Politics from Minnesota Public Radio

What Minneapolis and St. Paul won at the Legislature

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:43:05 -0500

Minnesota's two largest cities can count on millions of dollars in new state money as they plan their budgets for next year. The DFL strongholds clearly benefited from the party's total control of state government this session.

Richard Carlbom: 'Quiet,' 'brilliant' general behind Minnesota's same-sex marriage law

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:36:25 -0500

Richard Carlbom led Minnesotans United for All Families to two historic victories: the defeat of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage last November, and the recent passage of the same-sex marriage bill.

Dayton signs bill funding all-day K, early childhood education

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:29:02 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton signed an education budget bill Wednesday that boosts funding for public schools over the next two years, funds all-day kindergarten statewide for the first time and retools high school testing requirements.

IRS official on conservative targeting: 'I did nothing wrong'

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:31:14 -0500

The official at the center of the storm over the agency's targeting of conservative groups invoked her constitutional right to refuse to answer lawmakers' questions today.

After Hurricane Sandy, Oklahoma's GOP senators in tornado aid bind

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:28:40 -0500

Sens. Tom Coburn and James Inhofe both have been consistent critics of FEMA spending and recently voted against aid to victims of Superstorm Sandy, which ravaged swaths of New Jersey and New York last year. But they're happy to get federal aid after this week's devastating tornado.

Gun control advocates aim for tougher laws next session

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 -0500

State legislators passed a public safety bill with bipartisan support that includes measures to shore up the state's criminal background check system and to fund school safety programs. However, they say the legislation falls short and they plan to try for a more comprehensive bill next session.

Abdi Warsame, contender for City Council, out to change perspectives

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Abdi Warsame has never run for office before, but last month he won the DFL party endorsement over a three-term incumbent. If successful, he could be the first Somali-American elected to the Minneapolis City Council.

IRS official in charge of nonprofits declines to testify

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:52:11 -0500

Lois Lerner, the Internal Revenue Service official who handled the division that deals with nonprofit groups seeking tax-exempt status, will invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination rather than answer questions at a congressional hearing set for Wednesday.

Poll shows Franken with big leads over potential opponents

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:04:17 -0500

U.S. Sen. Al Franken is in "good shape for re-election" 18 months out from Election Day 2014 with approval ratings above 50 percent and a big leads over all of his potential opponents, according to the Democratic polling firm, Public Policy Polling.

Status-quo transportation bill disappoints transit advocates

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:36:41 -0500

Minnesota lawmakers passed a so-called "lights-on" bill for transportation this session, which doesn't include either a gas tax increase or a metro sales tax increase for transit. The bill passed without the new revenue many transportation advocates had hoped to gain for a long list of transit projects and road improvements.

Democrats, Republicans push their take on the legislative session

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:22:05 -0500

DFL leaders said they'd ended years of chronic budget and financial problems for the state. Republicans called the five-month session a political blunder of historic proportions.

Justice Department leak case prompts backlash from watchdog groups

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Fox News journalist James Rosen may face criminal charges as a result of classified leaks, according to new information released Monday about the Department of Justice investigation.

Dayton hails results of session as 'progress'

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:22:46 -0500

This morning, the governor touted results including statewide all-day kindergarten and financial support for Rochester to help with the Mayo Clinic's Destination Medical Center plan.

Millennials may be growing fed up with politics, period

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

The support of voters 18 to 29, which played an important part in Barack Obama's rise, appears to be waning. But it may be nothing personal.

Former IRS chief can't say how conservative targeting happened

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:21:19 -0500

The man who led the Internal Revenue Service when it was giving extra scrutiny to tea party and other conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status told Congress on Tuesday that he knew little about what was happening while he was still commissioner.

What's cut, kept in divisive Legacy bill

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:36:16 -0500

The $496 million Legacy bill lawmakers sent to Gov. Mark Dayton on Monday received the most 'no' votes ever recorded for spending through the amendment voters approved in 2008 to send sales tax money to clean water, the outdoors, arts and parks.

