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Articles by Ricardo Lopez
Grassroots Legalize Cannabis Party Besieged
To counter GOP meddling, some cannabis activists pushed effort to change party name These days, Oliver Steinberg, chair and co-founder of the Grassroots Legalize Cannabis Party, is feeling besieged on multiple fronts. Since the party became one of two marijuana legalization parties to achieve major party status in 2018, interlopers have sought to use the Grassroots Legalize Cannabis Party to influence the outcome of competitive races.
Senate ethics subcommittee votes to continue investigatio...
A Minnesota Senate ethics subcommittee on Wednesday authorized an investigation of a two-count ethics complaint against Sen. Omar Fateh, DFL-Minneapolis, and will subpoena two people, including Fateh’s former legislative aide and campaign manager. The Senate Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct, a bipartisan four-member panel, continued its hearing on whether enough probable cause existed to conduct a formal review of the complaints, and voted unanimously to continue the investigation.
Senate DFL wants action on gun control measures in special session
A group of DFL state senators on Tuesday called on their Republican colleagues to take action on long-stalled gun control legislation in a special session. In recent weeks, two 18-year-old gunmen using AR-15 style rifles separately killed 10 Black people in Buffalo, N.Y., and 21 elementary school students and teachers in Uvalde, Texas.
Public defenders, court staff call for a special session to approve funding for raises
Teamsters Local 320, the union representing the state’s public defenders, court reporters and other court staff, is calling on Gov. Tim Walz and lawmakers to return to the Capitol to approve a public safety budget and fund a contract with pay increases or risk further strain on the judiciary branch.
Lawmakers approve $93 million for mental health funding in final minutes of legislative session
Though unable to pass major education and public safety bills, lawmakers on Sunday approved nearly $93 million for mental health initiatives just minutes before adjourning. “Addressing the mental health crisis facing our communities, especially in our youth, has been a bipartisan priority all year and after working around the clock in the final hours of this session, we were able to pass a strong bill that will make an impact in the lives of Minnesotans across the state,” Sen.
Billions left unspent as divided Legislature flounders in final hours
In the end, the Minnesota Legislature ran out of time early Monday to strike deals on how to spend the state’s historic budget surplus, leaving billions on the state’s bottom line unless DFL Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders finish the work in a special session. Lawmakers blew past a midnight deadline, failing to pass new spending for public safety, schools, health and human services, tax cuts and a capital infrastructure bill.
The gold quadriga stands atop the Minnesota Capitol. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer. Minnesota lawmakers on Friday were still working through several sticking points in budget negotiations for transportation, education and public safety spending, even as they struck deals on other legislation, including drought relief and allowing some breweries to sell growlers.
Deadline looming for lawmakers to finish writing budget bills
Quarreling lawmakers, who have been slow to fill in details on a compromise $8 billion package of tax cuts and new spending, threaten to derail an on-time end to the legislative session. Just six days remain until the divided Legislature has to adjourn, but lawmakers have less than that to reach compromises, draft bills and bring them up for floor votes in both chambers. Monday started on an optimistic note, as DFL Gov.
Minn. House Speaker ‘feeling fine’ after learning of COVID-19 infection, will negotiate remotely
End-of-session legislative negotiations are being upended as House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, announced Wednesday she has COVID-19. “My allergies seemed a little bit worse this morning than a normal spring day so I thought it would be prudent to check,” Hortman tweeted, adding she was “feeling fine” and is fully vaccinated and had received a booster shot, too. She said she would participate in budget negotiations remotely while she quarantines and recovers.
Senate majority leader’s family ties to deer farming under scrutiny in CWD vote
During a recent debate on an agricultural budget bill, Sen. Karla Bigham, DFL-Cottage Grove, won five votes from GOP colleagues to amend the bill and impose regulations on deer farms to combat chronic wasting disease, including a moratorium on new operations. It was an unusual show of bipartisan support for a DFL-led amendment in the GOP-controlled Senate, illustrating the deep concern of many hunters and their allies in the Legislature about the disease that threatens the deer population.
Minnesota unaffected if Roe v. Wade struck down, but GOP majority could change that, Walz warns
Minnesota DFL leaders are pledging to preserve abortion rights in the state, repudiating a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion obtained by Politico that would strike down Roe v. Wade. “Not on my watch,” Gov. Tim Walz tweeted Monday night when Politico first published the 98-page opinion written by Associate Justice Samuel Alito. Abortion access in Minnesota would not be affected if Roe v. Wade is struck down.
Senate approves ‘tough on crime’ bill with bipartisan support
The Republican-controlled state Senate on Monday approved a $200 million public safety and judiciary budget bill that creates harsher penalties for carjackers, institutes new mandates on judges and prosecutors for sentencing and prosecution decisions, and weighs in on sentencing guidelines. The bill passed with a bipartisan majority but won’t become law without the assent of the Democratic-controlled House and signature of DFL Gov. Tim Walz.
