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.

Last week Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced that the state would not file a second application seeking up to $175 million in federal education dollars through the Race to the Top program.

The state House this afternoon passed a pension conference report 116-16 that seeks to shore up the ailing finances of the state's three statewide pensions. The Senate today passed the conference report 52-14.

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.

State legislators have solved roughly one-third of the $1 billion budget shortfall they currently face in the 2010-2011 biennium.

Teachers’ union is a lone — but loud — voice of opposition to omnibus bill The words being used to describe this year’s omnibus pension bill are more dramatic than those from previous legislative sessions. Legislators and lobbyists are referring to it as “shared sacrifice,” and one GOP state representative even used the term “bailout.”

The 2010 primary election will be held on August 10. The House voted overwhelmingly to move up the date in order to accommodate military and overseas voters and comply with federal law. The Senate previously passed the legislation unanimously.

Four GOP state reps announced they're supporting Rep. Marty Seifert's gubernatorial bid.

It’s always a bit amusing when legislators discuss alcohol, and equally amusing when policymakers attempt to prohibit alcohol. Teetotaler messaging is one of the classic ...

It’s always a bit amusing when legislators discuss alcohol, and equally amusing when policymakers attempt to prohibit alcohol. Teetotaler messaging is one of the classic ...