Mathews legislation for Sherco plant signed into law
Legislation that paves the way for the construction of a natural gas plant to be built on the site of the current Sherco plant in Becker was signed into law on Tuesday. The bill, authored…
Nelson joins bipartisan majority in clearing Sunday liquor sales
A bipartisan coalition of legislators, including Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), voted on Monday to approve legislation allowing the sale of alcohol on Sundays. “I voted ‘yes’ along with a majority of constituents who support giving…
Senate passes bill to repeal Sunday liquor sales ban
Minnesota’s 159-year-old ban on Sunday liquor sales is poised to fall after the state Senate voted on Monday to repeal the law. By a vote of 38 to 28, the Senate passed House File 30,…
Education Committee hears Miller bill to help Caledonia school district
Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) recently introduced Senate File 709, which would reimburse Caledonia Area Public Schools for interest payments made on its “maximum effort” loan for school facilities. Caledonia originally qualified for the loan based…
Senate Republicans announce “Advancing Minnesota” agenda, promising a better future for Minnesotans
Senate Republicans released their Advancing Minnesota agenda, preparing to build on early successes this session with additional improvements to Minnesota’s tax climate, job outlook, transportation infrastructure, education and healthcare systems, and the state budget. “We…
Legislation to re-open Appleton prison introduced by Sen. Lang
On Wednesday, Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) introduced a bill that would direct state officials to either purchase or lease-to-own the Prairie Correctional Facility, an unused prison located in Appleton, MN. Senate File 1322, aims at…
Lang’s $35 million Rural Finance Authority bill signed into law
Gov. Dayton signed the $35 million Rural Finance Authority (RFA) bill into law Friday, one day after Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) led its unanimous passage through the Senate. The legislation replenishes funding to the RFA,…
Bill to jumpstart Minnesota shrimp industry passes first committee
Legislation aimed at incentivizing the production of shrimp in Minnesota cleared its first legislative hurdle on Thursday, earning bipartisan support from the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Committee. The bill, Senate File 841, authored…
Senate passes pro-jobs bills with bipartisan support
Delivering on a commitment to advance Minnesota’s economy, Senate Republicans succeeded in passing two common sense bills today that encourage job growth in Greater Minnesota. H.F. 14, authored by Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Willmar), will transfer…
With bipartisan support, Sherco bill passes Senate
Legislation aimed at allowing the Becker-based Sherco plant to transition from coal to natural gas cleared a key legislative hurdle on Thursday, passing the full Senate with broad support. The bill, authored by Sen. Andrew…
Republican senators introduce tax relief for student loan payments
Savings could be on the way for Minnesotans with student loan debt thanks to a proposed tax credit introduced today by several Senate Republicans. Senate File 941, authored by Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), Sen. Paul…
Miller introduces repeal of Sunday sales ban
Minnesota’s longstanding law preventing liquor stores from operating on Sundays would be repealed under two new bills authored by State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona). Senate File 1086 would fully repeal the ban and allow liquor…
Commentary: Bill to keep Xcel’s Sherco plan on track just makes sense
The following is a commentary by Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca) that ran in the February 15, 2017 edition of the Star Tribune Nestled between Minneapolis and St. Cloud, just off Hwy. 10, the small town…
Jasinski bill provides grant to promote local food growers
A bill introduced by Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault) to promote local foods has received its first committee hearing in the Senate. Senate File 455 would provide a $25,000 grant in each of the next two…
$35 million for Rural Finance Authority clears final committee
A $35 million piece of legislation for the Rural Finance Authority, authored by Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Olivia), has passed its last committee stop and will now be heard on the Senate floor. The bill, HF14,…
Dahms brings expertise, experience to commission appointments
Last week, the Senate Rules and Administration Committee formally approved the appointment of Sen. Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) to several key commissions. Sen. Dahms was reappointed to the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council (MAELC) and…
Senator Rich Draheim holds forum in Northfield
On Friday, February 10, State Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) attended a town hall forum at the Cannon Valley Friends Meeting House in Northfield. The event was hosted by members of ISAIAH, a statewide faith-based…
How Does a Patient Matter?
A long-standing pillar of medical care—the relationship between patient and healer—is today under siege. Ongoing maneuverings in the health care industry sabotage this critical connection and undermine its value. This bond has been strained by…
Vikings stadium suite use investigated in joint committee hearing
The Minnesota House and Senate State Government committees will hold a joint hearing to demand answers regarding Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority’s (MSFA) improper use of two Vikings stadium suites, which “violated a core ethical principle,”…
Sen. Anderson advances Minnesota Math Corps funding
The Senate Committee on Education Finance has passed a bipartisan bill to support a math tutoring program for elementary and middle school students. Minnesota Math Corps, an AmeriCorps initiative, delivers trained math tutors to school…