Reality Check: Minn. Budget Bill's State Workforce Cuts
Minnesota's laid off state workers are back on the job after the governor and legislature reached a budget deal, but they face more cuts with the compromise to end the 20-day shutdown.
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Minnesota's laid off state workers are back on the job after the governor and legislature reached a budget deal, but they face more cuts with the compromise to end the 20-day shutdown.
State employees began returning to work in Minnesota Thursday after a new budget agreement ended a government shutdown of nearly three weeks.
Both chambers of the Legislature went into floor sessions about 6 p.m. Tuesday and passed five of nine budget bills in less than two hours.
Minnesota's state government shutdown slid toward the three-week mark on Monday as key Republican legislators and members of Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's administration scurried to translate a handshake budget deal into bills that can pass the GOP-controlled Legislature.
Not only are Minnesota lawmakers writing the bills behind closed doors, they are writing the bills inside the State Capitol, which is closed and locked to the public.
Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican leaders are hoping to finish work by midnight on a budget deal to end Minnesota's 15-day government shutdown. It's an agreement no one seems to like, including Dayton.
In the two weeks since Minnesota's shutdown began, Republican House and Senate leaders have called five times for Gov. Mark Dayton to call a special session. They say the shutdown is "completely unnecessary" because there's agreement on almost every aspect of the major budget bill.
Lyda Hanson thought she was one of the lucky ones. Even before graduating from beauty school, she landed a job at a "perfect" salon and was ready to get started on her dream career.
WCCO-TV's Reality Check reported last week that an overwhelming majority of Minnesota lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, are getting paid during the shutdown. Now, one legislator says there's something wrong with that.
Minnesota is about to enter the record books: the longest state government shutdown in modern history.
Day eight of the Minnesota government shutdown could be called the day of "no:" No talks scheduled, no progress, no urgency and no signs of a compromise.
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty inserted himself into the 2011 shutdown debate twice in the last six days.
A commission convened by former Vice President Walter Mondale and former Gov. Arne Carlson says Minnesota should raise cigarette, alcohol and income taxes to end a week-old government shutdown.
Another step backwards for Minnesota lawmakers trying to negotiate a budget deal to end the government shutdown, now in it's sixth day.
The blind are losing reading services. A help line for the elderly has gone silent. And poor families are scrambling after the state stopped child care subsidies.
Minnesota stumbled into its second government shutdown in six years on Thursday, with a partisan divide over taxes and spending to close a $5 billion deficit becoming only more bitter as a midnight deadline came and went without agreement.
Minnesota's governor and top Republican lawmakers broke from a sixth straight day of budget talks Wednesday without solving an impasse over the $5 billion deficit, hours after a judge issued a bare-bones list of services that must be maintained if state government shuts down.
Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders met briefly Monday, but kept a tight clamp on whether their private meetings have produced any progress toward a budget deal that would head off a government shutdown at the end of the week.
Part of a state shutdown that has thousands of families worried: Nursing home workers could be declared "non-essential," and state payments could stop. Furthermore, if there's an extend shutdown, some nursing homes could close.
Gov. Mark Dayton says a Republican offer to drop $200 million in tax cuts they wanted and spend it on his priorities is a "non-proposal" that gets the two sides no closer to a budget deal that would avert a government shutdown in two weeks.
Republican leaders and the governor will try again Thursday to make progress on a state budget agreement -- and avoid a government shutdown.
Rep. Michele Bachmann says she is officially a candidate for GOP nomination for president.
For those who enjoy visiting Minnesota's state parks, the shutdown could affect where many of us spend our Fourth of July weekend.
More budget meetings at the state capitol, but there was very little progress. So groups with an interest in the fight are turning to TV, in an attempt to win the battle of public opinion.
Minnesota's Department of Management and Budget announced Thursday that it sent out 36,000 layoff notices to state employees by U.S. Mail.
The mother of the man who orchestrated the 2022 killing of 23-year-old Zaria McKeever in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on Wednesday.
Minnesota lawmakers and grocery store workers are joining forces to push for legislation to tackle surveillance pricing.
The verdict, which caps a weeks-long trial in Los Angeles, could set a legal precedent for similar allegations brought against social media companies.
Organizers for the "No Kings" march are anticipating 100,000 participants at the St. Paul, Minnesota, rally on Saturday, which will feature guest appearances from Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and Jane Fonda.
The Minnesota mom of two and U.S. soldier was days from returning home from her tour in Kuwait when she was killed in an Iranian strike.
The mother of the man who orchestrated the 2022 killing of 23-year-old Zaria McKeever in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on Wednesday.
Organizers for the "No Kings" march are anticipating 100,000 participants at the St. Paul, Minnesota, rally on Saturday, which will feature guest appearances from Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and Jane Fonda.
Minnesota has formally submitted a bid to host the NFL draft in 2028, organizers announced Wednesday.
A Twin Cities mom got a big scare this weekend when her 8-year-old son wandered far away from home.
John Wilson, president of the Wilson Foundation, said he tabulated the $32 million figure once he started hearing from local neighborhood groups across the Twin Cities metro.
