Lawmakers wrestle with ensuring benefits for state retirees

In mid-May, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann’s campaign bought roughly $80,000 worth of television advertising in the Twin Cities market. But just two weeks later, Bachmann stunned seemingly everyone by announcing on Wednesday that she would not be running for re-election.

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.

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.

Two marquee pieces of environmental legislation in the 2012 session owe their victories in no small part to horse trading between Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature.

A bipartisan group of state legislators announced legislation that would remove the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from its role in managing school trust lands. The move reflects simmering disappointment with the amount of money the agency is generating from timber and mining operations on the lands.

The message from Republican legislative challengers on last summer's campaign trail was clear: Farmers are suffering from state lawmakers' recent changes to the Green Acres farmland preservation program.

Ranging in age from 24 to 65, new class presents a varied face

Eight Minnesota legislative incumbents -- five DFLers and three Republicans -- are facing challenges from members of their own parties this year, not counting six incumbents who have said that they aren't seeking re-election and have fellow party members lining up to succeed them.