House GOP Finalizes Bid In Education Funding Debate
At a rally outside the capitol Saturday, activists say with a $2 billion surplus, now is the time to invest in education. Republicans want to use the surplus to lower taxes.
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At a rally outside the capitol Saturday, activists say with a $2 billion surplus, now is the time to invest in education. Republicans want to use the surplus to lower taxes.
Republicans in the Minnesota House are firming up their stance on one of the session's biggest issues: education. A floor session on the GOP's education budget was expected to last hours Saturday. The House would spend about $157 million more on schools and families over the next two years. The bulk of that is in money districts can use however they like.
The Minnesota House is debating a Republican bill to put the brakes on spending for state government operations.
Wisconsin's Gov. Scott Walker spent Thursday in his neighboring state. The potential Republican presidential candidate had three private events, including an unannounced visit to the State Capitol for a meeting with Republican state lawmakers.
The Minnesota House was going on record about how to pour billions more into road and bridge construction. A Republican-crafted proposal to direct $7 billion to projects over the next decade was slated for a vote Tuesday. As drafted, it would redirect existing taxes on auto parts, vehicle leases and car rentals to construction and borrow billions more.
Republicans in the state House unveiled a sweeping tax relief package Monday they hope will mean lower taxes for more than 2 million Minnesotans.
Pieces of Minnesota's $40-billion budget are starting to move. The work starts first in the Senate Monday with bills that fund state agencies and Minnesota's public universities and colleges.
In their unfolding budget plan, Minnesota legislative Republicans are moving to strip powers from Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, ranging from limiting his team's authority to write regulatory rules to curbs on the administration's staffing.
Minnesota House Republicans are proposing to significantly alter state campaign finance law as part of a budget plan. A component of the majority party's budget plan released Tuesday would repeal Minnesota's program that makes candidates eligible for campaign subsidies if they abide by spending limits.
House Republicans are moving to cut the Metropolitan Council chairman's salary in half, a top GOP lawmaker told The Associated Press, a jab at Gov. Mark Dayton over a pay increase they believe went beyond the terms of a deal on commissioner salaries.
Senate Republicans are filing a second ethics complaint against a powerful Democrat stemming from his ties to an embattled nonprofit. Sen. Jeff Hayden served on the board of Community Action Minneapolis, which was found to have misspent $800,000 in taxpayer dollars.
Rochester would get a reprieve under a House Republican's bill to cut state payments to Minnesota's largest cities. GOP lawmakers have long taken issue with big local government aid to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth and Rochester.
As Minnesota lawmakers return to St. Paul, Gov. Mark Dayton is delivering them a list public works construction projects that would require state borrowing.
North Dakota's Republican governor on Thursday said state lawmakers missed an opportunity to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination when they failed for the third time in six years to pass a measure that would prohibit bias in housing and employment based on sexual orientation.
Michele Bachmann did not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, but she is still offering her thoughts on the political scene via her verified Facebook account. One of her most recent posts compared the performance of President Barack Obama to that of the pilot who authorities believe deliberately crashed Germanwings Flight 9525 in the French Alps last week.
Minnesota Senate Democrats produced a two-year budget outline Friday that would commit $555 million more for education programs and sock $250 million extra into state reserves, a framework that lands them between the ambitions of Gov. Mark Dayton and majority House Republicans.
Minnesota's top Republican leaders proposed Tuesday a budget that includes $2 billion in tax cuts.
Minnesota House and Senate Republicans are ready to release a transportation plan they'll push as an alternative to a hefty proposal offered by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.
It's time to talk about the minimum wage again. The Republican-controlled House was expected to take up a bill Monday afternoon that would allow employers to pay tipped staff $8 hourly if tips bring their pay above $12 an hour.
Gov. Mark Dayton says Republican lawmakers pushing major changes to the state's health insurance exchange should look before they leap. That's why the Democratic governor has proposed creating a task force to study the future of MNsure and health care in Minnesota.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton proposed spending nearly all of the state's $1.9 billion dollar budget surplus on Tuesday. Gov. Dayton outlined a series of new spending programs on children, education and families.
A bill that would allow silencers on guns is gaining support at the State Capitol. Currently, the devices are banned in Minnesota, but the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee passed a measure legalizing them.
The prospect of legalizing silencers and removing disclosure to bring a firearm onto state Capitol grounds is heating up gun debate in Minnesota again. Gun rights advocates and gun control backers packed into a hearing room Thursday to testify on measures to expand firearm laws.
A new state Republican Party television ad is advocating a full return of Minnesota's $1.87 billion projected surplus to taxpayers, which is more than majority House Republicans have embraced. Party Chairman Keith Downey framed the "give it all back" rallying cry as a starting point.
