Minnesota Legislature

New Laws Take Effect Today for 2018

(KMSP) – There are five new laws going into effect Jan. 1, including one that honors fallen officers. According to the Minnesota House of Representatives, the new law allows for special license plates that honor fallen officers. Drivers can purchase a memorial plate for $10 and donate $25 to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. The law is sponsored by…

As Smith heads to DC, questions linger over her replacement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – After a crazy year in Minnesota politics, 2018 will start with Democrats and Republicans squabbling over the next lieutenant governor and what it means for control of the Senate. Republican Sen. Michelle Fischbach is poised to become lieutenant governor after Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is sworn into the U.S. Senate this week. But Fischbach plans…

NRRI Receives Recurring Funding

Coffee Conversation: Natural Resources Research Institute

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s big news and big funding for the Natural Resources Research Institute. The institute was granted an additional $2 million in recurring funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. This almost doubles the previous state funding they were receiving and was the first funding increase since the 1980s. According to June Breneman, External Affairs Manager for the NRRI,…

Minnesota lawmakers enter final day to wrap up budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are down to their last day to wrap up several major budget bills to avoid needing extra time to finish the work of the legislative session. The House and Senate reached deals late Sunday on water buffers to pass an environment bill and agreed on funding for colleges and universities over objections from…

Bill lets Minnesotans choose what health insurance covers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A House bill moving through committee would allow Minnesotans to choose what conditions their health insurance covers. The author, Republican Rep. Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa, says the bill would cut costs by giving people the freedom to drop options they are unlikely to need. Democratic opponents say the proposal would raise costs by reducing the…

House aims to stem health rate hikes, stabilize market

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Republicans are preparing to plow more than $300 million into a new state program meant to reduce health insurance premiums next year. Minnesota has grappled with some of the largest rate increases in the nation. Premiums jumped by as much as 67 percent for shoppers buying insurance on their own this year, leading lawmakers…