News - Page 258 - Minnesota Senate Republicans

May 18, 2020

Senate Republicans pass bill prioritizing environmental protections

Last week, the Minnesota Senate passed an environment policy bill containing several policy items heard in the Environment Committees this session. The bill included language chief-authored by Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) which removes the…

May 18, 2020

Senator Pratt comments on the 2020 legislative session

On Sunday, the Minnesota Senate adjourned the 2020 regular legislative session sine die just before ahead of its constitutional deadline for passing legislation. “It was a different session, but we were still able to get things done…

May 18, 2020

Legislative Session Prepared State for COVID; Special Session Needed for Economic Recovery, Deficit Solutions

(St. Paul, MN) – Senate Republicans adjourned an unprecedented and historic session on Sunday night. Last January, priorities were placed on passing a public bonding bill, providing tax relief with the projected surplus, and reforming…

May 18, 2020

Minnesota Senate approves Senator Nelson’s education bill to help schools, students, and teachers during COVID pandemic

The Minnesota Senate approved a supplemental education finance bill to help schools manage their resources and support Minnesota’s teachers and students during the coronavirus pandemic. The bipartisan, consensus bill was the product of in-depth negotiations,…

May 17, 2020

Critical area projects included in Senate bonding proposal

On Saturday, Minnesota Senate Republicans announced a $1.4 billion bonding bill, which focuses on key infrastructure needs, jobs, and economic growth across Minnesota. “I’m very happy that the Twin Lakes Township water infrastructure project and…

May 17, 2020

Senate Democrats Block Jobs and Infrastructure Bill on Final Night of Session

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Republicans offered a nearly billion dollars for jobs and infrastructure borrowing on the final night of the 2020 session. Senate Democrats failed to offer enough votes to approve the bill…

May 17, 2020

Senator Westrom Heads Up Farmer-Focused Agriculture Bill in Senate

(St. Paul, MN) – Today, the Minnesota Senate unanimously passed a bill to aid farmers with safety, mental health, production, and advocacy. The legislation, headed up by Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing…

May 17, 2020

Senator Howe Questions Attorney General Over Threats of Business Fines

Following nearly two months of a mandated shutdown by Governor Walz, many rural businesses are now facing permanent closure while waiting for the governor's decision allowing them to return to work. Many rural business owners have…

May 17, 2020

Freelance hair and makeup artist exemption awaits governor’s signature

On Sunday, bipartisan legislation to exempt freelance hair and makeup artists from being required to obtain a full cosmetology license cleared its final hurdle in the Minnesota Legislature. The bill, Senate File 2228, passed the Senate…

May 17, 2020

Senator Draheim, Senate, Present Bonding Bill Focused on Infrastructure, Transportation, and Projects to Boost to Economy

Senate Republicans presented their bonding bill to Minnesota today. Totaling $998 million in general obligation bonds, plus $400 million for trunk highway bonds, the bill focuses on crucial infrastructure needs, projects that will get Minnesotans…

May 17, 2020

Senate’s Human Services bill emphasizes child and foster care, support for people with disabilities, mental health

The Minnesota Senate recently approved a bipartisan Human Services bill that improves the way Minnesota delivers critical services like child and foster care, mental health assistance, and support for individuals with disabilities. “The pandemic has shaken…

May 17, 2020

Senator Nelson supports infrastructure bill that funds projects in Olmsted County

On Saturday, the Minnesota Senate unveiled a $998 million infrastructure bonding bill that would deliver funding for roads and bridges, clean water, and several projects in southeastern Minnesota, as well as local roads and bridges…

May 17, 2020

Senator Benson, Senate Freeze State Employee Pay During Budget Deficit

(ST. PAUL, MN) –Senate Republicans took strategic action to respect the contract with state employees and acknowledge the realities of a budget deficit. HF 2796, authored by Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch), ratifies the first…

May 17, 2020

Senate Approves State Employee Raises Contingent on Future Budget Surplus

Senate Republicans took strategic action to protect both the state employees on the front line of the COVID crisis and the state’s budget with a modified contract approval. HF2796, authored by Senator Mark Koran (R-North…

May 17, 2020

Senate Approves State Employee Raises Contingent on Future Budget Surplus

(ST. PAUL, MN) –Senate Republicans took strategic action to protect both the state employees on the front line of the COVID crisis and the state’s budget with a modified contract approval. HF2796, authored by Senator…

May 16, 2020

Senate Bonding Bill Focuses on Infrastructure, Transportation, Provides Long-Term Boost to Economy

Senate Republicans presented their bonding bill to Minnesota today. Totaling $998 million in general obligation bonds, plus $400 million for trunk highway bonds, the bill focuses on key infrastructure needs, projects that will get Minnesotans…

May 16, 2020

Senator Koran, Senate pass bill to aid opioid epidemic response

(St. Paul, MN) – Friday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill allowing the Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner to award grants to opioid treatment centers and providers. The legislation is chief authored by Senator Mark Koran…

May 16, 2020

Senate Majority approves bill requiring legislative oversight for future peacetime emergencies

On Friday, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill that would reassert a fair balance of governing power between the legislative branch and the executive branch during future states of emergency. The bill, Chief-authored by Senator David Osmek…

May 16, 2020

Southwestern Minnesota projects included in Senate bonding proposal

On Saturday, Minnesota Senate Republicans announced a $1.4 billion bonding bill, which focuses on key infrastructure needs, jobs, and economic growth across Minnesota. The bill includes $5.75 million for infrastructure improvements to the Red Rock…

May 16, 2020

Senate GOP Bonding Bill Focuses on Infrastructure, Transportation, Provides Long-Term Boost to Economy

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Republicans presented their bonding bill to Minnesota today. Totaling $998 million in general obligation bonds, plus $400 million for trunk highway bonds, the bill focuses on key infrastructure needs, projects that…