minnesota legislature

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…

Minnesotans vocal about legislation in town hall at Moorhead Library

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…

Minnesota Legislature Takes Action On Felon Voting & Puts Sports Betting Back On The Agenda

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Senate moved Tuesday to restore voting rights to convicted felons as soon as they get out of prison instead of continuing to require them to complete their parole before they can cast a ballot. The Senate took up the “Restore the Vote” bill less than a week after the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld…

Walz And Leaders Sign Abortion Rights Bill

ST. PAUL — Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota legislative leaders signing legislation that enshrines a right to abortion into state statutes. It passed in the Senate early Saturday after a marathon debate. “And the message that we’re sending to Minnesota today is very clear: your rights are protected in this state. You have the right to make your own decisions…

Retiring District 4 Legislators Honored With Their Own Day by Moorhead

Sen. Kent Eken and Rep. Paul MarquartMOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — This is officially Senator Kent Eken and Representative Paul Marquart Appreciation Day in Moorhead. The city council honoring the retiring longtime DFL legislators. Rep. Marquart was on hand to hear the reading of the Resolution of Appreciation and pick up a plaque. He is completing his 11th term serving District…

Minnesota Lawmakers Not Expected To Finish Work Before Deadline

The governor has signed a bill that changes several liquor laws including raising the cap on growler sales.

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — It appears Minnesota lawmakers will not get everything done before the 11:59 p.m. end-of-session deadline. It become obvious Sunday afternoon that they won’t finish on time. Lawmakers on Saturday reached a $4 billion tax relief package which includes the elimination of state taxes on Social Security income, an income tax rate cut. It also expands the renter’s…

Kupec wins DFL District 4 Senate endorsement

Rob KupecGLYNDON, Minn. (KVRR) – Minnesota DFLers have endorsed KVRR-TV Chief Meteorologist Rob Kupec to run for the District 4 seat in the Minnesota Senate. Kupec won the endorsement during a meeting of District 4 delegates Saturday in Glyndon. He’s running for the seat being vacated by longtime DFL State Senator Kent Eken. Kupec has been Chief Meteorologist at KVRR-TV…

DFL’s Eken announces retirement from Minnesota Legislature

AUDUBON, Minn. (KVRR) – A longtime Minnesota state lawmaker has decided not to seek reelection. Democratic State Sen. Kent Eken of Audubon is stepping away after 20 years in the legislature. Eken was first elected as a member of the Minnesota House in 2002. Eken says his decision was based on several factors, including plans to return to teaching, and…