POLITICS

Legislative notebook: House jobs bill adds state spending

ST. PAUL — Minnesota legislators voted to increase spending to produce jobs.

By Don DavisForum News Service , May 17, 2013

Minnesota DFL lawmakers agree on package of tax increases

Leading Minnesota lawmakers sorted out a tax package Thursday that will require the wealthy, smokers and corporations to pay more, a cornerstone of the next state budget that they’re running short of time to pass.

By Brian Bakst , May 17, 2013

Other view: Unionizing child care: DFL has the votes, but not the case

While we slept, Republicans in the Minnesota Senate fought all night Tuesday for families and child care providers, said a tweet from the Republican Party.

By St. Paul Pioneer Press editorial board , May 16, 2013

Minnesota smokers would help pay for Vikings stadium

Minnesota legislative tax negotiators tentatively approved a plan today to use cigarette tax increase funds and close corporate tax loopholes to provide backup Vikings stadium construction funds.

By Don Davis , May 16, 2013

Obama promises action on a trio of controversies

UPDATE: President Barack Obama confronted a trio of controversies today, pledging to work with Congress to ensure the IRS doesn't abuse its power, urging legislators to provide more money to strengthen security at U.S. diplomatic outposts and promising to seek "a balance" between national security and a need to protect freedom of the press.

By Julie Pace , May 16, 2013

Other view: DFL overreaches on day care unionization

DFL lawmakers are fooling themselves if they doubt Minnesotans see this overreaching legislation for what it is: the collection of a campaign IOU by labor interests who worked on the party’s behalf in 2012.

By Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial board , May 16, 2013

Tax, budget work continues as Minnesota legislative session nears end

Taxes remain a key issue as the Minnesota House, Senate and governor’s office negotiate a final budget deal in the last days of the 2013 legislative session.

By Danielle Killey and Don Davis , May 16, 2013

Senate approves money for dredging Great Lakes shipping routes

A provision to address the dredging backlog on Great Lakes shipping routes was included in the Water Resources Development Act that passed the Senate on an 83-14 vote Wednesday.

By News Tribune staff , May 16, 2013

Hartman says he won't seek re-election to Duluth City Council

Four of nine seats on the Duluth City Council will be up for grabs this year, and one incumbent has announced he will not seek re-election.

By Peter Passi , May 16, 2013

Hartman says he will not run again for Duluth City Council

Four of nine seats on the Duluth City Council will be up for grabs this year, and few candidates have come forward so far.

By Peter Passi , May 15, 2013

Marathon Minnesota Senate session OKs child-care union

The bill would allow for an election among providers if unions meet certain thresholds of support.

By Don Davis and Danielle Killey , May 15, 2013

Minnesota tax proposals to be finalized this week

Ten Minnesota lawmakers must decide exactly how to raise about $2 billion for the state, and they have plenty of work to do before the Legislature adjourns Monday.

By Danielle Killey , May 15, 2013

Legislative notebook: Minnesota Senate debates personal care attendant, child-care unions

The Minnesota Senate on Tuesday was expected to approve legislation allowing child care workers and personal care attendants to join unions.

By Don Davis , May 15, 2013

Bygones for Wednesday, May 15, 2013

News Tribune, May 15, 1973

The Minnesota House yesterday passed a bill authorizing the city of Duluth to create development districts to improve the area’s general economy. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Michael Jaros, allows the city to promote development programs in each district created.

May 15, 2013

Reader’s view: Facts show Rockridge access could be lost

One of the most important aspects of communication is facts. All too often in recent news reports about Duluth’s Rockridge school site, facts have not been correct. The site’s present R1 zoning allows for single-

May 15, 2013