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
If you are reading Checks & Balances, it is clear you find value in it and so we ask for your support. This endeavor started in 1995, has remained at the forefront of political reporting, regularly scooping other media sources and providing an insider’s...
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...
Feb 19, 2019
Minnesota Report Yesterday, Attorney General Keith Ellison (DFL-MN) announced his decision to join the opposition to Donald J Trump’s (R) National Emergency Declaration over the southern border wall. The suit initiated by California Attorney General Xavier Becarra...
Feb 19, 2019
Minnesota Report Last night in room 200 of the State Office Building, the joint committee of the House & Senate Higher Education Committees met to select their recommendations to the full legislature for four University of Minnesota Regents which included the...
Feb 19, 2019
Today, US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) his entrance into the 2020 race for President. He comes in with an overly inflated opinion of his chances, and without any acknowledgment that his candidacy in 2016 resulted in Donald J Trump (R) being elected President. We will...
Feb 12, 2019
Minnesota Report As we have begun to analyze the 2020 Presidential Race, while still awaiting all of the entrants, we see a dual track to the nomination forming. First, is the traditional liberal route, where the candidates have track records of accomplishment in...
Feb 12, 2019
Minnesota Report As we listened to US Senator Amy Klobuchar’s (DFL-MN) announcement we heard her refer to our neighbors to the east Wisconsin and Michigan not getting enough attention during the 2016 election. As the ever-growing field of candidates expands it will be...
