Political

Dayton Looks to Move Preservation Agency Under His Administration

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton wants his administration to oversee the state’s preservation agency instead of the Minnesota Historical Society. Dayton says the agency would be more efficient and accountable if it’s moved to the executive branch. The governor support for a bill that would accomplish the move comes months after the Historical Society took a stand…

Ramsey County Commissioner Launches Bid for Governor

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Republican Ramsey County commissioner is entering the race for Minnesota governor in 2018. Blake Huffman announced his bid Wednesday is St. Paul for the seat Gov. Mark Dayton will vacate after serving out his second term. He has served on the Ramsey County board since 1012 after a stint on Shoreview’s City Council. Huffman…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Consider Bill Banning Some Abortions

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Abortions would no longer be covered by health insurance plans for Wisconsin state employees under a Republican-backed bill working its way through the Legislature. But it’s unclear weather the measure up for a hearing Wednesday will win approval this year even with stronger Republican majorities when it failed to pass in 2013. And even if it…

Official Warns GOP Budget Cuts Could Mean Tax Return Delays

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s top tax official says deep cuts to state budgets could result in months-long delays to tax returns next year. Republicans who control the Legislature have laid out some major cuts to state agencies including the Department of Revenue. That’s the agency that processes tax filings annually. Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly said Tuesday that plotted cuts…

Dayton Signals Possible Compromise on Real ID Impasse

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has signaled a possible compromise on Real ID after saying he doesn’t believe he can allow immigrants living in the country illegally to obtain driver’s licenses without legislative approval. Dayton said Monday that legislation is needed this session to be compliant with federal ID standards. Without a bill, a January 2018…

Wisconsin Assembly Committee Approves Drunken Driving Bills

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – An Assembly committee has approved three Republican bills that would impose stiffer penalties and ignition interlock requirements for drunken drivers. The proposals from Representative Jim Ott and Senator Alberta Darling would create a five-year minimum prison sentence for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, raise the minimum incarceration period for fifth and sixth offenses from…

Wisconsin Spring Election Turnout Reaches 16 Percent

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – About 16 percent of Wisconsin’s voting-age population cast ballots in the state’s spring election. That’s in line with the turnout prediction by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. It estimated turnout of between 13 percent and 18 percent in Tuesday’s election. The race for state superintendent of public instruction was the only statewide race on the ballot, although…

Tribe President Avoids Dispute in Wisconsin Legislature Address

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The president of a tribe that plans to withhold nearly $1 million from the state over a casino dispute told Wisconsin lawmakers and officials Tuesday that the state will be stronger if tribal leaders and state leaders are “united as allies.” Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey did not refer to the tribe’s threat to withhold gambling payments…

Minnesota House Advances $3.2 Billion Higher Education Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has approved a $3.2 billion education bill that would freeze tuition next year for the state’s two-year and technical colleges but will likely raise it at the University of Minnesota. The bill passed Tuesday in the Republican-controlled House mostly along party lines by a vote of 77-53. Republicans say their bill helps…

Stockbridge-Munsee President to Address Wisconsin Legislature

MADISON, Wisc. (AP) – The president of a tribe that plans to withhold nearly $1 million from the state over a casino dispute will deliver the annual State of the Tribes address to the Wisconsin Legislature. Stockbridge-Munsee President Shannon Holsey is scheduled to give a speech Tuesday afternoon. The Stockbridge-Munsee has warned the state it intends to withhold gambling payments…

REAL ID Passes Senate on Second Try

Passed in a 60-7 vote Thursday night

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is now one step closer to federal compliance after the Senate passed the REAL ID legislation. The bill passed 60-7 Thursday night. Republican Senator Eric Pratt of Prior Lake amended the bill to remove a divisive provision. There was little resistance for the legislation during its second attempt at passage, through some Republicans still…

Minnesota Senate Wants $900 Million in Tax Cuts

The lowest tax bracket would shrink by .25-percent

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Senate Republicans are pursing deep tax cuts over the next two years for students, families, and those on Social Security. The almost $900 million sought in their bill released Wednesday, directs over half of those breaks to individual taxes. The lowest tax bracket would shrink by over a quarter of a percent. Republican Senator Roger…

Tribal Leaders to Address Wisconsin Lawmakers, Officials

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Native American leaders in Wisconsin will give their annual State of the Tribes address to the Legislature and constitutional officers on April 4. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said, in a news release Tuesday, that Stockbridge-Munsee tribe President Shannon Holsey will give the speech this year. Vos said in the release the State of the Tribes address,…