The Office of the State Auditor has released its analysis of the finances of more than 550 special governmental districts that range from the Metropolitan Council to local watershed districts. As has been the case in the past, the report that covers 2011 shows that the special districts overall spend more than they take in. But the Auditor Rebecca Auditor cautioned that the overall numbers can’t easily be rendered as a blanket statement on the finances of all of the state’s special districts.

Now a DFLer, will Ron Erhardt also annoy his new party?

Sen. Vicki Jensen, DFL-Owatonna, didn’t get much of a chance to speak her piece on the final version of the tax bill. There literally wasn’t any time. The DFL majority’s omnibus tax bill passed the Senate with minutes to spare before the session’s predetermined end date of midnight on Monday, May 20.

The bill passed through the chamber after less than an hour debate on a 74-60 vote. Republican Reps. Tim Sanders and Tim O’Driscoll crossed over to support the proposal, while DFL Rep. Ron Erhardt voted against the bill.

Traveling in the House and Senate budget bills are dozens of little-discussed provisions that could become sticking points in final negotiations.

Backers of state legislation that would allow cities to collect street fees call it an intuitive way to pay for long-term maintenance. Opponents call it a poorly disguised tax hike.

After a rocky few weeks for the bill, Mayo CEO John Noseworthy told the National Press Club on Tuesday that there are “49 states” that are eager to have Mayo invest $3 billion if Minnesota does not sign on.

For many lobbyists, working the Legislature is as much about the bills they are able to stop as the bills they are able to pass. That’s why Friday’s final deadline for policy measures to pass through committees in both chambers will be cause for either celebration or relief for Minnesota’s Capitol lobbying corps.

In with the new (and old) as Capitol Report continues to profile all 65 of the newly elected members of the Minnesota Legislature.

Incoming DFL Speaker of the Paul Thissen rolled out a list of 28 members of his new majority caucus that will hold gavels when the Legislature convenes in January.