May 29, 2015
Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) set the stage for a 2015 Special Session when he vetoed the Omnibus K-12 education policy and finance bill. He further enhanced his negotiating position by following that action with additional vetoes on the Omnibus jobs, housing, economic...
May 29, 2015
Today, Senate and House DFLers put out a press release focused on Transportation and Transit; we expect this is to keep their issues alive during the Special Session discussions. Remember, the Senate passed a “Lights On” Transportation Policy Bill and a small Bonding...
May 18, 2015
At the onset of the legislative session Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) established three specific priorities, which the legislature has largely ignored: Stable funding for transportation and transit, ditch buffers on agricultural lands to protect the state’s water supply...
May 18, 2015
In 2014, Jim Hagedorn (R) defeated Aaron Miller (R) to contest again Congressman Tim Walz (D-01). In a beneficial year for Republicans, Walz trounced Hagedorn by 19,315 votes or 8.52%. In 2016, a Presidential election year, Hagedorn has announced his intent to try...
May 12, 2015
Many consider politics to be the art of compromise and we agree, but often the best compromise is when each side is mutually dissatisfied rather than satisfied. With Republicans in control of the House and the DFL in control of the Senate and the Governor’s office,...
May 12, 2015
It will be important for each side to prove it stood its ground and justify the support from their respective political constituencies. The DFL (Governor and Senate) have to appear compassionate and caring for those less fortunate, in spite of the fact poorer...
May 12, 2015
The contractual agreement with the Capital restoration companies says that once the 2015 legislative session ends the contractors can begin dismantling the chambers. In order to prevent this from occurring and incurring additional costs if a Special Session is to be...
May 12, 2015
Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) is meeting significant resistance to his call for Pre-K funding and ditch buffers. These are two examples where an incremental approach might best apply. Each situation will require a time period before either can be fully implemented....
May 12, 2015
Last week, a group of protesters, some with handkerchiefs covering their mouths marched up to the House Chamber chanting, “Restore the Vote.” Some sported T-Shirts for MADDADS a group formed against gang violence. They were supported in their cause by TakeAction...
May 12, 2015
Last week’s debate on the Senate Floor on SF 0086 was an interesting exercise. It drew significant attention because of the topics which included law enforcement use of license plate readers and body cameras. Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-46, St Louis Park) Chair, Judiciary and...
