Minnesota State Legislature

In a prelude to a bigger debate, Minnesota lawmakers have taken their opening looks at plans to apply the state sales tax to online purchases and expensive apparel. A state Senate subcommittee on Wednesday reviewed a series of sales tax bills, including the one to make clothing sales above $200 taxable.

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Minnesota lawmakers who approved new forms of gambling in bars to help pay for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium are getting their first chance to scrutinize lagging revenues from that plan.

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Carp, wolves, moose, copper and sand will be high on the agenda as the Minnesota Legislature tackles environmental and outdoor issues this session. Key players agree the Legislature may finally take concrete action against the advance of Asian carp up the Mississippi River.

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A big jump in Minnesota's minimum wage could be on the horizon. Among the priority bills in the Democratic-controlled Legislature is a proposal to raise the floor wage to $7.50 for most workers at the bottom rung beginning in August.

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Two state representatives have formally submitted their resignations, allowing Gov. Mark Dayton to set special elections to fill their seats. Both Rep. Steve Gottwalt of St. Cloud and Rep. Terry Morrow of St. Peter resigned via letters Monday, the day before the Legislature is to begin a new session.

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Next year's big debate over how to reshape the Minnesota tax system will include a serious discussion about school reliance on property tax levies. That's if incoming Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk gets his way.

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One-party rule at Minnesota's Capitol means that harmony, efficiency and common purpose will reign, right? Don't bank on it. Next month, Minnesota Democrats take control of the House and Senate to go along with a governor's office held by Democrat Mark Dayton.

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The impasse over the fiscal cliff in Washington is casting enormous uncertainty over the economic forecast in Minnesota. And that will complicate Gov. Mark Dayton's task of assembling a two-year budget proposal.

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Minnesota lawmakers got a strong pulse of where their constituents stand in the statewide vote on a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. That knowledge will give some legislators cover and others concern in future gay rights debates, including a possible push for legalization of gay marriage.

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A Minnesota House committee is holding a hearing on a retooled Vikings stadium bill that tries to resolve several issues holding up its progress at the Capitol. The House Commerce Committee meets Monday night.

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