Charges say law enforcement was called to St. Cloud State University after a student informed campus public safety that another student made threats to "shoot up a fraternity."
A 33-year-old man accused of shooting a woman in the chest last year pleaded guilty on Friday.
Officials in northern Minnesota say an eroding cemetery along Lake Superior is leaving human remains exposed near a major tourist destination.
Deron Russell has long been a problem for opposing teams. The Waseca, Minnesota, star broke his own school record in the section semifinal game with a 51-point performance.
If you have a newer car, you may be in for some sticker shock when you renew your Minnesota license tabs. That's because the formula for calculating license tab fees has changed because of a 2023 bill.
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state.
A Wisconsin legislator has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in connection with a bitter feud with her caucus over resolutions honoring Hispanics.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
Minnesota lawmakers and grocery store workers are joining forces to push for legislation to tackle surveillance pricing.
The lawsuit challenges a recent Trump administration policy that is suddenly fast-tracking asylum cases for Somali immigrants.
Legal service providers are challenging what they call a discriminatory fast-tracking policy targeting Somali immigrants.
Proposed legislation to make grooming in schools a crime has passed another hurdle in the Minnesota House Tuesday.
Proposed legislation to make grooming in schools a crime passed another hurdle in the House. The bill to protect students follows a WCCO Investigative series.
Minnesota lawmakers and grocery store workers are joining forces to push for legislation to tackle surveillance pricing.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says more than 3,200 officers with the Transportation Safety Administration missed work on Monday. More than 450 have quit altogether since the government shutdown began.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
If you have a newer car, you may be in for some sticker shock when you renew your Minnesota license tabs. That's because the formula for calculating license tab fees has changed because of a 2023 bill.
Gas prices have been rising in the weeks since the Iran war started and WCCO has been tracking them since President Trump took office again last year.
The mother of the man who orchestrated the 2022 killing of 23-year-old Zaria McKeever in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on Wednesday.
Charges say law enforcement was called to St. Cloud State University after a student informed campus public safety that another student made threats to "shoot up a fraternity."
Proposed legislation to make grooming in schools a crime has passed another hurdle in the Minnesota House Tuesday.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has released evidence in connection to the deadly shooting of three Burnsville first responders in 2024, including footage from 12 different body cameras and thousands of photos.
Minneapolis police are investigating two Monday night stabbings that occurred about an hour apart.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
Sacramento-based Sutter Health announced plans to acquire Minneapolis-based Allina Health, promising a $2 billion investment in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but healthcare unions say workers weren't consulted.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
Three of the most iconic '90s music groups are joining forces at this year's Minnesota State Fair.
Afroman spoke to CBS News after he won the case, which tested the limits of parody and the license artists can take in social commentary directed at public figures.
Spring break does not have to mean big travel plans or big spending for families who head to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, where a new exhibit invites children to climb, crawl and create as part of the art experience.
Comedian Bert Kreischer is without a tour bus after his caught fire in Minnesota.
The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp through their seven-year journey to document the toll of America's school shooting epidemic.
Minnesota has formally submitted a bid to host the NFL draft in 2028, organizers announced Wednesday.
Erik Cernak scored a tiebreaking goal with 2:53 left in the third period when Minnesota goaltender Filip Gustavsson misplayed a carom off the end boards and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Wild 6-3.
Deron Russell has long been a problem for opposing teams. The Waseca, Minnesota, star broke his own school record in the section semifinal game with a 51-point performance.
A Minnesota economics professor is breaking down the historic WNBA contract for her students in a fun and engaging way.
Wild Head Coach John Hynes said Jessi Pierce's presence will be sorely missed.
Young mothers working as Minnesota state senators are trying to change a system that was never designed to include them, saying their workplace is not allowing them time and space to breastfeed their infants.
Unlike the Minnesota House, which does allow children on the House floor, the Minnesota Senate bars children from being on the floor.
President Donald Trump has called the bill his number one priority and says it would prevent non-citizens from voting in the 2026 midterm elections.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
The U.S. Senate has begun debate on a controversial elections bill that would require voters to show proof of citizenship with a birth certificate or passport. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Wednesday brings a big warm-up. Highs jump into the upper 60s to low 70s in the metro with filtered sun and strong mixing, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Highs will jump into the upper 60s and lower 70s across the metro on Wednesday.
The Twin Cities will see a big warm-up on Wednesday, with temperatures feeling more like May than March.
The Twin Cities will see a big warm-up on Wednesday, with temperatures feeling more like May than March.
Minnesota Sports and Events, in partnership with the Vikings and U.S. Bank Stadium, announced they’ve submitted a bid to host the event.
Lawmakers and unions say they’re worried that surveillance pricing will not only make things more expensive, but take away jobs.
"Kitchen Pantry Scientist" Liz Heinecke shares some science projects kids at home can enjoy.
The Spring Parade of Homes is now underway, a chance for you to explore local neighborhoods and check out the trends in some incredible homes, explains Kristen Crossman from Housing First Minnesota.
As the weather begins to warm up here in Minnesota, many people are eager to get back outside. Activities like golf can have significant benefits for our mental health and relationships, explains Dr. Michael Walker.