Senate approves $8.4 billion in tax cuts, and adjourns for Easter Break
The GOP-led Senate approved an $8.4 billion tax cut package on Thursday, 42-24, setting up negotiations with the House DFL, which would use money to bolster child care and education while offering a smaller, targeted tax cut. Billed as tax cuts for Minnesota families, Republicans argue the state’s projected $9.3 billion budget surplus is evidence the state over collected tax revenues.
House DFL moving to cut costs of child care, housing and prescription drugs
House Democratic leaders on Tuesday outlined plans intended to reduce the costs of child care, housing and prescription drugs, setting up their negotiating position with Senate Republicans as the legislative session enters its final stretch. With a projected $9.25 billion budget surplus, House DFL leaders also proposed targeted tax changes they say are aimed at workers and Minnesota families.
Andy Luger confirmed to serve a second time as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota
Andy Luger received bipartisan confirmation from the U.S. Senate on Thursday and will return as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota. Luger, 62, previously served in the role from 2014 to 2017 when President Donald Trump’s administration asked him and dozens of other federal prosecutors to resign. The confirmation vote was 60-to-36. He was among three finalists named for the nomination after a selection committee vetted potential candidates.
Rep. John Thompson on Hugo protest: ‘That’s something I really regret’
Rep. John Thompson, the St. Paul lawmaker who was banished by his Democratic-Farmer-Labor colleagues and now caucuses as an Independent, said he regrets the Hugo protest that first made him a political albatross for fellow Democratic elected officials, including Gov. Tim Walz.
DFL bills would ban PFAS in cookware, cosmetics and ski wax
A Democratic lawmaker is proposing banning PFAS substances from cookware, cosmetics and ski wax, arguing the chemicals in these everyday products present a threat to public health and the environment. State Rep. Ami Wazlawik, DFL-White Bear Township, on Wednesday presented three bills during a House committee hearing that would restrict the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyls substances, PFAS, a group of manmade chemicals not found naturally in the environment.
GOP lawmaker opposes ban on no-knock warrants: ‘There are times when you have to use extreme measures’
The chair of a powerful Senate committee with jurisdiction over no-knock warrants said he was wary of pursuing new restrictions on their use, rebuffing calls by Democratic lawmakers to take action after Minneapolis police last week killed Amir Locke, a 22-year-old Black man, in a pre-dawn raid. State Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, told reporters on Monday he is awaiting more information about the underlying search warrant approved in the Feb.
The politics of spending will be key to 2022 legislative session
The 2022 legislative session opens Monday, with lawmakers returning to St. Paul armed with ideas on how to spend the state’s projected $7.7 billion budget surplus. Those ideas include bold plans that have little chance of being enacted without major compromises on both sides. Senate Republicans want big tax cuts for Minnesotans and businesses, as well as financial incentives to hire and retain police officers.
State Patrol rolls out body cameras for its troopers (copy)
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Walz faces criticism for slow response to public records request
by Ricardo Lopez, Minnesota Reformer November 10, 2021 A public-records advocacy group on Wednesday said it has repeatedly asked the administration of Gov. Tim Walz for emails from a non-public-facing email address used by the governor but received no response.
6 key findings from Rep. Hagedorn's ethics committee referral
The Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent, non-partisan entity charged with reviewing allegations of misconduct against members of Congress, on Thursday issued a 23-page report outlining why it says there is “substantial reason” to believe U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn committed ethics violations. The matter was referred to the House Ethics Committee on a 6-0 vote from the OCE board.
Senate Republicans criticize county attorney for car stop policy
Senate Republicans and some law enforcement officials criticized Ramsey County Attorney John Choi’s decision not to prosecute cases that stem solely from traffic stops unrelated to public safety. A Senate hearing on Thursday focused on the rising crime in the Twin Cities metro and featured a slate of testifiers that included Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher and St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson.
Minnesota Republican seeks financial support for two men charged in Jan. 6 Capitol attack: 'They are a good family!'
Rioters clash with police trying to enter Capitol building through the front doors. (lev radin / Shutterstock.com) A GOP state senator on Friday asked his Facebook followers to donate to the legal defense fund of a family facing felony charges in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. State Sen.
Dead of night legislating: Lawmakers pass public safety bill, end governor’s emergency powers
Minnesota lawmakers gave final approval early Wednesday morning to a $2.6 billion public safety budget bill after hours of debate that included last-minute amendments over police and criminal justice reforms that some Democrats say fell short. The deal was nearly scuttled by a separate issue that has roiled Minnesota politics and government for more than a year — Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency powers that he’s deployed in the face of the pandemic.
