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Criminal justice fees pose an unfair burden A just system needs proportionality, and Minnesota places too large a burden on poorest residents.  By EDITORIAL BOARD, Star Tribune May 3, 2021 — 5:42pm Text size Copy shortlink: Fines, fees and mandatory surcharges can turn even a minor parking or traffic ticket into a costly affair that can quickly spiral out of control. A story in Sunday's Star Tribune by Jessie Van Berkel details how a $30 ticket for expired license tabs can quickly mushroom to $130, thanks to a hefty "state surcha...

Minnesota's criminal justice fees often fall hardest on poor State, local leaders among growing number debating how to end dependence on criminal justice system fees and surcharges. April 27, 2021 — 12:22pm Stephans Wilburn's license was reinstated in January, and for the first time in more than two years the Minneapolis ironworker could get to construction sites or drive his children to school without worrying about another ticket for driving with a revoked license. A month later, he missed a court date. The state suspended his license again, and the court fees and fines that have ...

Prepare for a repeat. A state of peacetime emergency, which has granted Walz executive decisionmaking powers, has continued for more than 13 months. The last day of the regular legislative session is May 17, and Republican lawmakers said this week that ending the Democratic governor's emergency authority remains a top priority. "If the governor decides he wants to hang on to emergency powers to keep businesses closed, and force youth to wear masks playing sports, and to do all the things these emergency powers do … you can expect a 'lights-on' type budget," Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazel...

Minnesota leaders urge struggling renters to apply for aid Money flows as legislators hash out how to phase out state eviction moratorium.  April 30, 2021 — 3:42pm Text size Copy shortlink: Minnesota leaders are urging tenants who have sunk into debt during the pandemic to apply for hundreds of millions of dollars in rental help. Gov. Tim Walz and housing officials on Friday called on people to file for federal aid, which the state is rolling out as the Legislature contemplates how to end an eviction moratorium. "We cannot have a...

Electronic pulltabs have become too similar to slot machines, legislators say Bars and charities say changes would hurt at a critical time.  April 24, 2021 — 4:23pm Text size Copy shortlink: When electronic pulltabs were first allowed in Minnesota bars and restaurants nine years ago, they were supposed to look just like the paper version, only on a screen. Now, one press of a button can trigger cascading rows of animated characters. Players can score bonus rounds and free plays. In short, they have become ...