Sportsmen, outdoors council: Legacy bill sets bad precedent

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:58:39 -0500

The Nature Conservancy and nearly two dozen other habitat and sportsmen's groups are asking Gov. Mark Dayton to veto part of the Legacy bill after lawmakers added projects that weren't recommended by the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

Wis. panel to hear bill limiting local recalls

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:42:13 -0500

The Republican-sponsored bill is up for a hearing Tuesday before the Assembly's Committee on Campaigns and Elections.

Political spin begins as 2013 session ends

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:56:05 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders will shift from policy to politics today, now that the 2013 session is over. Dayton will hold a press conference this morning, while Republican lawmakers will travel the state to give their spin on the session.

Budget in hand, Legislature adjourns

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:04:36 -0500

The last votes included the Senate's passage of a massive tax bill, and House approval of a measure to finance state government operations. Both votes were delayed most of the final day by negotiations on a new, smaller bonding bill that covers repairs on the State Capitol.

Anti-bullying bill will return next year, supporters say

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Supporters of a move to strengthen Minnesota's anti-bullying law say they will push the issue again next session. A bill that would have required schools to track cases of bullying and better train staff to deal with bullying was pulled from consideration early Monday morning, as it faced a filibuster from Republicans who had concerns over the cost of the measure.

Legislature sends pared down-bonding bill to Dayton

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:16:05 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature Monday night passed a bill to pay for State Capitol renovations. The pared-down bonding bill includes $109 million to make extensive repairs to the State Capitol, as well as funding for flood mitigation projects and the Minneapolis veteran's home.

More Obama aides knew of IRS audit; Obama not told

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:38:00 -0500

White House chief of staff Denis McDonough and other senior advisers knew in late April that an impending report was likely to say the IRS had inappropriately targeted conservative groups, President Barack Obama's spokesman disclosed Monday, expanding the circle of top officials who knew of the audit beyond those named earlier.

Minn. lawmakers approve State Capitol bonds, also includes flood projects

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:03:31 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature Monday night passed a bill to pay for State Capitol renovations. The new, smaller bonding bill includes $109 million to make extensive repairs to the State Capitol, as well as funding for flood mitigation projects, parking at the Capitol and the Minneapolis veteran's home. The Legislature faces a constitutional deadline of midnight to complete its business.

Legacy bill goes with commission's parks recommendations

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:20:08 -0500

Parks in the Twin Cities metro area won't get a bigger piece of the Legacy bill's parks pie, but lawmakers decided the metro should get more outdoors money.

David Plotz of online magazine Slate on our media future

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:54:11 -0500

David Plotz, the award-winning editor of Slate, speaks to MPR's Eric Ringham as part of the MPR Broadcast Journalist Series. He says the digitial revolution is broadening audiences and creating more engaging and important journalism.

Minn. House finally passes daycare union bill

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:55:25 -0500

The House concluded a debate that stretched over a couple of days over the unionization of two groups of government-subsidized workers.

Tougher disclosure rules dropped from campaign finance bill

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:11:54 -0500

Three provisions have been dropped from a campaign finance bill that would have required some political groups to say more about where their money is coming from and how it is being spent.

FBI to interview ex-Bachmann staffer

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:03:23 -0500

Investigators with the FBI are expected to interview a former staffer of Rep. Michele Bachmann next week.

Clock ticks down to end of legislative session: live coverage

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:04:17 -0500

The clock is ticking down for the Minnesota Legislature as its members work to pass a budgets and other key measures. We're live-blogging the developments

Budget in limbo with legislative deadline just hours away

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:02:37 -0500

Members spent most of the weekend working to pass pieces of a two-year, $38.3 billion budget -- the main work of the session. The House passed the tax bill that finances that spending earlier Monday morning after a six-hour debate by a 69-65 margin.

