State Capitol

Lawmakers in St. Paul are working to finalize the next two-year budget. A possible hike in the alcohol excise tax is still being considered that could raise prices at area bars and liquor stores.

An ongoing debate over gun control by Minnesota state lawmakers has been accompanied by a spike in notifications to the state Department of Public Safety from people who plan to carry loaded weapons into the Capitol.

Gov. Mark Dayton says finishing the restoration of Minnesota's Capitol is a top priority for state construction projects in the coming two years. The Democratic governor told The Associated Press in an interview Friday that he will seek $209 million for work on the aging 107-year-old Capitol in a bonding bill.

The Minnesota Capitol building is in dire need of repair soon, but budget pressures in the Legislature are making the expensive upgrade difficult.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is telling Minnesota lawmakers about education reforms he says have driven up test scores in his state's schools.

Minnesota tribal leaders and employees as well as workers from tribal casinos are rallying at the State Capitol in opposition to proposals to expand gambling in Minnesota.

The debate over dollars at Minnesota's Capitol turns this week to consideration of upgrades to the 106-year-old building itself. Two bills seeking money for potential Capitol upgrades are on Tuesday's docket in the House State Government Finance Committee.

There will be more than just political animals at the Minnesota Capitol on Thursday. There will be some real animals, too.

Minnesota veterans groups will be at the state Capitol Tuesday to announce their 2011 joint legislative agenda at Veterans Day on the Hill. Gov. Mark Dayton and retired Major General Larry Shellito, the newly appointed head of the Minnesota

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- Gov. Mark Dayton and top lawmakers are activating a panel on Capitol security to recommend ways to keep the building safe for visitors, staff and officials.