Tag

Minnesota Legislature

All articles tagged with #minnesota legislature

legal-politics6 months ago

Sen. Nicole Mitchell's Burglary Trial Nears Verdict

Sen. Nicole Mitchell's burglary case has gone to jury deliberation after a multi-day trial, where she faces charges of attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools. The trial focused on her entry into her stepmother's home, with prosecutors emphasizing her admitted actions and alleged deception, while her defense argued for reasonable doubt, citing her character and intentions. The outcome could impact the balance of power in the Minnesota Senate.

politics1 year ago

Minnesota DFL Demands Sen. Nicole Mitchell's Resignation After Arrest

Minnesota DFL Party Chair Ken Martin and Governor Tim Walz have called for State Senator Nicole Mitchell to resign following her burglary charge, but Mitchell, through her lawyer, has stated she will not step down. Despite the pressure, DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy believes Mitchell deserves her day in court. The urgency for her resignation is tied to the timing of a potential special election. Mitchell maintains her innocence and plans to continue serving her constituents.

politics1 year ago

Minneapolis City Council Delays Rideshare Minimum Wage Implementation to July 1

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted to delay the enactment of minimum pay rates for Uber and Lyft drivers for two months, offering a lifeline for Democratic legislators facing divisions over the issue. Legislative leaders fear the polarizing ride-hailing issue could disrupt the legislative session, which hangs on a one-vote majority in the Senate. The delay aims to allow for further study of state analysis on driver pay, provide breathing room for legislative leaders, and give alternative companies more time to launch. The decision comes amid pressure to reconsider the minimum rates, with concerns about the potential impact on drivers and transportation services in the city.

education2 years ago

"Controversy Surrounding Student Restraint Law Sparks Debate and Sheriff's Response"

The Solutions Not Suspension Coalition, a group supporting a new law in Minnesota that limits the use of restraints by school resource officers (SROs), defended the law's focus on de-escalation techniques and the prohibition of certain restraints and holds. While some law enforcement agencies have withdrawn SROs due to concerns about the law's lack of clarity, others have chosen to remain in schools. Republicans have called for a special session to address the law, but proponents argue that the law already includes exceptions for dangerous situations and that the special session would undermine efforts to prioritize student safety.

crime2 years ago

Derrick Thompson's bail set at $1M in case of deadly crash that killed 5.

Derrick Thompson, son of former state Rep. John Thompson, appeared in court on 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide for driving at 95 mph into a car carrying five young women in Minneapolis, killing them all. His bail was set at $1 million, but he won't be leaving jail due to holds on him for violating parole on a California conviction and by the U.S. Attorney's Office for federal drug and gun charges stemming from the crash. Thompson's case is raising concerns about a new plan passed by the Minnesota Legislature to allow many offenders to earn early release from prison.

politics2 years ago

Minnesota Legislature Passes Consequential Infrastructure Package and Tax Changes.

The Minnesota Legislature has passed a bill that includes one-time rebates for taxpayers as part of COVID-19 relief efforts. The rebates will range from $150 to $1,000, depending on income and filing status. The bill also includes funding for small businesses, rental assistance, and other measures aimed at addressing the economic impact of the pandemic. The rebates will be funded through the state's budget surplus.

politics2 years ago

Minnesota Legislature Wraps Up Consequential Session with Infrastructure Package and One-Time Rebates.

The Minnesota Legislature ended its session with Democrats claiming it was "transformational" and "historic," while Republicans called it "partisan" and "bonkers." With a $17.5 billion surplus, Democrats fulfilled nearly every plank of their platform, including codifying abortion rights, paid family and medical leave, sick leave, transgender rights protections, drivers licenses for undocumented residents, restoration of voting rights for people when they are released from prison or jail, wider voting access, one-time rebates, a tax credit aimed at low-income parents with kids, and a $1 billion investment in affordable housing including for rental assistance. Republicans criticized tax hikes, smaller rebate checks, and new spending that could be unsustainable in the event of an inevitable economic downturn.

politics2 years ago

Minnesota Legislature Approves Transportation Package with Gas Tax Hike.

