New Laws Effective August 1st

Minnesota will legalize same-sex marriage; new liquor laws will address the state’s growing microbrew industry; and paramedics will need more training. Information about these and other select new laws that take effect Aug. 1, 2013, can be accessed at the Legislature’s website. A complete summary of all laws passed by the 2013 Legislature is now […]

DNR Rulemaking on Silica Mines Reclamation: Request for Comments

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requests comments on its possible rules governing reclamation of silica sand mines. The Department is considering rules that would control possible adverse environmental effects of silica sand mining, preserve natural resources, and encourage planning of future land utilization. The rules may address other reclamation issues that come up during […]

New Laws Effective July, 2013

Legislative update video 7/3/2013         Among the most significant laws set to go into effect this month are historic investments in education which are part of comprehensive budget passed by the DFL-led legislature and signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton after the 2013 Legislative Session adjourned on time this past May. […]

Making Sure All People Have the Freedom to Marry the Person They Love

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Marriage Equality Act last week by a vote of 75 to 59 with bipartisan support. With House lawmakers already having passed a comprehensive budget and awaiting our conference committees to iron out a final package, it was the right time to bring this bill up for a vote. […]

Energy Omnibus Bill

The Omnibus Energy Bill passed the House last Tuesday. If HF956 becomes law, it would set Minnesota’s first solar energy generation requirement for the state’s utilities at 4 percent by 2025. Renewable energy production for the state would need to be 40 percent by 2030. The bill as it’s written now, would allow for private citizens […]

House DFL Lawmakers Taking Serious Steps to Grow Our Economy, Expand Middle Class

Last week the Minnesota House passed a series of comprehensive bills that invest in priorities like our children’s education and property tax cuts. To pay for these important investments, we passed our tax bill. It eliminates our $627 million deficit without gimmicks and pays back the remaining $854 million school shift. The bills we passed make […]

St. Olaf Social Work Students Visit the Capitol

I visited with St. Olaf social work students today concerned about cuts to health and human services.  They are very familiar with the needs of mentally ill as well as those who live on the edge in our society and the services they need.

Job Creation, Property Tax Relief and More

My latest video update describes the $250 million House DFL property tax package delivers direct, targeted relief for up to one million Minnesotans. It includes $157 million for the Homestead Credit Refund, $15.5 million for the Renter’s Credit, $60 million for LGA, and $28 million for County Program Aid. More than 300,000 homeowners (about three-fourths […]

As Storm Season Approaches, Inventory Your Home

SAINT PAUL, MN – The first day of spring signals entry into severe weather season – floods, thunderstorms, and tornadoes.  Minnesotans understand the volatility of weather, seeing record number of tornadoes in 2011 and an increased tornado season in 2012, beginning in March and ending in November. Consumers who have experienced the devastation of a […]