ST. PAUL, MN (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature has approved expanding a zero-interest disaster loan program for farmers, just in time for producers with buildings damaged by heavy snow this winter. The bill unanimously passed the Senate Thursday, and then passed House without opposition. It now goes to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature. The bill broadens eligibility for the Disaster…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lawmakers have unveiled legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota, hoping to start what they acknowledge is likely to be a long and contentious discussion. The bills were introduced in the Senate on Monday by Edina Democrat Melisa Franzen and in the House by Golden Valley Democrat Mike Freiberg. They said their proposal focuses on…
ST. PAUL, Minn. — With the Minnesota legislature set to reconvene Tuesday, State Senator Kent Eken talks with citizens in our area about what issues to fight for in St. Paul. At a League of Women Voters of the Red River Valley gathering at the Sons of Norway in Fargo, the Democrat says some of the big issues include budgeting for…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ House lawmakers are proposing steep restrictions on the use of cameras in Minnesota courtrooms. The House Public Safety committee unanimously passed legislation Wednesday that would require defendants, witnesses and others to approve filming. State courts lifted a longtime ban on cameras and started testing them during criminal sentencing so long as the victims, families and…
Sen. Scott Jensen & Sen. Paul Anderson ST. PAUL, Minn. — Two Republican senators are getting behind efforts to expand background checks on gun sales at the Minnesota Legislature. Sen. Scott Jensen of Chaska joined several Democrats by backing a bill that would expand background checks and require reporting of lost or stolen guns. Fellow GOP Sen. Paul Anderson…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton is proposing $21 million in new funding for security enhancements and mental health improvements in Minnesota schools. The Democratic governor unveiled his proposal Wednesday to give schools dedicated funds for improvements like bulletproof glass and secure entrances. School safety is in the spotlight after the recent deadly school shooting in Florida. Republicans who…
Minnesota State CapitolST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota’s lawmakers have passed a $46 billion budget after three extra days in session, several sleepless nights and some horse-trading. The Legislature approved the budget just before 3 a.m. Friday. House Speaker Kurt Daudt says, ”there’s no question that it was a grind.” The broad budget agreement would put $650 million toward tax relief,…
