minnesota legislature Archives - Page 8 of 12

MN Legislative Negotiators Reach Agreement on Free Tuition at Public Colleges

May 9, 2023

KVRR Staff,

ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — Tuition at Minnesota’s public colleges would be free to those whose families earn less than $80,000 annually, under an agreement reached by legislative negotiators. It is part of of a broader higher education budget bill which has yet to be voted on. The “North Star Promise” free tuition program would cost about $117 million in the…

Purple lanes: Minnesota highway signs to honor Prince

May 4, 2023

KVRR Staff,

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…

Marijuana legalization advancing in Minnesota Legislature

April 24, 2023

KVRR Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Recreational marijuana could soon be legalized and regulated in Minnesota under bills that are entering the final rounds of debate at the Legislature. The House, where Democrats comfortably outnumber Republicans, was set to pass its marijuana bill Monday night after green-lighting similar legislation in 2021. The Senate, where Democrats hold only a one-seat majority, is scheduled…

Minnesota Hospital Association against staffing levels bill

Minnesota Hospital Association is against a house bill in the state legislature that implements nurse staffing ratios.

April 12, 2023

Site Staff,

MINNESOTA (KVRR) — Keep Nurses at the Bedside Act would create committees made up of health care workers and management to set staffing levels on a unit-by-unit basis depending on a hospital. It puts a maximum on the number of patients for a nurse. The C-E-O of the M-H-A says there are already at least five thousand openings for nurses…

Concordia students urge lawmakers to take action on gun safety

April 6, 2023

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Student activists are working to get the Minnesota legislature to advance what they say is critical and lifesaving gun safety legislation. Concordia College students are partnering with other organizations. Concordia College Student Government Association led a gun sense and safety rally on campus to kick off a week of action. They will then have students sign…

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

March 22, 2023

KVRR Staff,

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…

MN Senate Passes Free School Meals, Gets National Attention for Senator’s Comments

March 15, 2023

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — A vote on free lunches and breakfasts for Minnesota students regardless of income is getting national attention for what one Senator had to say. The Senate passed the bill 38-26. It has been a Democratic priority this session but even a few Republicans crossed over. It’s estimated that the program will cost the state about $400…

Bill Targets Expenses For Advanced Breast Cancer Screenings

March 12, 2023

KVRR Staff,

ST. PAUL — A bill advancing in the Minnesota Legislature would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for advanced breast cancer screenings following a mammogram, in a move supporters say will expand access to preventative care that can save lives. The proposal says that if a doctor determines a patient needs additional testing—like an MRI or ultrasound—health insurance plans must cover the services…

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

February 28, 2023

KVRR Staff,

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…

Minnesotans vocal about legislation in town hall at Moorhead Library

February 25, 2023

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Minnesotans remain passionate about some house and senate bills in the legislature including gun and ammunition storage, paid family leave and abortion. They participated in a town hall at Moorhead Public Library hosted by DFL State Senator Rob Kupec. Kupec’s critics were vocal about government overreach regarding gun control while supporters backed him for supporting bills…