News – Page 215 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

May 15, 2020

Senator Jensen, Senate Republicans approve bill requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

On Friday, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The bill, Chief-authored by Senator David Osmek…

May 15, 2020

Sen. Nelson and the Minnesota Senate approve raising tobacco purchasing age to 21 to conform with federal law

The Minnesota Senate approved legislation moving the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, officially bringing the state in line with federal law. The bill also updates state law to define e-cigarette…

May 15, 2020

Minnesota Senate extends mediation protections for farmers

In 1986, the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act was passed in response to a farm credit crisis. The act established a 90-day standard mediation period, requiring a bank or other creditor to offer mediation before enforcing a…

May 15, 2020

Senator Nelson, Minnesota Senate approve bill to fix driver’s license testing process

The Minnesota Senate today approved new legislation aimed at fixing the state’s driver’s license testing process and improving wait times for Minnesotans needing to take their driver’s test. The bill, Senate File 3226, allows private, third-party…

May 15, 2020

Senator Mathews, Senate approve bill requiring legislative oversight for peacetime emergencies

(St. Paul, MN) – On Friday, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The bill, chief-authored…

May 15, 2020

Senator Chamberlain, Minnesota Senate approve bill to fix driver’s license testing process

Today, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation aimed at improving wait times for Minnesotans needing to take their driver’s test. The bill, Senate File 3226, allows private, third party testers to become certified to administer behind-the-wheel driver’s…

May 15, 2020

Minnesota Senate passes Housley bill to eliminate driver’s test backlog

Today, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation aimed at improving wait times for Minnesotans needing to take their driver’s test. The bill, Senate File 3226, allows private, third party testers to become certified to administer behind-the-wheel driver’s…

May 15, 2020

Senator Rarick supports bill requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

St. Paul, MN) – On Friday, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The bill, Chief-authored…

May 15, 2020

Senate’s food bank fundraiser reaches goal ahead of schedule

Minnesota Senate President Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) today celebrated the success of a statewide fundraiser to benefit Minnesota’s food banks. The effort, led by Senators and Senate staff and Feeding America Network food banks throughout the…

May 15, 2020

Senator Osmek, Senate, approve bill requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

On Friday, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The bill, Chief-authored by Senator…

May 15, 2020

Jasinski: Wrapping up the COVID crisis

By: Senator John Jasinski As I write this, we are entering the final weekend of the 2020 Legislative Session, which I am sure will be referred to in the future as the COVID Session. There…

May 15, 2020

Senate approves Jasinski bill to require legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

The Minnesota Senate today approved a bill that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The bill, co-sponsored by Senator John…

May 15, 2020

Capitol Update from Senator Eric Pratt

Dear neighbors: I hope this message finds you well, even amid these challenging circumstances. My office at the State Capitol remains open and we remain at work on solutions that bring relief to the many…

May 14, 2020

Jasinski: DEED Awards $681,000 in Airport Infrastructure Grants

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $681,000 in grants to Alexandria, the Duluth Airport Authority and Elbow Lake. “I created and designed the Air Grants bill last year because I…

May 14, 2020

Rosen, Senate Republicans release $17 million in HAVA funds

Minnesota Senate Republicans recently approved the use of more than $17 million Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and CARES Act funds to secure and protect our elections. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. “We…

May 14, 2020

Rosen, Minnesota Senate pass bill to support small businesses in crisis

This week, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation to appropriate $60 million for small businesses in crisis from the stay at home orders and coronavirus pandemic. The bill was passed with bipartisan support. The bill takes $57.6…

May 14, 2020

Senator Koran: Halting state employee raises will preserve livelihoods

(St. Paul, MN) – Today the Senate Finance Committee took up Senate File 2770, which ratifies state employee’s contracts but puts a freeze on the second year 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases. The…

May 13, 2020

Gazelka: Moving in the right direction

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) expressed support to the Governor’s announcement that he was lifting the stay at home order on May 18th. “We’re moving in the right…

May 13, 2020

Senator Koran, Senate Republicans advance legislation to reopen MN business

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Monday the Minnesota Senate passed legislation that would allow many small businesses to safely resume operations. The bipartisan vote of approval had support from both rural and metro legislators. “Action for…

May 13, 2020

Minnesota Senate passes freelance hair and makeup artist exemption

On Wednesday, the Minnesota Senate passed a bipartisan bill to exempt freelance hair and makeup artists from being required to obtain a full cosmetology license. The bill, Senate File 2228, passed by a vote of…