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Freshman midterms – which new members are getting the most exposure and best reviews?
The scene was unusual for most Capitol regulars. At an early-session press conference, newly minted House Republican leaders Kurt Zellers and Matt Dean introduced the first symbolic bills of their newfound majority. Standing at their side were the bill authors - two first-time legislators just a few weeks removed from their swearing-in.
Dayton and GOP agree on alternative licensure bill
Gov. Mark Dayton says he will sign a bill into law that opens up alternative pathways to teacher licensure. In a letter addressed to Education Senate and House Committee chairs, Rep. Pat Garofalo and Sen. Gen Olson, Dayton said he and Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius do not agree with every provision in the legislation, but have worked out a bill he is willing to sign in hopes to close the[...]
One-time budget fixes still popular at Capitol
Republicans originally planned to make their first round of cuts stick. As introduced, their $1 billion budget cutting bill made permanent reductions to programs like local government aid (LGA), health and human services and higher education that had been temporarily cut as part of the state's 2010 budget agreement. But in the first House committee hearing on the proposal, an amendment brought by [...]
The Paper Trail: Cassellius reiterates concerns about alt-licensure bill
Education commissioner Brenda Cassellius continues to have concerns about alternative-teacher-licensure proposals that have passed the House and Senate. In a second letter this week to Sen. Gen Olson, chair of the Education committee, Casselius again cites worries about teachers having adequate preparation in the subject area they intend to teach.
The Paper Trail: Cassellius calls for ‘compromise language’ on alt licensure
Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius in a letter to legislators is calling for "compromise language" on an alternative teacher licensing proposal. The House and Senate have passed differing versions of the bill.
Wage freeze for school employees just one of the proposals to roil the K-12 debate
Sen. Dave Thompson has long been a believer in the principle of local control. During his years as a conservative talk radio host, the freshman Republican legislator frequently espoused his belief in the capacity of local residents to solve their own problems.
Leadership reflects on week, telegraphs the next
Fiscbach said she doesn't expect Senate committees to take up the nuclear power plant moratorium repeal next week.
New conservative GOP chairs to run Capitol sausage factory
Last Wednesday, just a day after new Republican legislative majorities unveiled their downsized committee structure, it rained gavels at the Capitol. Incoming caucus leaders Amy Koch and Kurt Zellers handed down a total of 40 chair appointments as a substantial contingent of the anointed stood beaming at their side.
Senate committee buzz: GOP signals right turn
The restructuring of the caucus and its chairs by a new leadership team is widely expected to produce a decidedly conservative shift on the part of Senate Republicans, who in recent years have built a more centrist track record than their increasingly conservative House colleagues.
Legislature sees a DFL drubbing for the ages
Republicans pummeled DFLers in the suburbs and greater Minnesota on Tuesday night to take control of both chambers of the Legislature for the first time since the modern partisan era started in the early 1970s.
Emmer’s uncompromising politics, style have alienated some House GOP colleagues
Emmer, now the GOP nominee for governor of Minnesota, has earned a reputation over his three terms at the Legislature as an abrasive lawmaker, even with members of his own caucus.
DFL education leaders strike contrasting postures on Pawlenty reform proposal
The Senate Education Finance chairman is praising Pawlenty for proposing education reform proposals. His House counterpart slammed Pawlenty for antagonizing the teachers union. The two are scheduled to hold a joint hearing tomorrow morning.
Top News
- Federal judge rules for students with disabilities in age-cutoff case
- Justices remand Duluth dispute
- Legal education for incarcerated students expands
- Hamline prof dismissed over Muhammad image can proceed with lawsuit
- Supreme Court backs woman’s false-reporting conviction
- Pot smell not enough for search
- Cash bail disproportionately impacts people of color
- Wisconsin court candidates often speak out on hot topics
Expert Testimony
- Perspectives: Recent cellphone ruling recalls high court cases
- The Unfrazzled Lawyer: Supercharge your unfrazzled lawyer efforts
- Understanding the proposal to extend overtime
- Perspectives: Pill case may be a bitter one for abortion rights