How lawmakers cope with long hours in session

Sun, 19 May 2013 18:48:06 -0500

Legislators at the Minnesota Capitol have worked marathon hours this weekend as they raced to finish work on the new two-year state budget before the mandated end of the session on Monday at midnight. We talked to one lawmaker about how he and his colleagues handle the long hours.

Dayton asks Senate to reject tax court appointee

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:47:05 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton is asking the state Senate to reject the confirmation of a Minnesota Tax Court judge who is facing suspension and censure.

Cluster of scandals cited as threat to president's credibility

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

A journalist sees convergence of problems as anything but harmonic for Obama.

The clock counts down to the Legislature's close

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

We meet with legislative leaders to hear about what's been done and what's being left undone.

House tables bill on unions for care workers

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:47:17 -0500

After more than four-and-a-half hours of debate overnight, the Minnesota House has set aside for now a controversial bill that would let state-subsidized home health and child care workers form unions.

House to vote on Kline's student loan bill

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:22:03 -0500

The U.S. House is set to vote next week on a bill introduced by Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., that would keep interest rates for federal student loans from doubling July 1.

US Senate to take up farm bill

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:12:01 -0500

The U.S. Senate will take up the farm bill this week. That legislation sends at least a billion dollars a year to Minnesota in the form of crop subsidies and food stamps and conservation programs.

Enviro budget bill requires DNR approval for frac sand mining

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:43:33 -0500

Companies looking to mine frac sand in Minnesota would need to get approval from the Department of Natural Resources. The requirement was part of an environment budget bill passed by the Legislature on Saturday night.

Minn. House passes K-12 finance bill

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:35:44 -0500

The Minnesota House passed a K-12 finance bill that would increase funding by $485 million for all-day kindergarten, special education, early childhood education and the classroom.

Minn. lawmakers take budget debate down to wire

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:12:55 -0500

The final pieces of Minnesota's next two-year, $38 billion budget were falling into place Sunday as state lawmakers clocked long hours and held a succession of late-night debates at the Capitol. By late afternoon, lawmakers had sent six of nine major budget bills to Gov. Mark Dayton.

House and Senate OK HHS bill with 5 percent hike for nursing homes

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:43:38 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature has passed a health and human services budget bill that increases funding for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities by 5 percent over the next two years.

Capitol View blog: Keep up with the latest news from the Legislature

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:16:57 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature is meeting over the weekend as the clock counts down on the regular session. The House and Senate are both convening Saturday. Sunday sessions are also a good possibility, with a late Monday deadline to adjourn the regular session.

Gas tax hike and sales tax for transit get scrapped

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:32:32 -0500

DFL legislative leaders say plans to raise the gas tax for road projects and a metrowide sales tax for transit projects are dead for the year.

PoliGraph: Bachmann health premium claim leaves out key details

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:01:35 -0500

On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for the 37th time to undo the new healthcare law - a bill sponsored by Sixth Congressional District Rep. Michele Bachmann. But the vote was largely symbolic; the Senate has no plans to pass the bill.

House approves legislator pay constitutional amendment

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:58:20 -0500

The Minnesota House has passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would let voters decide whether an outside group should determine pay for legislators.

Minn. House defeats construction projects bill

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:23:47 -0500

Republicans in the Minnesota House have blocked an $800 million package of public construction projects from moving forward this year, including the next phase of renovation work on the State Capitol.

MN House OKs limits on auto license tracking

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:07:51 -0500

The Minnesota House has voted to place strict limits on a technology police departments use to track the location of vehicles.

Rep. Tim Walz speaks about national security, civil liberties and drones

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:39:56 -0500

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, a Democrat who represents Minnesota's 1st Congressional District, told the audience during a recent speech at the University of Minnesota that if America cares about national security, it needs to maintain moral authority in the world and address the complex issues involved in the use of drones.

Ousted IRS chief regrets treatment of tea party

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:57:09 -0500

The ousted head of the Internal Revenue Service apologized to Congress on Friday for his agency's tougher treatment of tea party and other conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status. He said they resulted from a misguided effort to handle a flood of applications, not political bias.