Bipartisan legislation to crack down on human trafficking turned unexpectedly controversial Tuesday because of a Republican-backed provision relating to abortion that Democrats said they failed to notice. Democrats privately conceded they lack the votes to strip out the abortion provision, and some lawmakers suggested they would attempt to prevent a final vote on the entire measure instead.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped Oklahoma City beat Minnesota 116-103 as the Thunder won their eighth straight and he increased his record 20-point streak to 128 games.
It might be a pain and cause travel chaos, but Minnesota's weekend blizzard is also bringing a lot of fun, especially for furry friends who got to have a fun snow day with their owners, and people who wait for this weather.
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was "challenging," with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
A March snowstorm is expected to blanket parts of Minnesota with more than a foot of snow by Monday, with dozens of schools and organizations expected to stay closed.
A weekend snowstorm forced flights into and out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to be canceled.
It might be a pain and cause travel chaos, but Minnesota's weekend blizzard is also bringing a lot of fun, especially for furry friends who got to have a fun snow day with their owners, and people who wait for this weather.
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was "challenging," with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
A March snowstorm is expected to blanket parts of Minnesota with more than a foot of snow by Monday, with dozens of schools and organizations expected to stay closed.
A weekend snowstorm forced flights into and out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to be canceled.
The major weekend snowstorm in Minnesota is winding down Sunday evening, but a NEXT Weather Alert will remain in effect through overnight Monday.
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was "challenging," with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
A March snowstorm is expected to blanket parts of Minnesota with more than a foot of snow by Monday, with dozens of schools and organizations expected to stay closed.
The Minnesota National Guard is on standby in various spots in southern Minnesota, prepared for activation should rescue operations become necessary during this weekend's storm.
The major weekend snowstorm in Minnesota is winding, but a NEXT Weather Alert will remain in effect through overnight Monday.
Minnesotans are preparing for a winter wallop. There have been no big changes to the forecast overnight. Everything remains on track for Minnesota's major winter storm, with major impacts from Saturday evening through Sunday.
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.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
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.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
U.S. intelligence has circulated to President Trump's inner circle that Iran's late supreme leader had misgivings about his son replacing him, viewing Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as not very bright.
TSA officers faced their first full missed paycheck Friday.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine briefed on Operation Epic Fury in Iran Friday.
The war, which shows no signs of ending soon, has upended global air travel, disrupted oil exports from the region and sent fuel prices rising across the world.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Delta is canceling flights at Midwest airports, including its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub, ahead of expected significant snow and winds starting Saturday evening through Sunday, the airline said Friday.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
The war in Iran is not only blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, it is also holding up much of the world's fertilizer supply, a development that is drawing close attention from farmers preparing for spring planting.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
Minneapolis police are searching for the suspect or suspects in a fatal shooting in a parking lot overnight.
Ayman Mohamad Ghazali made two purchases at a Phantom Fireworks store in Livonia, Michigan. He told the store staff the fireworks were for the end of Ramadan.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Can a quick workout and your phone reveal something about your heart health? Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School say yes, and they've built an app to prove it.
A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year.
At a Minnesota State Capitol hearing Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled its "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan."
The acclaimed filmmaker, who died in February at age 96, revolutionized the art of documentaries with such films as "Titicut Follies." In an interview recorded last year, the pioneering Wiseman talked about his unusual production methods aimed at capturing life.
Hollywood's biggest stars are gearing up for the 98th annual Academy Awards. Here is what to know and how to watch the 2026 Oscars.
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
A woman was arrested on Sunday for firing multiple shots at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna, Los Angeles Police Department officials say.
Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota, will soon come under new ownership.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped Oklahoma City beat Minnesota 116-103 as the Thunder won their eighth straight and he increased his record 20-point streak to 128 games.
Igor Shesterkin made 46 saves and Vladislav Gavrikov had a goal and two assists as the New York Rangers extended their winning streak to four games with a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Anthony Edwards scored 42 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors for a 127-117 win.
Rookie Peyton Anderson scored her first career goal to spark the Minnesota Frost to a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate, says she now regrets her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act last year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
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.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
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 push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
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 might be a pain and cause travel chaos, but Minnesota's weekend blizzard is also bringing a lot of fun, especially for furry friends who got to have a fun snow day with their owners, and people who wait for this weather.
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.
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was "challenging," with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
A blizzard warning is in effect for southern Minnesota until 4 a.m. Monday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
A blizzard warning is in effect for southern Minnesota until 4 a.m. Monday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
It might be a pain and cause travel chaos, but Minnesota’s weekend March blizzard is also bringing a lot of fun.
A blizzard warning is in effect for southern Minnesota until 4 a.m. Monday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was “challenging,” with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
A blizzard warning is in effect for southern Minnesota until 4 a.m. Monday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
WCCO reporters Conor Wight, Frankie McLister and John Lauritsen share their views from around Minnesota as a blizzard brings significant snow to the area.