Senate’s food bank fundraiser crushes goal
A Senate-led fundraiser to benefit food banks across Minnesota has officially come to a close, and the effort was a tremendous success. In less than one month, the effort raised a grand total of $18,325…
Freelance hair and makeup exemption signed into law
On Wednesday, bipartisan legislation that exempts freelance hair and makeup artists from being required to obtain a full cosmetology license was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz. The bill, authored by Senator Karin Housley (R-St.…
Senator Rosen End of Session Legislative Update, May 21
Greetings Neighbors! We completed the 2020 Session here at the Capitol Sunday night. Although things are still changing on a daily basis, I remain encouraged by the community we have in District 23 during these…
Memorial Day message from Senator Kiffmeyer
Friends and Neighbors, On this coming Monday May 25th, we as American citizens, observe Memorial Day, a day that serves to commemorate the brave men and women who have given their lives while serving in…
Senator Anderson’s Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors, The 2020 session has come to a close. COVID-19 transformed a lot of our process this year as we prepared for the projected surge and worked to support our Minnesota families and…
Senator Housley responds to reports of botched testing in state’s response to long-term care
After reports of botched COVID-19 testing at long-term care facilities in Minnesota, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, issued the following statement: “The residents and staff of long-term…
Benson: Church guidelines are disrespectful of faith communities
(ST. PAUL, MN) – Deputy Majority Leader Michelle Benson (R- Ham Lake) released the following statement in response to Gov. Walz’s recommendations for the next phase of re-opening amid the coronavirus pandemic: “Governor Walz is tone…
Senator Chamberlain statement: Time for Gov. Walz to ‘throw out dials’ and focus on long-term care
State Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) today issued the following statement: “Enough is enough. At the beginning of this whole thing we understood the restrictions Gov. Walz put in place — especially with the limited…
Gazelka: Cavalier decision for state worker pay raise chills cooperation
(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R- East Gull Lake) released the following statement in response to the Walz Administration’s decision to give state employees a raise in the middle of record unemployment. “The Governor’s…
Senator Housley disappointed in lack of focus on long-term care
In response to Governor Tim Walz’s press briefing on Wednesday, May 20, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, issued the following statement: “Neither Governor Walz nor…
Gazelka: No reason to discriminate against churches
(ST. PAUL, MN) – Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R East Gull Lake) released the following statement in response to Gov. Walz’s recommendations for the next phase of re-opening amid the coronavirus pandemic: “Throughout history, the church…
Ruud, Senate Republicans Raise Concerns About Executive Authority, Civil Complaints Under Executive Orders
Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) added her signature to a letter Senate Republicans sent today to Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison raising concerns over the administration’s interpretation of peacetime emergency powers and…
Senator Nelson’s bill allowing Medical Assistance patients to participate in clinical trials passes in end of session HHS bill
Legislation by Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) to increase access to clinical trials for Minnesotans using Medical Assistance (MA) was included in a compromise health and human services policy bill that passed at the end of…
Senate Republicans Raise Concerns About Executive Authority, Civil Complaints Under Executive Orders
(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Republicans sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison raising concerns over the administration’s interpretation of peacetime emergency powers and the use of enforcement action. The letter…
After adjournment, Senator Relph highlights accomplishments of 2020 legislative session
On Sunday, the Minnesota Senate adjourned the 2020 regular legislative session sine die just before ahead of its constitutional deadline for passing legislation. “It was a different session, but we were still able to get things done…
Senator Housley again urges Governor Walz to take decisive action in long-term care
On Wednesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune exposed significant shortfalls in Minnesota’s response to COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities. In response, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, called on Governor…
Senate Republicans pass bill prioritizing environmental protections
Last week, the Minnesota Senate passed an environment policy bill authored by Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria). The bill includes several policy items and funding proposals heard in the Environment Committees this session. Senator Carrie Ruud…
Senator Ruud’s Legacy Finance bill protects Minnesota’s natural resources
Last week, with unanimous support, the Senate passed Senator Carrie Ruud’s (R-Breezy Point) Legacy Finance bill. This year’s bill appropriates $117,915,000 to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF). Appropriations for the Legacy Fund are…
Senator Mathews Statement on Threatened Business Owners
Due to Governor Walz’s nearly two months of a mandated shutdown, rural businesses are now facing permanent closure while waiting for the governor’s decision to reopen fully. Many rural business owners have stated they can…
Senator Utke: End of 2020 Session and Legislative Update
This past Sunday at midnight the Minnesota Senate adjourned, ending the 2020 regular session on a somewhat open-ended note. While the Senate and House were able to pass many bills that will benefit Minnesotans, headline…