News – Page 213 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

May 20, 2020

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…

May 20, 2020

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…

May 19, 2020

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…

May 19, 2020

Minnesota Senate adjourns 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…

May 19, 2020

Senator Housley secures on-sale liquor license for Castlewood Golf Course

Last week, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation that allows Castlewood Golf Course in Forest Lake to sell full strength alcohol after years of being limited to 3.2 percent ABV sales. The provision, which was included…

May 19, 2020

Senator Westrom visits Shady’s Hometown Tavern

Rural businesses are now facing permanent closure while waiting for the governor’s decision to fully reopen the state. Many rural business owners have stated they can no longer wait for this decision. A few have…

May 19, 2020

Sen. Gazelka to Gov. Walz: Asking 650,000 jobless Minnesotans to pay for state employee raises is adding insult to injury

(ST. PAUL, MN) – As Governor Walz and Commissioner Frans contemplate their decision on how to interpret the ratification of state employee union contracts this week, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka offered some advice on…

May 18, 2020

Senator Goggin: Our students deserve access to every career opportunity

Last week the Minnesota Senate passed a bill chief-authored by Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) which requires school districts to provide military recruiters, skilled trades, and manufacturing representatives access to present their career opportunity information…

May 18, 2020

Senate Republicans pass bill prioritizing environmental protections

Last week, the Minnesota Senate passed an environment policy bill containing several policy items heard in the Environment Committees this session. The bill included language chief-authored by Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) which removes the…

May 18, 2020

Senator Pratt comments on the 2020 legislative session

May 18, 2020

Legislative Session Prepared State for COVID; Special Session Needed for Economic Recovery, Deficit Solutions

(St. Paul, MN) – Senate Republicans adjourned an unprecedented and historic session on Sunday night. Last January, priorities were placed on passing a public bonding bill, providing tax relief with the projected surplus, and reforming…

May 18, 2020

Minnesota Senate approves Senator Nelson’s education bill to help schools, students, and teachers during COVID pandemic

The Minnesota Senate approved a supplemental education finance bill to help schools manage their resources and support Minnesota’s teachers and students during the coronavirus pandemic. The bipartisan, consensus bill was the product of in-depth negotiations,…

May 17, 2020

Critical area projects included in Senate bonding proposal

On Saturday, Minnesota Senate Republicans announced a $1.4 billion bonding bill, which focuses on key infrastructure needs, jobs, and economic growth across Minnesota. “I’m very happy that the Twin Lakes Township water infrastructure project and…

May 17, 2020

Senate Democrats Block Jobs and Infrastructure Bill on Final Night of Session

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Republicans offered a nearly billion dollars for jobs and infrastructure borrowing on the final night of the 2020 session. Senate Democrats failed to offer enough votes to approve the bill…

May 17, 2020

Senator Westrom Heads Up Farmer-Focused Agriculture Bill in Senate

(St. Paul, MN) – Today, the Minnesota Senate unanimously passed a bill to aid farmers with safety, mental health, production, and advocacy. The legislation, headed up by Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing…

May 17, 2020

Senator Howe Questions Attorney General Over Threats of Business Fines

Following nearly two months of a mandated shutdown by Governor Walz, many rural businesses are now facing permanent closure while waiting for the governor’s decision allowing them to return to work. Many rural business owners have…

May 17, 2020

Freelance hair and makeup artist exemption awaits governor’s signature

On Sunday, bipartisan legislation to exempt freelance hair and makeup artists from being required to obtain a full cosmetology license cleared its final hurdle in the Minnesota Legislature. The bill, Senate File 2228, passed the Senate…

May 17, 2020

Senator Draheim, Senate, Present Bonding Bill Focused on Infrastructure, Transportation, and Projects to Boost to Economy

Senate Republicans presented their bonding bill to Minnesota today. Totaling $998 million in general obligation bonds, plus $400 million for trunk highway bonds, the bill focuses on crucial infrastructure needs, projects that will get Minnesotans…

May 17, 2020

Senate’s Human Services bill emphasizes child and foster care, support for people with disabilities, mental health

The Minnesota Senate recently approved a bipartisan Human Services bill that improves the way Minnesota delivers critical services like child and foster care, mental health assistance, and support for individuals with disabilities. “The pandemic has shaken…

May 17, 2020

Senator Nelson supports infrastructure bill that funds projects in Olmsted County

On Saturday, the Minnesota Senate unveiled a $998 million infrastructure bonding bill that would deliver funding for roads and bridges, clean water, and several projects in southeastern Minnesota, as well as local roads and bridges…