Innovative ideas brewing to house nearly 900 aging veterans
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Since he was first elected to the House in 2006, Rep. John Ward (DFL-Baxter) has been working to get a veterans nursing home in Brainerd. And he’s not alone.
Costly campaign messaging could get influx of cash
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Candidates for state office may be allowed to use more funds to get their campaign messages across to the public.
Governor, agency heads and other high-ranking officers could get pay increases
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Despite the removal of a 1 percent across-the-board compensation increase for state employees, the governor and other constitutional officers along with agency heads could still get a pay bump in the omnibus state government finance bill.
Contributors asked to pay more into pension funds
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Funding deficiencies across several state public pension and retiree plans could mean a series of benefit reductions along with contribution increases.
State could conduct pilot of electronic voter registration system under omnibus elections bill passed by House
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A trial run of electronic rosters included in the omnibus elections bill could be the first step toward a new voter registration verification system.
House votes down a bill to elect the president by popular vote
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Most people don’t think it’s right that the second-place finisher of the nation’s popular vote could be elected president, said Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-Hopkins).
State employees encouraged to act as ‘whistleblowers’
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New criteria would be added to the state’s “whistleblower” law laying out the expectation that classified state employees would be expected to share information and provide assistance to legislative decision makers in a manner consistent with their duties without fear of retaliation.
Craft beer niche addressed in liquor law
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A new law will allow St. Paul and Minneapolis restaurant owners to have more than 40 percent of their revenue generated from alcohol sales, which is currently illegal.
100-year-old mining inspection policy will be updated
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Mining companies and employees will have an updated list of mine inspection standards to abide by.
American Indian veterans to get a memorial on Capitol grounds
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A plaque honoring Minnesota’s American Indian veterans will be placed among other veteran plaques in the Court of Honor on the Capitol grounds.