Political

The Minnesota House of Representatives has voted down Gov. Mark Dayton's proposal to raise income taxes on the state's wealthiest citizens to help solve the state's budget dilemma.

They had breakfast together, but the Governor and top Republican lawmakers are still split over taxes and spending as the clock ticks closer to adjournment.

An overwhelming majority of Minnesotans surveyed favor showing photo identification at the election polls. The Minnesota Poll says 80 percent of respondents support the idea. Both houses of the Legislature have ready passed a bill that requires identification, but a veto from Gov. Mark Dayton is anticipated.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is returning to Iowa to headline a Republican Party event in Des Moines this month, as she nears a decision whether to run for president.

Republicans are ready to offer a new-look playing field for Minnesota's eight seats in the U.S. House. A redistricting plan expect to come out Monday will suggest adjusted district lines reflect population shifts.

A State Senator from St. Cloud believes the legislature is heading toward a special session. While on WJON this (Friday) morning Senator John Peterson says he is less optimistic than ever, after Governor Dayton made a comment that he was willing to call a special session -- if the budget proposal doesn't include a tax increase for the state's highest earners.

Just for fun, you can have your very own Hawaiian Birth Certificate - They're all the rage in Washington, D.C., you know!

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.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Senate has voted to lift restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions from coal production that critics say prevented both construction of new coal plants in the state, and purchase of energy from new coal plants in neighboring states.The Senate voted 42-18 in favor lifting the restrictions. They say the bill will allow the state to keep up with what's expected to be growing energy needs to keep up with economic growth.

A proposal for a bill to use state tax dollars in building a new Minnesota Vikings stadium will be introduced at the Capitol today. It asks that $300 million in state funds be raised through a variety of revenue streams, including a sales tax on memorabilia and luxury seats.