making Final Health Care Decisions

He is introducing a proposal that parents need to visit with a doctor before not vaccinating their children

December 27, 2017

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — After a measles outbreak over the summer prompted several discussions over childhood vaccinations, a Minnesota lawmaker wants parents to see a doctor before opting to not vaccinate. The Department of Health says nearly 80 people were hit hard with the measles outbreak and State Representative Mike Freiberg says he wants parents who are considering not…

Minnesota Man’s Family Stuck in Refugee Camp Due to Travel Ban

Mohamed has about a dozen family members who were hoping to move to Minnesota from refugee camps in Kenya, but those plans have been put on hold indefinitely because of a new ruling by the nation's highest court. KMSP Fox 9 Reporter, Maury Glover, Reports.

December 5, 2017

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A Minnesota man is speaking out after finding out that his family in Kenya will have to stay in refugee camps for the time being. This after, the Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to fully enforce a ban on travel to the United States by people of six mostly Muslim countries. “People are still seeking shelter…

Two More Women Come Forward with Accusations Against Sen. Franken

The women say the events happened in Minneapolis in 2007 and 2008

November 22, 2017

Alison Voorhees,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two women are alleging that Senator Al Franken touched their buttocks during events for his first campaign for Senate. The women say the events happened in Minneapolis in 2007 and 2008. In a statement, Franken says, “It’s difficult to respond to anonymous accusers, and I don’t remember those campaign events.” Last week, Franken was accused of…

Minnesota Congressman Announces Run for Governor

Walz is the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committee

March 27, 2017

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A five-term congressman from Minnesota is running for governor. Rep. Tim Walz, a Democrat, is seeking to replace Gov. Mark Dayton, who is not running for another term. Walz is the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committee. He first won election to his rural district along Minnesota’s southern border in 2006. He has survived…

ND Lawmaker Changes Proposal for State-Owned Casinos

The Republican House majority leader's original proposal would forbid state casinos from being built within 20 miles of a reservation

March 15, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Rep. Al Carlson has changed his proposal for up to six state-owned casinos, if voters approve. The Republican House majority leader’s original proposal would forbid state casinos from being built within 20 miles of a reservation. The amendment would double that distance. The new proposal would also allow the casinos anywhere in the state. Opponents say…

Setback for Real ID Law in Minnesota

It's a setback as Minnesota races toward a January 2018 deadline for the new IDs to board domestic flights

March 6, 2017

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Efforts to upgrade driver’s licenses so they pass muster for domestic flights have hit a snag in Minnesota. The state Senate has defeated a bill to make the state compliant with the federal Real ID law. Democrats concerned about blocking driver’s license access for immigrants living in Minnesota illegally united with several Republicans who call…

Minnesota Lawmaker Pushes for Recreational Marijuana Use

State Rep. Jon Applebaum says attitudes of Minnesotans are changing towards marijuana use

February 8, 2017

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota Democrat says it’s time for the state to legalize recreational marijuana use. The state passed a tightly controlled medical marijuana law in 2014. It bans using the plant form, and is only available to residents with a handful of severe conditions. State Rep. Jon Applebaum said he’s planning a bill that would add Minnesota…

ND Lawmakers Hoping to Establish Needle Exchange Program

Lawmakers say IV drug use is on the rise in North Dakota and they want to help people to lower their risk

February 7, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota health officials are backing bipartisan legislation that would establish a needle-exchange program. State Republican Sen. Howard Anderson is the primary sponsor of the bill. The retired Turtle Lake pharmacist and former member of the state narcotics coalition told a legislative committee that intravenous drug use is on the rise in North Dakota. Anderson says allowing…

Sen. Heitkamp on DeVos: A D- Applicant with a Big Checkbook

Senator Heitkamp is urging other politicians to vote 'no' on Betsy DeVos

February 3, 2017

Site Staff,

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp urged other politicians in Washington D.C. to vote ‘no’ for Betsy DeVos leading the U.S. Education Department. Heitkamp says getting quality education to the rural parts of North Dakota is one of the state’s main challenges. She says through technology and good instructors, the state is solving the issue. But Heitkamp thinks DeVos would make…