End of session and beyond

The 2008 session ended in the midst of the State’s celebration of its 150th birthday. This photo shows the rare occasion where the chandelier of the rotunda was lit. Saturday’s session began at 10:00am and ended at 4:30am the next day. We started up again later on Sunday at 1:00pm. As you might imagine I […]

MN Bell Museum of Natural History

I received an e-mail from Mr. Edward Davis, a member of E-Democracy.org. He is helping to promote the online video contest hosted by the Bell Museum of Natural History as part of the Minnesota Sesquicentennial celebration. Mr. Davis writes: “The museum is looking for videos that celebrate the natural places in Minnesota and the efforts […]

Lawmakers Beat the Clock

On Sunday, May 18th, the 85th MN Legislature and the Governor agreed on the Omnibus Budget Bill (HF 1812.) The deal was reached just hours before the clock ran out on the 2008 session. With a group of Civil War re-enactors singing songs from the 1850-60’s era in the Rotunda, Rep. Lyndon Carlson, (DFL 45B), […]

Winding Down of the 85th Legislature

Minnesota’s 85th Legislature is winding down. We are told that negotiations with the Governor are close to a settlement. Unfortunately, I can’t say much about the details yet but we are looking at a late night tomorrow, Saturday, May 17th, to finish up our work. We are confident we will be done Sunday. Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial […]

Statehood Day, May 11th

This Sunday, May 11th, is Statehood Day; the beginning of a whole week of commemorations for Minnesota’s big 1-5-0. The Minnesota Statehood Week Kickoff Ceremony begins at 3:30pm, Sunday, May 11 at the State Capitol in St. Paul. It marks the beginning of Minnesota’s 150th anniversary of statehood. Don’t miss the Sesquicentennial Wagon Train as […]

“Defenders of Democracy Day,” Monday, May 12

In recognition and appreciation of their many contributions and personal sacrifices in the defense of Americans’ freedoms and liberties, there will be a special exhibit of our nation’s Declaration of Independence at the Minnesota History Center (MHS) on Monday, May 12, exclusively for “veterans, service members, and their families.” This special “Defenders of Democracy Day” […]

Property Tax Relief (HF1222)

Star Tribune editorial writer and columnist Lori Sturdevant wrote in an editorial piece on April 27 that homeowners’ property taxes over the last 6 years have increased, on average, 82%. In the upcoming year, taxes are forecast to increase 7.7%. These increases are forcing many homeowners into difficult financial problems. This Legislature is committed to […]

Town Hall Meetings

The public is welcome to join Sen. Kevin Dahle and myself at several Town Hall meetings we have scheduled. Below is a list of places and times we will be available for your questions and concerns. Tuesday May 6th 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Lonsdale City Hall 415 Central Street West, Lonsdale, 55046 Saturday May […]

The Declaration of Independence is coming!

The Declaration of Independence is coming to the Minnesota History Center May 6-18 for a free public exhibit. As part of the Office of Secretary of State’s 150th anniversary we are bringing a rare, original printing of the Declaration of Independence to the Minnesota History Center, May 6-18. This copy, known as a “Dunlap Broadside,” […]