News – Page 162 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

February 9, 2021

Duckworth Passes Bipartisan Bill to Expedite Vaccine Availability

On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation allowing dentists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine after the completion of appropriate training. The legislation is co-authored by Senator Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville) and gives Minnesota additional flexibility with its…

February 9, 2021

Senator Jeff Howe’s Bill to Increase Transportation Funding Receives First Hearing

On Tuesday Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) presented the Auto Parts Sales Tax bill in the Transportation committee. This legislation seeks to increase funding towards the state’s transportation budget, without raising taxes. “We need to take…

February 9, 2021

Senator Weber supports legislation requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

On Tuesday, the Senate’s State Government Finance & Policy Committee heard legislation that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The…

February 9, 2021

Senator Draheim supports legislation requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

On Tuesday, the Senate’s State Government Finance & Policy Committee heard legislation that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The…

February 9, 2021

Senator Koran applauds legislation requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

On Tuesday, the Senate’s State Government Finance & Policy Committee heard legislation that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The…

February 9, 2021

Statement from Senator Bruce Anderson, Majority Leader Paul Gazelka

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) released the following statement on the tragedy in Buffalo today: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this tragedy. Buffalo Police Officers and Wright County Sheriff Deputies…

February 9, 2021

Senator Rarick supports legislation requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

On Tuesday, the Senate’s State Government Finance & Policy Committee heard legislation that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The…

February 9, 2021

Senator Dornink introduces firefighter assistance bill

A bill has been introduced by Senator Gene Dornink (R-Hayfield) establishing a program to provide payments to firefighters with cancer or heart disease, counseling for firefighters, and firefighter training. This would be included in the…

February 9, 2021

Senator Karin Housley Holds Press Conference to Introduce an Increase in Funding for Traumatic Brain Injury

Today, Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater), Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, held a press conference to introduce a budget increase for the Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant (SCI…

February 9, 2021

Senator Jason Rarick Earns Guardian of Small Business Award

The state’s major small business group, the National Federation of Independent Business Minnesota, named Senator Jason Rarick an NFIB Guardian of Small Business. “Minnesota’s thousands of small businesses have been through the wringer over the past year…

February 9, 2021

Senator Jim Abeler pushes for increased Traumatic Brain Injury funding after Governor cut program from budget

Today, Senator Jim Abeler (Anoka) held a press conference to introduce a budget increase for the Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant (SCI and TBI) Program. This legislation seeks to increase the budget…

February 9, 2021

Senator Miller supports innovative program to improve student reading outcomes

VIDEO: Watch Senator Miller discuss the LETRS program. (St. Paul) – A bill was recently introduced to again affirm the Minnesota Senate’s commitment to student literacy by providing teachers the opportunity to enroll in an…

February 9, 2021

Senator Osmek’s bill requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies clears committees

On Tuesday, the Senate’s State Government Finance & Policy Committee heard legislation that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The…

February 8, 2021

Senate Republicans: $1.6 billion dollar surplus from “resilient Minnesotans” means small businesses and employees should get PPP tax relief

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) released a video statement with his reaction to Minnesota’s projected surplus of $1.6 billion. Watch Gazelka’s reaction. In the video, Gazelka repeats his commitment to not raising taxes, and promises to pass…

February 8, 2021

Senate passes legislation increasing the number of COVID vaccine administers

On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation allowing dentists to administer the flu and the COVID vaccine to patients with vaccine training. The legislation gives Minnesota additional flexibility with its vaccination plan, particularly in rural communities. “I…

February 8, 2021

MINNESOTA SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BILL

St. Paul, MN – This week, the Minnesota Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation holding employers harmless to unemployment insurance experience ratings due to COVID-19 closures and shutdowns. Record unemployment in 2020 as a result of COVID-19…

February 8, 2021

SENATOR DAHMS CO-AUTHORS LEGISLATION PREVENTING MISUSE OF DISASTER ACCOUNT FUNDS

St. Paul, MN – Last week, Senate Republicans introduced legislation that would prohibit state disaster assistance funds from being used for civil unrest. The legislation was sparked by last summer’s Twin Cities riots and Governor Tim…

February 8, 2021

Sen. Draheim’s legislation increasing the number of COVID vaccine administers passes Senate

On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation allowing dentists to administer the flu and the COVID vaccine to patients with vaccine training. The legislation chief-authored by Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) gives Minnesota additional flexibility…

February 8, 2021

Senator David Senjem’s 2/5/21 Legislative Update

Governor Walz Releases State Budget Proposal Last week, Governor Walz announced his proposed two-year budget. The budget includes $52.4 billion in spending and calls for $1.64 billion in new taxes on Minnesotans. Amongst other things,…

February 8, 2021

Senator Bill Weber’s 2/5/21 Legislative Update

Responding to Governor Walz’s Request for a Safety Fund for Minneapolis Yesterday I joined Majority Leader Gazelka to preview a bill I am introducing to hold cities accountable to pay their mutual aid agreements. The…