Thursday, May 16, 2013
Gov. Mark Dayton’s signature Tuesday didn’t end the heated debate around same-sex marriage.
Whatever side of the debate you fall on, there’s no denying that this week’s passage of a bill legalizing same-sex marriage was a historical moment. Minnesota became just the 12th state to sanction gay marriage when Gov. Mark Dayton signed the bill Tuesday. Patch readers quickly wrote in to share their thoughts on the moment. Eagan Patch reader Kathi Malone echoed the view of legislators who voted yes in seeing same-sex marriage as a civil right: I am so happy that finally gay people will be able to have the civil right to marry. This is truly an American vote for freedom. I applaud Sen Clausen and all other legislators who voted for this historical bill. James N added: Thank you Senator Carlson and the entire MN legislature for extending …
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Legislation to allow gay marriage in the state cleared its final hurdle Monday, May 13. With Gov. Mark Dayton expected to sign the bill as soon as tomorrow, Minnesota will become the 12th state in the country to allow same-sex couples to marry.
The Minnesota Senate approved H.F. 1054 Monday, May 13, clearing the way for Minnesota same-sex couples to marry in the state. The 37 to 30 vote, which was seen as the last hurdle for the legislation, makes Minnesota the 12th in the United States to recognize same-sex marriages in state law. Gov. Mark Dayton's office announced a signing ceremony set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. Democrats, known locally as the DFL party, hold a 39-28 advantage in the Minnesota Senate. Debate began shortly after noon Monday, with the Republican Party introducing a pair of amendments to the bill, both of which were voted down by state Democrats, who control the Senate. It quickly moved to speeches invoking personal feelings and relationships surrounding the…
Friday, May 10, 2013
The bill now moves on to the state senate as Minnesota Democrats hope to make the state the 12th in the nation to legalize gay marriage. Gov. Mark Dayton has vocally supported the legislation.
UPDATE: Minnesota Representatives approved with a 75-59 vote Thursday a bill legalizing same-sex marriages in the state, putting it on the road to become the 12th state in the nation to do so. The vote came at about 3 p.m. Thursday, May 9, about three hours after the bill was introduced. This is about honoring difference," bill sponsor Karen Clark said. "I respect the other point of view. But there is something about being able to marry the love of your life." Clark, a Democrat from Minneapolis, recognized her partner of 26 years in the assembly's audience. The vote came nearly six months to the day after a 2012 vote on a Republican-sponsored amendment item defining marriage as a union between man and woman. That, of course, was …
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Gov. Mark Dayton, in his first appearance since having back surgery late last year, will outline his proposed budget for the next two years.
Laying out financial plans for the next two years, and with a Democratic controlled Legislature out in front of him, Gov. Mark Dayton will address both the public and public servants at the Minnesota State Capitol this morning. You can watch streaming video, live, courtesy of the UpTake right here as Dayton will lay out a series of tax hikes, line-item increases and an expected payment shift for Minnesota schools in his address. It's the first public appearance for Dayton since he had back surgery in Rochester, MN last month. Media outlets such as Minnesota Public Radio are saying the budget could have a big impact on Dayton's political future. The first-term governor has not hinted whether or not he will run again for the state's top seat…
Friday, January 4, 2013
With so many challenges on the table, Patch wants to know what issues you think are most important.
With another legislative session just around the corner, senators and representatives have no shortage of challenges ahead of them. Lawmakers plan to convene hearings on gun control in the wake of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT. They’ll review a recommendation from a governor-appointed task force to increase gas taxes and tab fees in response to a projected $50 billion shortfall in transportation funding. The DFL majority and defeat of the marriage amendment in the 2012 election could even prompt the Legislature to take up the issue of gay marriage. And looming over everything is a projected $1.1 billion deficit that legislators will have to close before adjourning for the year. With so many issues on the …
Monday, May 14, 2012
Retiring Rep. Nora Slawik said Legislature’s become a “frustrating place,” and she’d like to see a new tone.
When Minnesotans look back on the legislative session that ended last week, one issue likely comes to mind—the Vikings stadium. “Unfortunately the session was dominated by the Vikings, and I just wish we’d get back to basics,” said Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL-Maplewood). “I want to talk about education, health care, jobs.” Oakdale’s legislators said there were some disappointments in the session that ended last Thursday, but also some big accomplishments. Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood) said he was shocked he was able to get $2 million in funding for renovations for the Harriet Tubman Center East back into the bonding bill after it had been eliminated by leadership and in the version passed in the House. Although he doubted the amendment would …
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Investing in construction projects throughout the state will get thousands of Minnesotans back to work.
The 2012 legislative session has officially adjourned. Before the final gavel fell, the Senate passed two very important bills that help get thousands of Minnesotans back to work by investing in construction projects throughout the state. Since day one of session, we have been discussing the importance of passing a Capital Investment Bill. Commonly known as the “bonding bill,” capital investment is the process by which the state issues bonds to fund public projects that have a state or regional significance. This funding goes toward a variety of projects across the state including improvements to higher education buildings, roads and bridges, veterans homes and trails. The Bonding Bill invests nearly $500 million in projects throughout …
Friday, May 11, 2012
Rep. Nora Slawik was one of the departing Minnesota House members to speak Thursday, May 10. Slawik announced earlier this year that she won't seek re-election.
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Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The plan was approved by the Senate on Thursday.
With Senate approval coming on Thursday by a 36-30 vote, a new Minnesota Vikings stadium is on its way. After plenty of twists and turns throughout the legislative session, debate intensified this week, as the House and Senate both held several late-night sessions to discuss the bill. All that remains now is a signature from Gov. Mark Dayton, who has been an ardent stadium supporter. Dayton is holding a press conference at 5:45 p.m. today with stadium bill authors, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and team owner Zygi Wilf, and Dayton could sign the bill then. The new stadium will cost roughly $975 million, with the team slated to pay a little less than half. The state will pay about $348 million by expanding gambling. The city of Minneapolis …
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Minnesota House and Senate both passed a bonding bill late Monday.
The Minnesota House and Senate both passed a bonding bill late Monday that doesn’t include Oakdale’s $30,000 request for funding for a veterans memorial outside of city hall. “We felt we had a good chance to get it,” said Mayor Carmen Sarrack. “It was in there all the way until the final cuts were made, so it’s disappointing.” The House passed the bill 99-32, and then the Senate passed it 45-22 later Monday with a couple amendments, according to Session Daily. One of the Senate amendments was proposed by Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood)—$2 million for renovations at the Tubman Center East located in the former monastery at Larpenteur and Century avenues. The bill is expected to go to conference committee, according to Session Daily. …
rob_h78
5:49 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Indeed. I know Muslims who do not consider Muslims who commit terrorist acts, etc... as being Muslims and they believe that they are not abiding by the Muslims faith. However, of course these Radicalized Muslims completely believe that they are Muslim and plenty of non-Muslims believe that they are Muslims. However, it is interesting how a lot of Christians will immediately say that a specific … more ›