Smith’s first committee hearing as chair highlights Native American safe, affordable housing problems
Homes on tribal land lack heating at more than 100 times the national average, and plumbing is deficient at five times the national rate, according to testimony provided during a Senate subcommittee chaired by U.S. Sen. Tina Smith. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a housing crisis affecting Native Americans, leading to a hearing Thursday in Washington, D.C. that Smith called.
Walz: ‘Brighter days are here, and even more are coming’
Speaking from his old classroom at Mankato West High School, Gov. Tim Walz gave an optimistic view of Minnesota’s standing, telling residents in a livestreamed statewide address that the pandemic is almost over. Walz’s administration reports that more than 1.5 million Minnesotans have received the vaccine. More than 80% of people 65 and older are vaccinated, as well as two-thirds of educators and child care workers.
5 takeaways from the legislative session that wasn’t: Lawmakers leave work unfinished
The 2021 legislative session came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. When lawmakers first returned in January to hash out a new two-year budget, they faced a projected deficit of $883 million, a divided Legislature and a herculean vaccination effort that would shape the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sen. John Marty of Roseville running for Senate DFL minority leader
Sep 08, 2021 | 12:50 pm ET By Ricardo Lopez Veteran DFL state senator John Marty of Roseville is running for caucus leader, becoming the third Democratic senator to vie for the top job. Marty joins colleagues Sens. Melisa López Franzen of Edina and Nick Frentz of North Mankato. The caucus leadership election is planned for Sept. 13. Minority Leader Susan Kent, DFL-Woodbury, said last week she would step down from the role and not seek re-election to her Senate seat next year.
State GOP meet Oct. 2 to elect new party chair
State Republicans will meet on Oct. 2 to elect a new Minnesota Republican Party chair, according to a letter Deputy Chair Carleton Crawford sent to party activists. The GOP’s state central delegates had previously called an emergency meeting for Aug. 30 to attempt to rescind a $38,000 severance package authorized by the executive committee for former Chair Jennifer Carnahan, who resigned last week.
'He is a perverted narcissistic sex offender': Minnesota GOP strategist paid teen girls with cash, gifts for sex, prosecutors say
Anton Lazzaro, a major Minnesota GOP donor and strategist, paid teenage girls with cash, gifts and lavish meals in exchange for sex, federal prosecutors said Tuesday, arguing against his release on home detention as he awaits trial. Lazzaro, appearing in orange jail jumpsuit, pleaded not guilty five counts of sex trafficking, three counts of obstruction, one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of conspiracy to sex traffick minors.
Handful of Republicans mull run for MN GOP party chair, no formal bids yet
Days after MNGOP Chair Jennifer Carnahan resigned her post, it’s unclear who wants to take on the job of rebuilding the Minnesota Republican Party. On Monday, state Sen. Mark Koran, R-North Branch, said in a statement he would not run for party chair. “We will clean our house and address the issues thrust upon us and come out with a brighter future,” he said.
Minnesota GOP in turmoil as 4 former executive directors call on 'morally bankrupt' party chair to resign
Four former Republican Party of Minnesota executive directors are calling on party Chair Jennifer Carnahan to resign. The four executive directors are Christine Snell, Kevin Poindexter, Becky Alery and Andy Aplikowski. “As the four most recent MN GOP executive directors under Carnahan, we have a unique perspective into the toxic environment, inappropriate behavior and manipulation that she has facilitated," the joint statement said.
Gazelka criticizes state hotline asking Minnesotans to report violations of stay-home order
by Ricardo Lopez, Minnesota Reformer March 31, 2020 Minnesota’s top elected Republican said Tuesday he wants Gov. Tim Walz to take down a COVID-19 hotline, which he said is a way for neighbors to tattle on each other for violating the stay-home order. “Please take this hotline down @GovTimWalz,” Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said on Twitter. “It’s not necessary and it’s not how Minnesotans want to treat each other.
Bills to crack down on Minnesota protesters advance in House, Senate
Cracking down on protesters who block highways and airport access roads has emerged as a top public safety goal for Republicans in Minnesota’s Legislature, who are quickly pushing through measures to raise criminal penalties for demonstrations that interfere with traffic. “This really is a priority,” House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said Wednesday at a news conference.
New state Senate leader fervent in faith, measured in approach
By Ricardo Lopez , Star Tribune December 21, 2016 - 8:59 AM See more of the story Paul Gazelka fused faith and career as he applied Christian principles to building an insurance business in the Brainerd area. Now the man who wrote a memoir about it titled, “Marketplace Ministers,” is set to become one of state government’s most powerful politicians, the most socially conservative person in modern times to serve as Minnesota Senate majority leader.
How Gov. Mark Dayton got to his big statement on race after Philando Castile was shot
The fatal police shooting of Philando Castile is emerging as the latest test of Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration as it publicly grapples with racial tensions and disparities around Minnesota. Within hours of the fatal shooting, Dayton forcefully declared that Castile would not have been killed if he were white — a dramatic assertion immediately criticized by law enforcement groups locally and around the country.
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