Minnesota State Legislature

A key Democratic lawmaker says within the next two weeks she will release a "robust" plan to borrow for public-purpose construction projects around Minnesota. House Capital Investment Committee Chairwoman Alice Hausman says her proposal will exceed the roughly $500 million plan Gov. Mark Dayton has suggested he will recommend.

For eight of the past 11 years, deficits riddled Minnesota's budget and lawmakers responded with spending cuts, fee hikes, drawn-down reserves and other Scotch-tape solutions that momentarily balanced the books.

The first firearms bill introduced in the Minnesota Legislature this session would make it harder for convicted felons who've served their time to regain the right to own a gun. The bill by Sen. Barb Goodwin, DFL-Columbia Heights, would eliminate the right of violent felons to petition courts for restoration of their gun ownership rights.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.