State Legislature

The Minnesota House has approved deep cuts to projected health and welfare spending after a long debate. The proposal approved early Thursday would cut projected health and social service spending by $1.7 billion over the next two years.

Legislation allowing a Brooklyn Center brewery and other Minnesota beer-makers to serve their brews directly to customers at their establishments cleared a state Senate panel Wednesday, after a concerted social media lobbying effort by Surly Brewing Co. helped soften opposition from the powerful liquor lobby.

Minnesota lawmakers are coping with their three-year hangover: Whether to allow beer and alcohol sales at the University of Minnesota's on-campus football stadium.

Two Minnesota lawmakers say they will offer a bill for a new Vikings stadium next week. The Vikings released a letter from Sen. Julie Rosen of Fairmont and Rep. Morrie Lanning of Moorhead on their website Thursday night.

A third of Minnesota state parks could see their hours and services reduced under Republican-backed environmental bills approved by the Minnesota House and Senate. DNR officials say up to 10 parks might have to be "mothballed" until state finances improve, if the bills become law.

The Minnesota House has passed a public school funding bill that increases per-pupil payments to schools while making major changes to the way that they operate.

The Minnesota House has passed a higher education budget bill that cuts funding for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities systems.

A minor spending cut in a sprawling Senate health and welfare bill threatens home-delivered meals for thousands of poor senior citizens and could result in lost federal dollars.

The Minnesota House of Representatives has voted to cut state income taxes as part of a package of changes to state tax policy, but the bill faces a cold reception from Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

With the Legislature beginning its budget votes, Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has warned majority Republicans that he won't accept slices of the budget until an agreement on a full plan is reached.