News – Page 246 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

September 11, 2019

Benson: Physician-assisted suicide is a dangerous policy and we will not hear it in the Senate.

Today House Democrats will hold a hearing on physician-assisted suicide. The hearing comes the day after World Suicide Prevention day. An editorial in yesterday’s Star Tribune raised other concerns about the hearing. Senator Michelle Benson, chair of…

September 11, 2019

Sen. Rarick and Senate bonding committee to visit projects in Duluth, Cloquet, Carlton, and Pine City

Minnesota Senator Jason Rarick (R-Brook Park) and the Senate Capital Investment Committee will visit prospective projects in Duluth, Cloquet, Carlton, and Pine City on Thursday, Sept 12. The visits will occur during the committee’s three-day…

September 9, 2019

Senator Housley to meet with area seniors, discuss expansive new law

On Thursday, September 12, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point) will join residents at Boutwell’s Landing in Oak Park Heights to discuss historic reforms to state law protecting Minnesota seniors. WHO: Senator Karin Housley (R-St.…

September 9, 2019

Senate Republicans kick off bonding tours in Northeast Minnesota

(ST. PAUL) – The Senate Capitol Investment Committee will begin touring the state next week. The tour will start on Tuesday, September 10 in Becker, MN. They will stop in Grand Rapids, Cohasset, and Chisholm…

September 9, 2019

Senator Osmek honored as a 2019 Public Official of the Year by Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association

The Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) has named State Senator David Osmek (R-Mound) as their 2019 Public Official of the Year. The non-profit organization, which has been active in utilities and energy issues in the…

September 6, 2019

Senator Goggin Legislative Update

Friends and Neighbors, Summer is ending and it is hard to believe that it is time for kids to be back in school! I hope you enjoyed the summer and maybe some time at the…

September 5, 2019

Sen. Chamberlain statement on Legislative Auditor agreeing to investigate Pollution Control Agency’s role in Water Gremlin

This morning, Minnpost reported that the Legislative Auditor will investigate the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s role in the Water Gremlin scandal. Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) requested the investigation in a letter last week. Sen.…

September 4, 2019

Sen. Draheim proposes legislation to ‘break up’ MN Dept. of Human Services

In light of recent failures at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) will chief-author legislation to divide the agency into smaller components. Draheim’s proposal follows recent reports that DHS…

September 4, 2019

Senate Republicans ask for 90-day plan from new DHS commissioner

The Senate Health and Human Services and Human Services Reform Committees heard from newly appointed Commissioner Jodi Harpstead for the first time today. On August 30, Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) made an initial request from Harpstead…

September 4, 2019

Senator Rosen honored as a 2019 Legislator of Distinction by the League of Minnesota Cities

The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 34 state lawmakers, including Senator Julie Rosen, as 2019 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past…

September 4, 2019

Senator Jasinski honored as a 2019 Legislator of Distinction by the League of Minnesota Cities

The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 34 state lawmakers, including Senator John Jasinski, as 2019 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past…

August 30, 2019

Senator Kiffmeyer Legislative Update: August 30

Friends and Neighbors, I have heard from many of you that your attempts to make road test appointments with Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) have not been successful. I received an email from a constituent…

August 29, 2019

Sen. Chamberlain asks Gov. Walz, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Sheriff Fletcher to investigate Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Water Gremlin

Minnesota state Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) today called on more Minnesota authorities to investigate the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Water Gremlin for potential criminal wrongdoing. In three separate letters dated August 29,…

August 29, 2019

Kiffmeyer considers legislation to prevent special interest groups from influencing Attorney General’s office

Today Senator Mary Kiffmeyer (R- Big Lake) released a letter sent from her office to Attorney General Keith Ellison. The letter outlines specific questions regarding the Attorney General’s arrangement for a fellowship position to be…

August 29, 2019

Benson: We need answers and a reform plan from the Minnesota Department of Human Services

The department and its employees lost, either by error or fraud, more than $300 million in the last three years. A $48 million mistake is kind of a big deal. Yet here in Minnesota it’s…

August 28, 2019

Sen. Nelson named ‘Legislator of Distinction’ by Minnesota School Boards Association

Senator Carla Nelson (Rochester-R) recently received the Legislator of Distinction Award from the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA). A leading advocate for public education, the MSBA supports, promotes, and strengthens the work of public-school boards…

August 28, 2019

Sen. Miller: Update on upcoming HWY 52 road work

Greetings from the district, I was notified by MnDOT that work will soon begin on Highway 52 between Fountain and Preston in Fillmore County, which requires closure of the road. If this is an area…

August 28, 2019

Sen. Benson releases written questions for DHS officials

During the HHS hearing on August 13, Senator Michelle Benson told DHS officials she would provide written questions for the department to answer. Questions were sent on August 19 to Carolyn Ham, Acting Commissioner Pam Wheelock, and…

August 28, 2019

Senator Roger Chamberlain calls on Ramsey County Attorney, Legislative Auditor to investigate Water Gremlin and MPCA for possible criminal violations

Update: Sen. Chamberlain also sent letters to Gov. Tim Walz, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher to request similar investigations. Minnesota state Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) today asked Ramsey…

August 28, 2019

Sen. Julie Rosen named 2019 Legislator of Distinction by Minnesota School Boards Association

Southern Minnesota residents have one of the best advocates for schools serving them in the Minnesota Senate. State Senator Julie Rosen (R-Vernon-Center) has been named 2019 Legislator of Distinction by the Minnesota School Boards Association…