Legislative Update with Senator Mark Johnson
It’s been a very eventful legislative session in St Paul this year, but if one thing has been consistent, it has been discussions about the upcoming state budget. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) says most of his focus has been on the State Budget, and he tells us where things currently stand. …
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Bi-partisan group of lawmakers trying to address Minnesota’s law enforcement shortage
It’s no secret that like much of the country, Minnesota is dealing with a law enforcement officer shortage, as many departments have had to close, or downsize due to lack of positions filled. A group of bi-partisan lawmakers in the Minnesota House and Senate are trying to fix this by pushing for legislation that would…
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Eichorn resigns from Minnesota Senate
Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn has resigned from his position in the Minnesota Senate after being federally charged with soliciting a minor for prostitution. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) said the resignation was received early Wednesday, and that the Senate was planning to expel him. Senator Johnson also explained why his caucus…
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February Forecast to be released on Thursday
The state budget has been the biggest talking point for the 2025 legislative session so far, and on Thursday Minnesotans will have a better idea on where things currently stand with the budget. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) tells us more. Johnson also said it’s time for state legislators to shift their…
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Senate Committee considers bill that would prohibit “Facility Fees” at hospitals
The Minnesota Senate Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on a bill yesterday, that is looking to prohibit health care providers and provider-based clinics from charging you facility fees. Bill lead author Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten (DFL-St Paul) explains what facility fees are. Senator Oumou Verbeten also gave an overview of her bill,…
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Minnesota Senate considering bill to legalize mobile sports betting in Minnesota
After a bill fell short in the final hours of last years legislative session the Minnesota Senate Committee on State and Local Government heard testimony on senate file 757 which would legalize mobile sports betting in the State of Minnesota. Speaking at the meeting was the bill’s author Senator Matt Kline (DFL-Mendota Heights) who explained…
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Senate considering bill that would increase penalty for fleeing police in a motor vehicle
The Minnesota Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety discussed a trio of bills yesterday that aim to increase the penalty for people found guilty of fleeing police in a motor vehicle. Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) who is the author of one of the bills tells us why this is something she feels is…
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Senate Committee on Education Policy discusses bill that would ban cell phone usage in Minnesota Schools
The Minnesota Senate Committee on Education Policy met on Monday, and had a discussion on Senate File 508, which is a bill that would restrict cell phone usage in schools statewide. Bill Author Senator Alice Mann summarizes her bill. Senator Mann said her bill was written after traveling the state to meet with school staff,…
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