Marriage primer final

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:24:41 -0500

This is meant to stand as the Final primer on marriage following Dayton's signature on same-sex marriage law. Basically taking primer and adding stuff from ACLU and other sources.

IRS inquiry: Bachmann, Minnesota delegation prepare for long summer

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:12:00 -0500

At a news conference in Washington Thursday, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and other tea party movement members complained about the scandal involving the Internal Revenue Services' improper targeting of certain groups.

Minnesota budget deal: Higher taxes for top earners, smokers

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:10:22 -0500

Minnesota would have the fourth highest income tax rate in the nation under a deal reached by Gov. Mark Dayton and DFL legislative leaders.

Map: Countries that recognize same-sex marriage

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:13:54 -0500

Minnesota this month became the 12th state in America to legalize same-sex marriage. In the U.S., it's up to each individual state to decide the issue on its own. But other countries have adopted nationwide laws allowing same-sex marriage. We've compiled a map which illustrates the status of same-sex marriage around the world.

Tea party tax returns: Mostly tiny budgets, rare partisan activities

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:03:32 -0500

The AP reviewed 990 tax returns for nonprofit groups that were made publicly available and posted on both the Guidestar and the Foundation Center websites, searching between 2009 and 2011 under the terms "tea party," "patriot" and other terms frequently used by tea party groups.

House advances student loan fix

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The days of fixed-rate student loans could be coming to a close, with House Republicans on Thursday advancing a proposal that would link rates to financial markets.

Bachmann sprints to TV with health care ad

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:56:48 -0500

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann quickly launched a campaign-style television ad Thursday in hopes of capitalizing on the latest U.S. House vote to undo President Barack Obama's health care law.

With clock ticking, big differences remain in Capitol budget bills

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:39:39 -0500

Significant differences remain in the tax bill, and DFL leaders appear willing to throw in the towel on a minimum wage increase.

Obama promises action on controversies

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:29:46 -0500

President Barack Obama tried to defuse a trio of controversies Thursday, pledging to work with Congress to ensure the IRS doesn't abuse its power, urging legislators to provide more money to strengthen security at U.S. diplomatic outposts and promising to seek "a balance" between national security and a need to protect freedom of the press.

MPR State Capitol team previews final weekend of the legislative session

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:43:28 -0500

Political editor Mike Mulcahy and MPR State Capitol reporters Tom Scheck and Tim Pugmire are Steven John's guests on MPR News Presents to give a status report on all the major legislation, as the 2013 Legislative Session heads for adjournment Monday, May 20.

The 'secret' stadium finance plan: Cigarette, corporate taxes

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:27:38 -0500

So long electronic gambling taxes, hello cigarette taxes and additional corporate income taxes.

Bachmann wants deeper investigation of IRS

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:27:35 -0500

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann said Congress needs to dig deeper into allegations that the Internal Revenue Service harassed conservative groups seeking nonprofit status.

Legacy deal hinges on rural vs. urban fight over parks money

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:08:50 -0500

Every two years since voters approved a new sales tax to fund four different causes, state lawmakers representing the Twin Cities metro area have fought with those representing greater Minnesota on how to distribute millions of dollars of parks money.

Video: Gay rights pioneers Jack Baker and Michael McConnell predicted marriage victory in '70s

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:15:00 -0500

Jack Baker and Michael McConnell, two Minneapolis men who first fought for marriage equality in the 1970s, have kept a low profile this week. But decades ago on TV, they predicted this moment would come.

Minn. lawmakers sort out tax increase details

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Leading Minnesota lawmakers have sorted out a tax package that is the linchpin of the next state budget.

Tax subsidies aimed at specific companies to encourage job creation

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

A jobs and economic development budget bill headed to the Minnesota Senate cuts the unemployment insurance tax for businesses, provides funding for job training and spends taxpayer money to jumpstart business expansion in the state.

