Mar 6, 2019
Minnesota Report Attention Commissioner Nora Slawik, if you want to fix the problem of smoking on the Light Rail Train, start with a simple solution, try a community service announcement. If you have the system at the platforms and on the train regularly announce the...
Mar 1, 2019
Minnesota Report As we expected the February Revenue Forecast, which the 2020-21 State Budget will be based on, is showing a reduction from the November Forecast of $492 million, leaving a projected surplus of $1.052 billion. These figures, though based on...
Mar 1, 2019
Minnesota Report This week saw the onset of Legislative Late Nights. Last night, House members addressed a number of legislative pieces on the House Floor as well as holding an evening hearing on drivers licenses for persons without legal immigration status. The...
Mar 1, 2019
Minnesota Report Much of the blame for the early beginning of the Legislative Late Nights rests in the hands of the Republican House Minority. They are going kicking a screaming to the back benches of Minnesota politics. House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt (R-31A, Crown)...
Feb 21, 2019
Minnesota Report The unveiling of Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) first proposed budget was met with shock and awe by Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-09 Nisswa), which is significant because he is truly the most important person for Walz to convince. With Minnesota...
Feb 21, 2019
Minnesota Report Here in Minnesota, we apply “sin taxes” on alcohol and tobacco because they are detrimental to public health. If this is the measure of sound tax policy then legislators should look to one of the greatest threats to public health known today, which is...
Feb 21, 2019
Minnesota Report Governor Tim Walz (R-MN) may believe his proposal for a $.20 gas tax increase, an increase in the license tab fees and the sales tax on new vehicles provides a stable funding source for transportation and transit, but it is clear Republicans do not....
Feb 21, 2019
When we saw a picture of Rep Steve Elkins (DFL-49B, Bloomington) sitting next to Jeanne Massey from FairVoteMN introducing HF983, we had our normal response, “What is he doing?” We know Elkins is a freshman and that may account for his naivete, but as a resident of...
Feb 21, 2019
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Feb 19, 2019
Minnesota Report We have heard only limited information in advance about the elements of Governor Tim Walz’ (DFL-MN) 2020-21 Budget. He is set to announce it at 12:00 PM today. We know there will be a proposed gasoline tax increase and an additional amount of funding...
