News – Page 322 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

February 20, 2018

Senator Benson statement on update of OHFC elder abuse investigations

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced an update into the backlog of elder abuse investigations by the Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC). The update from MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm shows progress has…

February 19, 2018

Jasinski: Bonding committee considers Southeast Minnesota project ideas

Bonding committee considers Southeast Minnesota project ideas By: Senator John Jasinski One of my more interesting committee assignments is the Capital Investment Committee. We have one specific objective: we work all session evaluating dozens and…

February 19, 2018

Senate Tax Committee to begin session by studying impact of Trump Tax Reform

Following several weeks of town hall forums to discuss tax issues, Senate Tax Committee Chairman Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) has announced the committee will begin the 2018 legislative session by studying the details of the…

February 19, 2018

Southeastern Minnesota projects receive Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund grants

Several projects in southeastern Minnesota have received grants from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The beneficiaries include the Dodge County Historical Society, the Olmsted County Historical Society, and the St. Olaf Heritage Association.…

February 19, 2018

Senator Benson: ‘Infuriating’ that governor’s office ignored MNLARS concerns

A new report by Fox 9 investigators has found officials in charge of developing Minnesota’s new system for licensing and registering vehicles (MNLARS) knew years ago that the system was headed for disaster. According to…

February 19, 2018

Statement of Senator Housley on Office of Health Facility Complaints backlog update

In response to Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcom’s update on the backlog of complaints in the Office of Health Facility Complaints, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point), chairwoman of the Senate Aging and Long-Term…

February 15, 2018

Weber: Tax conformity, government accountability at forefront this session

Last year, the Republican-led legislative session turned out to be one of the most productive in recent memory. From $650 million in tax relief for farmers, students, small business owners, and seniors to the multi-billion…

Sen. Paul Gazelka elected as Majority Leader

February 12, 2018

Statement of Majority Leader Paul Gazelka on the January Revenue Report

“Minnesotans are feeling good about having more money in their pockets, the state budget is in surplus, and the sky isn’t falling like Democrats claimed it would when Republicans cut taxes. Now we need to…

February 9, 2018

Capital Investment Committee to continue #MNfrastructure bonding tour in southeastern Minnesota

On Monday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 13, the Senate Capital Investment Committee will visit southeastern Minnesota for the final leg of the #MNfrastructure statewide bonding tour. The committee will hear more than 30 proposals…

February 9, 2018

Senator Senjem, bonding committee to discuss mental health crisis during visit to Mayo Clinic

As part of the Senate Capital Investment Committee’s southeastern #MNfrastructure bonding tour, Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester) will present a bonding proposal to establish regional behavioral health crisis centers across Minnesota. The presentation will is part…

February 9, 2018

Sen. Carrie Ruud Encourages Individuals to Apply for Crow Wing Soil & Water Summer Apprenticeship

Sen. Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) is encouraging individuals to apply for the Crow Wing Soil and Water Summer Apprenticeship. Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa is currently accepting applications for young adults, ages 18-25, for summer…

February 9, 2018

Sen. Eichorn’s statement at public review of draft permits for PolyMet’s proposed NorthMet Mining Project

On Thursday, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) hosted a public review and comment session in Duluth to discuss draft state permits for PolyMet’s proposed NorthMet Minning Project. Sen.…

February 9, 2018

Republicans to introduce Campus Neutrality bill to promote freedom of ideas and expression on college campuses

Prompted by recent displays of intolerance of conservative speech at the University of Minnesota, Senator Carla Nelson and Representative Bud Nornes will introduce a Campus Neutrality bill to preserve political impartiality and free speech on…

February 8, 2018

Sen. Draheim hosts New Prague tax town hall

Sen. Rich Draheim hosts tax town hall in New Prague Public shares thoughts on state tax policy Senator Rich Draheim [R-Madison Lake] hosted a public tax town hall on Wednesday, February 8 in New Prague,…

February 8, 2018

Senate Jobs Committee to hold hearing seeking information regarding DEED payments to Greater MSP

Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee Chairman Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) has announced his committee will hold a hearing early in session seeking information about several questionable payments made by the Minnesota Department of Employment and…

February 7, 2018

Senate Republicans hold aging and long-term care listening sessions across Minnesota

A backlog of elder abuse investigations has prompted concern that state agencies are not doing enough to protect Minnesota seniors. Senate Republicans will hold a series of listening sessions focused on aging and long-term care…

February 7, 2018

Chamberlain, Runbeck to host town hall forum in Lino Lakes

State Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) and State Representative Linda Runbeck (R-Circle Pines) will be co-hosting a town hall forum in Lino Lakes for residents of House District 38A, which includes Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines,…

February 7, 2018

Senator Benson receives 2017 Public Official of the Year award from LeadingAge Minnesota

State Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) has been named a 2017 Public Official of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota, a respected advocacy group for Minnesota’s aging population. She received the award for her work as chair…

February 6, 2018

Rosen: Bonding Committee visits critical Southwest MN projects

Bonding Committee visits critical Southwest MN projects By: Senator Julie Rosen Even numbered years typically mean bonding years for the Minnesota legislature. Bonding is one of the way we pay for critical infrastructure projects that…

February 6, 2018

Benson: Historic opportunity for tax relief and reform

Last year, the state legislature passed the largest tax relief package in almost two decades and a budget that fully funds our state for two years. I was proud of our success, and even more…