legislature

Democrats introduce bill to legalize marijuana & expunge pot convictions

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – House and Senate DFLers announce a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older and expunge pot related convictions. Author of the House bill, State Representative Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids, explains the measure would make a legal marketplace to grow, buy and sell cannabis with regulations. He says it also includes traffic…

Gov. Walz Pledges Largest Investment in Public Education As He’s Sworn In For 2nd Term

ST. PAUL (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is pledging to make the largest investments in public education in Minnesota history as he begins his second term. The former teacher was sworn in Monday during inauguration ceremonies at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. He says Minnesota has a “historic opportunity” with its $17.6 billion projected budget surplus to become…

Three Vote Difference Leads to Recount in N.D. District 43 House Race

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/AP) — North Dakota’s vote canvassing board has met to certify the results of the November 8 election, including a legislative contest that was close enough to force an automatic recount. In unofficial returns, incumbent Democrat Rep. Zachary Ista defeated fellow Democrat incumbent Mary Adams by three votes in District 43 in Grand Forks County for the second…

MN Attorney General Begins Looking Into Proposed Sanford & Fairview Merger

ST. PAUL — Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has “opened an investigation” of whether the proposed merger of Minnesota-based Fairview Health Services with South Dakota-based Sanford Health complies with charity and nonprofit laws or would have “any possible effects on competition.” The planned merger is also seeing scrutiny at the Minnesota Legislature. Democratic Representative John Huot from Rosemount said access for…

DFL wins full control of MN Legislature for first time in decade

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – For the first time in a decade, and only the second time in a century, the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) party will have full control of the Minnesota Legislature following Tuesday’s election. Despite predictions of a potential “red wave” nationally and throughout the state, election results in Minnesota show the balance of power will now shift in the…

Out-of-State Money Fuels North Dakota Term Limits Campaign

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – A campaign over whether to impose term limits on North Dakota lawmakers and the governor is a mismatch so far – at least financially. Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Term Limits, has contributed more than $810,000 in the past two years to get the ballot proposal before voters. Lawmakers and opponents complain they can’t keep up with out-of-state…

“Relief for All” Tax Cut Plan Announced for North Dakotans

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Gov. Doug Burgum introducing a legislative plan to provide the largest state income tax relief package in North Dakota history. It would replace the individual income tax rates with a single, lower flat tax. That is estimated to save North Dakota taxpayers $250 million annually. “This will allow North Dakotans, hard-working North Dakotans, to keep their…

18 North Dakota State Legislative Races Have No Democratic Candidates

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP/KVRR) — North Dakota Democrats lack candidates for 15 state House seats and three seats in the state Senate. Secretary of state filings show Republicans were unable to recruit candidates for a House seat and Senate seat in the state’s biggest city of Fargo. Late Monday was the deadline for candidates to file with the state secretary of…

Minnesota Republicans offer family leave bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature have offered a voluntary proposal for paid family and medical leave. It would rely on tax credits for employers who choose to participate, in contrast with Democratic proposals that would require paid time off. Republicans depicted their plan Monday as an innovative way to support employees who need time off after…