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.
Off-duty police officers in the Twin Cities have been "targeted" by federal agents looking for proof of U.S. citizenship, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said Tuesday.
Walz's office was served subpoenas along with the offices of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Attorney General Keith Ellison Tuesday afternoon.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison no longer faces a trespassing charge stemming from an arrest in Florida earlier this month.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and others were subpoenaed in connection with a DOJ probe into an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration officers, three sources said.
Hawaii enacted a rule that bars people from bringing guns onto private property that is open to the public, like shops or gas stations, unless the owner gives express authorization.
Off-duty police officers in the Twin Cities have been "targeted" by federal agents looking for proof of U.S. citizenship, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said Tuesday.
Walz's office was served subpoenas along with the offices of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Attorney General Keith Ellison Tuesday afternoon.
Faith leaders will hold a news conference Tuesday in the Twin Cities to announce the participation of "hundreds of Minnesota places of worship" in "A Day of Truth and Freedom" — which calls for people to not work, shop or go to school this Friday.
Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, newly-elected St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and others have been subpoenaed in a DOJ probe into an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration officers.
Thousands of students will return to Minnesota's largest university for the start of the spring semester on Tuesday.
Walz's office was served subpoenas along with the offices of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Attorney General Keith Ellison Tuesday afternoon.
Faith leaders will hold a news conference Tuesday in the Twin Cities to announce the participation of "hundreds of Minnesota places of worship" in "A Day of Truth and Freedom" — which calls for people to not work, shop or go to school this Friday.
Authorities are investigating after a 27-year-old man was shot in Alexandria, Minnesota early Tuesday.
A 76-year-old man is believed to be dead after a fire north of Duluth, Minnesota, on Monday, authorities said.
Outside of the Twin Cities, communities in greater Minnesota are feeling the impact of ICE activity. A week ago, hundreds of protesters confronted federal agents at a Somali mall in St. Cloud.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
Some schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are delayed or closed on Tuesday as early morning rain makes the roads slick.
A western Wisconsin town is reveling in the national spotlight.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Two people were killed and another hurt in a crash in western Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon.
At Moth Oddities in northeast Minneapolis, volunteers moved through stacks of boxes as donations continued to pour in for families impacted by the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
Walz's office was served subpoenas along with the offices of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Attorney General Keith Ellison Tuesday afternoon.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and others were subpoenaed in connection with a DOJ probe into an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration officers, three sources said.
Hawaii enacted a rule that bars people from bringing guns onto private property that is open to the public, like shops or gas stations, unless the owner gives express authorization.
President Trump spoke in the White House briefing room for nearly two hours on Tuesday, marking the first year of his second term as he prepares for a high-pressure trip to Europe.
Faith leaders will hold a news conference Tuesday in the Twin Cities to announce the participation of "hundreds of Minnesota places of worship" in "A Day of Truth and Freedom" — which calls for people to not work, shop or go to school this Friday.
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
WCCO gathered data on core staple items from Aldi in Apple Valley, Target in Fridley and Cub Foods in north Minneapolis.
Minnesota drivers have something to celebrate this holiday — a price drop at the pump.
With costs still high and budgets stretched, getting smarter with money matters more than ever.
There were 584 vehicles towed during this week's snow emergency in Minneapolis. That number stands at 352 and counting in St. Paul, where parking restrictions are in place until 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison no longer faces a trespassing charge stemming from an arrest in Florida earlier this month.
Authorities are investigating after a 27-year-old man was shot in Alexandria, Minnesota early Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview from her jail cell, Aimee Bock defended her conduct in Minnesota's Feeding Our Future fraud case, but admitted regrets.
Outside of the Twin Cities, communities in greater Minnesota are feeling the impact of ICE activity. A week ago, hundreds of protesters confronted federal agents at a Somali mall in St. Cloud.
Kristi Noem says DHS has arrested 3,000 "criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists and incredibly dangerous individuals" in the past six weeks. Among those people is a couple who have called Minnesota home since 1999. WCCO spoke with the three daughters they left behind, who are now fighting to get their parents back home.
Parents looking to get their children vaccinated are navigating confusing times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced new guidelines on the shots it recommends for kids. But the Minnesota Department of Health disagrees with the changes.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says it began distributing payments on Friday to over 2,600 Minnesotans.
Just one day after dropping his bid for reelection, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the state's paid family leave program is one of the most transformational bills the state has ever passed.
Roughly 12,000 Minnesotans have already applied for the state's new paid family leave program, according to an update by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the 2026 Golden Globes.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison no longer faces a trespassing charge stemming from an arrest in Florida earlier this month.
Marcus Foligno had his first NHL hat trick to double his season goals total, Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and the Minnesota Wild beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Monday night.
A program that had played in a grand total of 13 bowl games in the 130-some years before coach Curt Cignetti arrived in 2024 went on a historic run en route to a 16-0 season and a national title.
The Minnesota Gophers rallied on Sunday after a fall on stage to win first in D1A pom for the fourth season in a row. This was the program's 24th national title.
Mats Zuccarello scored 1:47 into overtime to lead the Minnesota Wild to a 5-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
You have seen the protests against ICE on the street, but Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also in federal court.
As residents in the Twin Cities protest in the streets against ICE and federal immigration enforcement actions, Minnesota's battle against the federal surge is also playing out in the federal court system.
The shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent has raised several legal questions.
The fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent has raised many legal questions. Constitutional law professor David Schultz, who has taught a class on police, criminal and civil procedure, has some answers.
The DFL race pits two prominent party leaders, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, against each other.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
Parents looking to get their children vaccinated are navigating confusing times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced new guidelines on the shots it recommends for kids. But the Minnesota Department of Health disagrees with the changes.
New polling shows most voters do not think last week's deadly ICE shooting was justified. But the Trump administration thinks so and suggested that Renee Good was a domestic terrorist. Experts say that's not a label to be taken lightly.
ICE is making arrests in Minnesota right next to shoppers grabbing groceries. The tense encounters are happening at places like Target, Walmart and other private businesses.
It's a question many people have been asking: What is the cost of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minnesota? WCCO was able to get some numbers.
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
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.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
It's a colder-than-average week in Minnesota, and some light snow is expected to the south.
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.
Temperatures are going to be dangerously cold by the end of this week, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Low-impact snow is possible Tuesday in the Twin Cities as arctic air approaches.
Tuesday may bring some light snow to parts of Minnesota, and an arctic chill will take hold in the coming days.
Musicians Robert Hilstrom and Mark Joseph share a preview of the coming concert event.
It's a colder-than-average week in Minnesota, and some light snow is expected to the south.
Cathy Kongloth, with Norseman Distillery, and chef Laura Bonicelli share a preview.
Class is back in session at the University of Minnesota, and while the spring semester is kicking off as planned, university leaders are acknowledging that it’s an uncertain time for many students.
Chief Mark Bruley from Brooklyn Park Police spoke about an incident with one of his officers who was off duty. He says she was pulled and then boxed in by several ICE agents.