Minn. primed to put firms on hook during lockouts

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:54:53 -0500

Minnesota lawmakers are primed to adopt legislation giving idled workers longer-lasting jobless benefits when locked out by their companies in labor fights.

Lawmakers end push to open voting early

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:51:13 -0500

Minnesota Democrats are giving up for the year on a push to change election law so people could start voting weeks before Election Day.

IRS commissioner ousted over tea party targeting

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:36:21 -0500

President Barack Obama says the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, Steven Miller, has submitted his resignation in the aftermath of an investigation that found the agency improperly targeted conservative groups.

Marathon debate could set tone for final days at Capitol

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:03:24 -0500

A 17-hour debate in the Minnesota Senate over the unionization of child care providers and personal care assistants could be just a taste of things to come in the closing days of the legislative session.

Minn. taxes on way up, but details still up for debate

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:26:33 -0500

Minnesota taxes will rise by more than $2 billion in the next two-year state budget, but who pays how much on what is still being hammered out as the Legislature speeds toward a Monday deadline for the session's adjournment. Here's a look at what is known and what is left to be decided on the tax plan.

Minn. Majority says it was targeted by IRS

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:27:20 -0500

A second group in Minnesota says it believes the IRS targeted it for extra scrutiny because of its conservative stand.

Fargo Red River diversion passes US Senate

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:44:17 -0500

North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven says a measure that would authorize a Red River flood diversion project has passed the Senate.

MN Senate passes daycare unionization bill

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:10:36 -0500

The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill allowing the unionization of home child-care workers in Minnesota after an all-night debate that saw Republicans trying to block the bill.

US House panel to OK small food stamp cuts

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:18:39 -0500

The House Agriculture Committee has begun work on a five-year farm bill that would make small cuts to the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program.

Benghazi review board chair Pickering wants to testify

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:05:50 -0500

Former Ambassador Thomas Pickering on Tuesday defended the investigative board he led looking into last year's attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, saying he wanted the opportunity to clear up "unfounded" criticisms leveled against it during last week's Congressional hearings.

Holder unsure how often reporters' records are seized

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:02:00 -0500

As his Justice Department faces bipartisan outrage for searching phone records of Associated Press reporters and editors, Attorney General Eric Holder says he is not sure how many times such information has been seized by government investigators in the four years he's led Justice.

IRS's 'inappropriate' scrutiny: Read the report

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:59:08 -0500

A much-anticipated report from the Treasury Department's inspector general for tax administration is straight forward about how Internal Revenue Service personnel unfairly singled out some conservative groups for unnecessary scrutiny during the 2012 campaign cycle.

Same-sex marriage bill signed; thousands cheer at Capitol

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:42:33 -0500

Many gay and lesbian couples in Minnesota are looking forward to Aug. 1, when the law legalizing same-sex marriage goes into effect.

Food stamps, crop insurance big issues in new farm bill

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The House and Senate Agriculture committees are debating a new farm bill this week. The current legislation directed more than $1 billion to Minnesota last year in the form of food stamp benefits and subsidized crop insurance for farmers. Those two expensive programs are the most controversial portions of the new bill Congress is considering.

Photos: Thousands gather as Minn. same-sex marriage bill signed into law

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:45:49 -0500

Thousands of cheering spectators filled the south lawn of the State Capitol, with rainbow and American flags fluttering in a sweltering breeze.

FAQ: Same-sex marriage law

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:17:45 -0500

Minnesota's law allowing same-sex marriage goes into effect Aug. 1. On that day, same-sex couples can apply for a marriage license in Minnesota.

Heavy lifting on budget still needed at Capitol

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:20:52 -0500

With the same-sex marriage bill now passed and signed into law, state lawmakers are again turning their attention to passing a state budget before next Monday's scheduled session adjournment.

Dayton signs same-sex marriage bill at Capitol ceremony

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:10:34 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Thousands of cheering spectators filled the south lawn of the state Capitol for the outdoor ceremony, with rainbow and American flags fluttering in a sweltering breeze.

