Minnesota Legislature
Northern MN helium discovery prompts proposed regulatory framework for gas, oil production
By Margaret Stevens
Perhaps best known for filling party balloons and causing Mickey Mouse voices, helium is a critical element for many industries ranging from semiconductors to fiber optic cables. One of its biggest uses is as a coolant for MRIs.
A new mining boom could be underway on the Iron Range following the discovery of a large, highly concentrated reservoir of the colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-toxic gas.
Helium’s discovery in northern Minnesota earlier this year is a win for an area that could use it, said Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely). Leaders recognized the potential immediately, he said, but soon asked the question: “Now what?”
The answer could come from HF5350 that would establish a fair royalty structure on state lands and provide environmental protections while developing the industry, said Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL-Aurora), who sponsors the bill.
Recent Dailies
Bill proposes creation of Office of Homelessness and Housing Supports
By Miranda Bryant
Homelessness in Minnesota is not new, but a possible new way to prevent and respond to it is.
Sponsored by Rep. Heather Keeler (DFL-Moorhead), HF5200, as amended, would esta...
Improved soil, water and climate health goal of proposed farm payment program
By Margaret Stevens.jpg)
In her third time before the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee to talk about nitrate contamination, Carrie Jennings likened soil and water health in southeast Minne...
Electric vehicle charging stations could be required in new residential projects
By Brian Basham More and more electric vehicles are being driven on Minnesota roads each day, a trend that is only growing. Looking into the electrified future, the state will need more EV char...Proposal would use state bonds to boost manufactured home development parks
By Miranda Bryant
(CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION: Corrects attribution from Chris Sherman, president of Sherman Associates, to Rice County Commissioner Galen Malecha; clarifies that cooperatives do no...
MinnesotaCare expansion unlikely in 2024, key lawmaker says
By Miranda Bryant
The idea to expand MinnesotaCare with a “public option” so that more low-income Minnesotans could have affordable health coverage may be dead in the water this Legislative sessi...
Tax panel approves rent refund for child care centers
By Tim Walker
Homeowners and renters can apply to the state for partial property tax refunds.And if a child care center owns its own space, it can also get a property tax refund.
But a ch...
Defrauded homeowners could receive more from contractor recovery fund
By Brian Basham
Homeowners deceived by a licensed contractor could recover up to $25,000 more from the Department of Labor and Industry’s Contractor Recovery Fund if they have been the victim o...
Lawmakers seek more remote participation in local advisory commission meetings
By Mike Cook Balancing the public’s right to know what government is doing with greater opportunity for more people to participate is the genesis of a bill that has no easy answers. Spon...Governor’s early childhood supplemental budget proposals total nearly $37 million
By Jonathan Mohr
A measure that seeks to update how child care providers are regulated by moving to a “risk-based” licensing system is part of a package of proposals and new funding heard by the...
House judiciary panel approves proposal to reform reviews of child deaths
By Tim Walker
A child dying due to maltreatment is a tragedy.
Unfortunately, the state’s dysfunctional process to investigate such a death only compounds the tragedy, says Rep. Dave Pinto...
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Ways and Means Committee OKs proposed $512 million supplemental budget on party-line vote
By Mike Cook
Meeting more needs or fiscal irresponsibility is one way to sum up the differences among the two parties on a supplemental spending package a year after a $72 billion state budg...
Minnesota’s projected budget surplus balloons to $3.7 billion, but fiscal pressure still looms
By Rob Hubbard
Just as Minnesota has experienced a warmer winter than usual, so has the state’s budget outlook warmed over the past few months.
On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget...
