Sen. Nelson: MNLARS Mayhem
Sen. Carla Nelson: MNLARS Mayhem Over the last half year, if you have purchased a vehicle or renewed your license plate tabs, you have probably experienced Minnesota’s new automotive licensing system, MNLARS. And, if your…
Senator Gazelka applauds issuance of Polymet draft permit
In response to the decision by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue a draft permit for PolyMet Mining’s proposed Iron Range copper-nickel mining operation, Senate Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) issued the following…
Senator Jasinski comments on MNLARS oversight hearing
The Senate Transportation Committee today held its second hearing this interim to investigate failures related to Minnesota’s new vehicle licensing and registration system, called MNLARS. During the course of the roughly 90 minute hearing, legislators…
Senator Bruce Anderson recognized for work on disability issues
State Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) has been recognized by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) for his work on behalf of the disability community during the 2017 legislative session — including funding increases…
Statement from Senator Michelle Fischbach regarding her becoming acting lieutenant governor
“At 12:01 a.m. this morning, in accordance with the Minnesota Constitution, I ascended to the position of acting lieutenant governor. My primary focus will continue to be serving the citizens of Senate District 13 in…
Jasinski: Greater Minnesota deserves fair share of Corridors of Commerce funding
This column originally ran in the Owatonna People’s Press Greater Minnesota deserves its fair share of Corridors of Commerce funding By: Sen. John Jasinski Last fall, Republicans were swept into control of the Minnesota Senate…
Senate Transportation Committee to hold MNLARS hearing on January 4
A meeting of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 4 in Room 1200 of the Minnesota Senate Building in St. Paul. The purpose of the…
Senator Lang, Capital Investment Committee to tour area projects seeking bonding
Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) will join members of the Senate Capital Investment Committee on a tour of area projects seeking state funding. The tour, which will take place on Monday, January 8, is part of…
Statement from Senator Kiffmeyer on the retirement of Commissioner Baden
After Thursday’s retirement announcement of Minnesota IT Services Commissioner Tom Baden, Senator Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake) chairwoman of the Senate State Government Finance and Policy and Elections Committee issued the following statement: “I thank Commissioner…
New Minnesota laws effective January 1, 2018
On January 1, 2018, a series of new laws will go into effect across Minnesota. These changes to state law join those that went into effect last summer and were passed during the the historically-productive 2017 legislative…
Statement from Senate Leader Gazelka on attorney general’s advisory opinion
In response to the advisory opinion issued by the attorney general’s office regarding the succession to lieutenant governor, Senate Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) issued the following statement: “We just received the opinion of Solicitor General Gilbert, and…
Release: Jasinski pushes to maintain Corridors of Commerce funding for Greater Minnesota
Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) has sent a letter to the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Charlie Zelle expressing his concern about a potential policy change that would shift millions of Corridors of Commerce…
Senator Michelle Benson statement on resignation of Department of Health Commissioner Ehlinger
Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) today released the following statement on the resignation of Dr. Ed Ehlinger from his position as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health. “While…
Statement from Senator Housley on the resignation of Commissioner Ehlinger
After Tuesday’s resignation of Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point), chairwoman of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, issued the following statement: “It is abundantly…
Statement from Senate President Fischbach following meeting with governor
Senate President Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville) issued the following statement after her meeting with Governor Dayton today: “I would like to thank the Governor for the delicious lunch and a great conversation. We had a good…
Sen. Utke encourages constituents to submit comments to DNR regarding sustainable timber harvest analysis
The Department of Natural Resources is currently taking comments until Dec. 30 on a sustainable timber harvest analysis which they plan to use to determine the statewide timber harvest level on DNR-administered forest land. The…
Sen. Michelle Fischbach will become Lt. Governor, remain in Senate
Senator Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville) will become the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Minnesota as soon as a vacancy is created with the resignation of the current Lt. Governor Tina Smith. Smith is Gov. Mark…
Senator Housley, colleagues demand answers to allegations of neglect in Minnesota senior care facilities
Several Republican senators, including Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point), chair of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, held a press conference Tuesday to demand answers from Minnesota Department of Health officials in…
Sen. Pratt elected chairman of Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government
Senator Eric Pratt [R-Prior Lake] was unanimously elected Chairman of the Minnesota Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government by his fellow committee members on Tuesday, December 12. The commission was established to oversee the Metropolitan Council’s…
Jasinski: Budget forecast shows Minnesota’s economy is strong
Note: this column originally ran in the Owatonna People’s Press. Budget forecast shows Minnesota’s economy strong By: Sen. John Jasinski For most of us, the thought of reading government financial reports makes our eyes glaze…