Minnesota State Legislature

Sen. Goggin: New laws help rape victims, seniors

Aug 15, 2018

Think rape victims should know more about the status of their case? Think child care is too expensive? Or that it’s too hard for providers to stay in business? Tired of people scamming the system by using fake service animals? How about senior citizens? Do you know a vulnerable senior who could be...

Goggin: Bonding bill funds critical needs

Jul 3, 2018

In my June column, I discussed Gov. Mark Dayton’s end-of-session vetoes, and how disappointing it was that he was unwilling to work with the legislature on tax cuts and the supplemental spending bill that funded critical issues facing the state, like elder abuse prevention, opioid addiction, and...

Rep. Haley: Grants, bonding benefit local communities

Jun 20, 2018

With June already half over, summer is in full swing as area high school and college students enjoy some time away from the classroom. For area students looking to pursue careers in a skilled trade sector, great news was recently announced in St. Paul. Last Friday, the Minnesota Department of...

Mixed results for area bonding projects

Jun 7, 2018

Efforts to obtain state bonding money for area projects had mixed success at the state legislature this year, with winners to the north and south and disappointment in between. Red Wing obtained money for its effort to route its bike trail around Barn Bluff, according to Skip Jobe of the Friends...

Rep. Haley: Bipartisanship evident in omnibus bills

May 16, 2018

It’s hard to believe that little over a week remains until our constitutionally required session adjournment date of May 21. We started session with two clear priorities: addressing tax conformity and vetting various bonding projects to address critical infrastructure needs. When we convened in...

Drazkowski: While beneficial, tax cuts creat work for legislators

May 3, 2018

There is little doubt that tax relief laws approved in Minnesota and Washington, D.C., last year are improving our economy. For state lawmakers however, the federal tax relief law is creating some extra legislative work. Our state has a number of provisions within our tax code that don’t...

Letter: Election decisions belong to locals, not legislators

Apr 4, 2018

To the editor: Lake City is a Charter City. That means it has its own Constitution. That means Lake Citians determine how they want to be governed. This represents the ultimate in local, democratic control. This right is being threatened right now. Bills in the legislature (HF3690, SF3325) aim...

Rep. Haley seeks re-election

Apr 4, 2018

Rep. Barb Haley (R-Red Wing) kicked off her re-election campaign by securing the Republican endorsement for House District 21A. “I’m proud of our work last session delivering tax relief to seniors, farmers, and middle class families, as well as our reforms to make health care more affordable,”...

Baldy ski jump has council support

Feb 14, 2018

Lake City became the first city to officially endorse the Baldy 125 ski jump project Monday, Feb. 12, with a unanimous city council vote. The olympic-size jump would be located at the former Mt. Frontenac Ski Area in Frontenac and, thanks to a special surface, be able to host ski jump training and...

Rep. to students: Page program 'an experience that will last a lifetime'

Oct 5, 2017

To the editor: Applications for the Minnesota House of Representatives 2018 High School Page Program have now been mailed to all area public and private schools. All high school juniors are eligible to apply. By taking part in this week-long program, pages learn the legislative process and assist...