IRS unfairly targeted Minn. tea party organization, boardmember says

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:01:07 -0500

A Minnesota tea party organization says it was caught-up in the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of conservative groups.

LIVE VIDEO: Watch Gov. Dayton sign same-sex marriage bill

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:48:24 -0500

Watch Gov. Mark Dayton sign a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota.

Dayton signs same-sex marriage bill: live coverage

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:08:47 -0500

Minnesota is now the 12th state in the country to allow same-sex marriage. Follow our live blog for the latest coverage.

Justice dept to investigate IRS targeting of tea party

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:27:38 -0500

The Justice Department is opening a criminal investigation into the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of tea party groups for extra scrutiny over whether they qualified for tax exempt status, Attorney General Eric Holder announced Tuesday.

DFL lawmaker: Compromise reached on frac sand regulations

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:46:51 -0500

The lawmaker who has pushed this year for tougher state regulation of the frac sand mining industry on Tuesday said DFL legislative leaders have reached a compromise on the legislation.

Scaled-back gun bill moves ahead in Minn. Senate

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:54:59 -0500

A significantly scaled-back plan to revise Minnesota's gun laws advanced toward a final Senate vote after receiving the blessing Tuesday of a vocal gun-rights group.

IRS chief denies partisan motivations in tea party fracas

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:19:33 -0500

In his first public comments on the growing controversy over the extra scrutiny the agency admits it gave in recent years to conservative groups' applications for tax-exempt status, the acting IRS commissioner attributes the controversy to employees taking 'short cuts."

Same-sex marriage: Lobbying, polling, timing, key lawmakers led to victory

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:34:17 -0500

Despite the DFL's new majorities in the Minnesota House and Senate, and the defeat of the marriage amendment in 2012, few people thought the Legislature would move this quickly to turn around and make same-sex marriage legal. Looking behind the scenes at the process, the effort hinged on careful lobbying, polling, timing, and the votes of a few key lawmakers.

Top IRS official didn't reveal tea party targeting

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:37:45 -0500

Congress was not told tea party groups were being inappropriately targeted by the Internal Revenue Service, even after acting agency Chief Steven Miller had been briefed on the matter.

Same-sex marriage splits opinions in Rochester, Olmsted County

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The divisive vote on same-sex marriage could be an indicator into how some parts of the state are changing politically.

Same-sex marriage opponents, supporters say they will remember how legislators voted

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Thousands of people flooded the Capitol to witness that historic moment the state Senate passed the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Some came to celebrate it. Others came to protest.

Same-sex marriage supporters jubilant; opponents say issue not settled

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton is scheduled to sign a bill Tuesday afternoon that will legalize same-sex marriage in Minnesota. But opponents of the legislation argue even though they lost this round the issue is not settled.

Same-sex marriage: Reaction from Minnesota residents

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:34:06 -0500

As the Minnesota Senate debated the same-sex marriage bill Monday, some of our reporters in greater Minnesota asked state residents what they thought of the legislation.

Franken wants board to monitor credit ratings firms

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:06:12 -0500

U.S. Sen. Al Franken is pushing the Securities and Exchange Commission to overhaul the way it regulates the credit ratings industry.

Minn. Senate approves same-sex marriage; sends to Dayton

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:12:16 -0500

The Minnesota Senate Monday voted to legalize same-sex marriage, sending the measure to Gov. Mark Dayton, who plans to sign it into law in a ceremony Tuesday evening. The Senate's 37-30 vote came three days after the House also approved the legislation allowing same-sex couples to be legally married in the state.

Small businesses wonder what health overhaul has in store for them

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:56:49 -0500

Organizations representing small business have been among the sharpest critics of the federal health care overhaul. But the opposition is not universal. Some small business owners in Minnesota hope they'll find new health insurance options thanks to the law and MNSURE, the new state new online insurance marketplace it created.