Minnesota State Legislature

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.

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.

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.

A Republican state representative and Iraq war veteran who quickly gained renown as a freshman House member will step down after one term. Rep. John Kriesel says in a letter to colleagues Thursday that it became a strain to balance career and family with legislative duties.

Most of the legislative business at the Capitol has been called off so lawmakers can attend the funeral of a colleague. The funeral for state Sen. Gary Kubly will be held Wednesday morning in his hometown of Granite Falls.

The Minnesota State Legislature begins their 2012 session at noon on Tuesday. What do you think their top priority should be during this session?

Minnesota senators will get $10 less a day in their daily expense payments, part of belt-tightening promoted by the new Republican majority. The Senate Rules and Administration Committee approved the 10 percent reduction on Monday.

The Minnesota Legislature has convened under full Republican control for the first time in 38 years. Both chambers gaveled to order shortly after noon on Today.