News – Page 313 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

March 3, 2017

Sen. Weber on budget growth, local government aid, ditch mowing

As we move into March, two full months of the legislative session are already behind us. This week brought a number of important bills before committees and to the floor, as well as the release…

Sen. Dahms listens to committee testimony

March 2, 2017

Sen. Dahms legislation seeks to remedy ditch mowing policy

Legislation prohibiting the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) from enacting certain policies related to the mowing of highway ditches cleared the full Senate on Thursday. The bill, Senate File 218, prohibits MnDOT from requiring, issuing,…

February 28, 2017

Sen. Nelson comments on February budget forecast

An updated statewide budget forecast was released this morning by Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), providing the most up-to-date picture of the state’s finances. The forecast projects a $1.65 billion budget surplus, up from a…

February 28, 2017

Draheim votes to repeal Sunday sales ban

State Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake), voted yesterday to overturn the state law preventing liquor stores from operating on Sundays. House File 30 would let liquor stores sell beer, wine, and alcohol between the hours…

February 28, 2017

Mathews legislation for Sherco plant signed into law

Legislation that paves the way for the construction of a natural gas plant to be built on the site of the current Sherco plant in Becker was signed into law on Tuesday. The bill, authored…

February 27, 2017

Nelson joins bipartisan majority in clearing Sunday liquor sales

A bipartisan coalition of legislators, including Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), voted on Monday to approve legislation allowing the sale of alcohol on Sundays. “I voted ‘yes’ along with a majority of constituents who support giving…

February 27, 2017

Senate passes bill to repeal Sunday liquor sales ban

Minnesota’s 159-year-old ban on Sunday liquor sales is poised to fall after the state Senate voted on Monday to repeal the law. By a vote of 38 to 28, the Senate passed House File 30,…

February 24, 2017

Education Committee hears Miller bill to help Caledonia school district

Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) recently introduced Senate File 709, which would reimburse Caledonia Area Public Schools for interest payments made on its “maximum effort” loan for school facilities. Caledonia originally qualified for the loan based…

Senate Republicans' Advancing Minnesota press conference

February 23, 2017

Senate Republicans announce “Advancing Minnesota” agenda, promising a better future for Minnesotans

Senate Republicans released their Advancing Minnesota agenda, preparing to build on early successes this session with additional improvements to Minnesota’s tax climate, job outlook, transportation infrastructure, education and healthcare systems, and the state budget. “We…

February 23, 2017

Legislation to re-open Appleton prison introduced by Sen. Lang

On Wednesday, Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) introduced a bill that would direct state officials to either purchase or lease-to-own the Prairie Correctional Facility, an unused prison located in Appleton, MN. Senate File 1322, aims at…

Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) and his two children, right, watch as Gov. Mark Dayton signs his $35 million Rural Finance Authority legislation into law

February 17, 2017

Lang’s $35 million Rural Finance Authority bill signed into law

Gov. Dayton signed the $35 million Rural Finance Authority (RFA) bill into law Friday, one day after Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) led its unanimous passage through the Senate. The legislation replenishes funding to the RFA,…

February 16, 2017

Bill to jumpstart Minnesota shrimp industry passes first committee

Legislation aimed at incentivizing the production of shrimp in Minnesota cleared its first legislative hurdle on Thursday, earning bipartisan support from the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Committee. The bill, Senate File 841, authored…

February 16, 2017

Senate passes pro-jobs bills with bipartisan support

Delivering on a commitment to advance Minnesota’s economy, Senate Republicans succeeded in passing two common sense bills today that encourage job growth in Greater Minnesota. H.F. 14, authored by Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Willmar), will transfer…

February 16, 2017

With bipartisan support, Sherco bill passes Senate

Legislation aimed at allowing the Becker-based Sherco plant to transition from coal to natural gas cleared a key legislative hurdle on Thursday, passing the full Senate with broad support. The bill, authored by Sen. Andrew…

February 16, 2017

Republican senators introduce tax relief for student loan payments

Savings could be on the way for Minnesotans with student loan debt thanks to a proposed tax credit introduced today by several Senate Republicans. Senate File 941, authored by Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), Sen. Paul…

February 16, 2017

Miller introduces repeal of Sunday sales ban

Minnesota’s longstanding law preventing liquor stores from operating on Sundays would be repealed under two new bills authored by State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona). Senate File 1086 would fully repeal the ban and allow liquor…

February 15, 2017

Commentary: Bill to keep Xcel’s Sherco plan on track just makes sense

The following is a commentary by Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca) that ran in the February 15, 2017 edition of the Star Tribune Nestled between Minneapolis and St. Cloud, just off Hwy. 10, the small town…

February 15, 2017

Jasinski bill provides grant to promote local food growers

A bill introduced by Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault) to promote local foods has received its first committee hearing in the Senate. Senate File 455 would provide a $25,000 grant in each of the next two…

February 14, 2017

$35 million for Rural Finance Authority clears final committee

A $35 million piece of legislation for the Rural Finance Authority, authored by Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Olivia), has passed its last committee stop and will now be heard on the Senate floor. The bill, HF14,…

Sen. Gary Dahms smiles during a Senate floor session in 2016

February 14, 2017

Dahms brings expertise, experience to commission appointments

Last week, the Senate Rules and Administration Committee formally approved the appointment of Sen. Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) to several key commissions. Sen. Dahms was reappointed to the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council (MAELC) and…