Minnesota takes first steps toward a shutdown
Minnesota leaders racing to avoid expensive shutdown The costs of a delayed budget have started to accumulate in the face of July 1 deadline. June 5, 2021 5:29pm Text size Copy shortlink:
State leaders remain adamant that they can avoid a government shutdown that could prove far more problematic than Minnesota s last closure a decade ago, which cost taxpayers at least $85 million and put 19,000 people out of work.
Lawmakers need to pass a new budget before July 1 to prevent a shutdown and are behind schedule as they race to beat the clock. Meanwhile, the expenses that come with closing down state government are already are starting to add up.
Despite slow progress at Capitol, legal marijuana supporters see momentum in Minnesota
Despite slow progress at Capitol, legal marijuana supporters see momentum in Minnesota Even some legislators who aren t on board admit to seeing the writing on the wall. May 22, 2021 5:46pm Text size Copy shortlink:
The push to legalize marijuana fell short at the Minnesota Capitol this year, but supporters say political momentum is on their side as more states go that way. This day is coming, said state Rep. Jessica Hanson, DFL-Burnsville. First elected last year, Hanson previously led the Minnesota Campaign for Full Legalization, a nonprofit advocacy group. The vast majority of cannabis users are simply hardworking Minnesotans who deserve our respect.
Minnesota House casts historic vote to legalize marijuana On 72-61 vote, bill now heads to Senate, where it faces staunch opposition by GOP. May 13, 2021 11:20pm Text size Copy shortlink:
The Minnesota House voted on Thursday to legalize marijuana for adults, the furthest the proposal has ever traveled in the Legislature and a watershed moment on an issue that has long languished in St. Paul.
After more than five hours of debate, the House voted 72-61 in favor of legalization, with support from nearly all Democrats and six Republicans. DFL Gov. Tim Walz supports the measure, but it still faces long odds to become law this year, with just days left in the regular 2021 session and opposition from Republicans in control of the state Senate.