Articles

Senate, governor last two gay marriage steps

Minnesota is a Senate vote and a governor’s signature away from becoming the 12th state to allow gay marriage.

• PHOTO: Rep. Karen Clark and Sen. Scott Dibble
• PHOTO: Tim Kelly

Good luck tracking Minnesota Legislature

Minnesota’s Legislature is tough to comprehend.

Legislature poised for gay marriage votes

ST. PAUL — Gay marriage supporters feel victory in the air. Their confidence is high as Minnesota state representatives plan to vote on overturning an existing same-sex marriage ban on Thursday, with senators following in a few days.

House expands minimum wage bill

The Minnesota House likely will approve a minimum wage increase later this week, after a committee Monday expanded the bill’s reach by doubling state-required parental leave for a new child.

Lawmakers seek more health care changes

Minnesota already is on track to establish a new way for its residents to buy health insurance, and now legislators are poised to change how the state takes care of its elderly, disabled and poor.

• PHOTO: Senators

House prescription's effect unclear

Minnesota state representatives approved 70-64 a health-care spending bill late Monday without knowing how it would affect hospitals around the state.

Earth Day rally pushes clean energy

Gov. Mark Dayton said Minnesota should move toward cleaner energy and set a goal to eliminate power use from coal-fired plants, he told hundreds gathered at the Capitol.

Senate approves pay raises

ST. PAUL — Minnesota senators voted themselves and other state officials pay raises Tuesday with no debate.

Interest groups line up against tax provisions

ST. PAUL — A parade of lobbyists picked apart proposals by House and Senate tax committees Tuesday while others gave the plans their blessings.

Surcharges at nursing homes proposed

ST. PAUL — Senate Democrats suggest adding surcharges on nursing homes and health maintenance organizations to help make up for a $150 million cut to state health programs ordered by legislative leaders.

Columns

Obama picks Cannon Falls for Minnesota stop

CANNON FALLS, Minn. – President Barack Obama will visit a Cannon Falls park Monday for what the White House calls a town hall meeting. The White House Thursday night confirmed the event, which will begin at 11:45 a.m. Free tickets are available to the public beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday at Cannon Falls City Hall, 918 River Road.