The Minnesota Legislature faces a midnight deadline to finish the 2023 session after passing major elements of the DFL-authored budget plan, including a transportation plan that brings a higher gas tax, a boosted metro sales tax, and a new delivery fee to pay for projects. The broader tax bill will mean $260 rebates for many taxpayers and their dependents, up to $1,300 back in a household. Republicans opposed the bill over tax increases on some investors and multinational companies, while Democrats defended the DFL approach, saying taxes are the cost of living in a society.

politics2 years ago

Minnesota Legislature approves transportation deal with gas tax hike and delivery fees.

The Minnesota Legislature has passed a $1.3 billion transportation deal that includes a gas tax hike, sending it to Governor Tim Walz for his signature. The deal includes funding for roads, bridges, and public transit, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure. The gas tax will increase by 5 cents per gallon, with additional increases tied to inflation. Governor Walz is expected to sign the bill into law.

politics2 years ago

Minnesota lawmakers agree on rebate checks for residents.

Lawmakers in Minnesota have reached a deal on taxes that includes direct rebate checks to lower- and middle-income Minnesotans. The rebates are $260 for single filers, $520 for married couples, and an additional $260 per dependent, up to three. The deal also includes reducing state income taxes on social security, child tax credits, and relief for renters and homeowners. There's also $300 million in one-time aid to local governments for public safety costs.

politics2 years ago

Minnesota lawmakers approve major gun control measures in public safety package.

The Minnesota Legislature has passed a public safety bill that includes two major gun control measures, expanding background checks to private gun transfers and implementing a "red flag" law. The bill also includes an $880 million funding boost for the court system, violence prevention, and the Department of Corrections. Governor Tim Walz has stated his intention to sign the measures into law, saying that basic gun safety is not a threat to the Second Amendment but rather a responsibility to keep kids safe. Republicans have accused the DFL of sneaking the gun control measures into the $850 million public safety bill.

politics2 years ago

Midwest Democrats Push for Gun Control Measures in Final Legislative Week.

With the final week of the Minnesota Legislature underway, Democrats are rushing to complete their priorities, including passing a budget and education funding. The legislature is also expected to vote on police reform measures and a bill to legalize recreational marijuana. Republicans have criticized the Democrats' spending proposals, but Democrats argue that their priorities are necessary to address the state's needs.

politics2 years ago

Minnesota Democrats set to pass comprehensive gun control legislation.

Democratic Minnesota senators are set to pass gun control legislation that includes a "red flag law" allowing authorities to temporarily take guns away from people deemed to be an imminent threat to others or themselves. The legislation also contains expanded background checks for gun transfers and tougher restrictions on the use of no-knock warrants by police. The overall package survived an initial test vote, and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has repeatedly said he will sign the legislation. Republicans have opposed the bill on Second Amendment and other grounds, but it is expected to pass with the Democrats' one-vote majority.

healthcare2 years ago

Mayo Clinic's Threat to Withhold Funds Sparks Outrage and Response from Nurses and Lawmakers.

Mayo Clinic is accused of blackmailing the Minnesota legislature by threatening to stop investing over $1 billion in projects across the state if the language in the "Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act" is not changed. The Minnesota Nurses Association, Mayo Clinic nurses, and legislators spoke at a news conference, blaming hospital leaders for putting profits ahead of staff members and patients. Mayo Clinic wants the Health Care Affordability Board removed and other changes to the “Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act.” The Minnesota Hospital Association also expressed concerns about the staffing bill as written.

politics2 years ago

Minnesota House to Vote on Legalizing Recreational Marijuana.

The Minnesota Legislature is in the final stages of debating bills that would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana in the state. The House has already passed its version of the bill, while the Senate is set to vote on its own version on Friday. The bill has a focus on social equity, with an emphasis on ensuring that those who have been most harmed by previous marijuana laws benefit most from the new legal cannabis market. However, some Republicans have criticized the bill's licensing requirements and lack of focus on addiction problems and public safety risks. If passed, Minnesota would become the 22nd state to legalize recreational marijuana.