Minnesota Legislature
Porcupines and bonding and reps, oh my!
By Graham Johnson
A four-legged testifier stole the show Thursday at the House Capital Investment Committee.
Aspen, a North American porcupine, is one of the Minnesota Zoo’s ambassadors, named for one of her favorite foods, the leaves of the aspen tree.
Naturalist Alexandria Tasa was quick to dispel the widespread myth that porcupines can shoot their 30,000 protective quills, “which is why we’re able to come here today.”
Along with zoo officials, Aspen was at the State Capitol urging support of the zoo’s $10 million bonding request. Gov. Tim Walz proposes $4 million in his bonding recommendations for asset preservation.
Recent Dailies
Capitol to have new security measures in place when session starts Tuesday
By Tim Walker
When the Legislature convenes Tuesday, there will be several new security measures in place designed to better protect lawmakers, staff and the public who enter the Capitol.
...
Lawmakers to return to St. Paul amid headwinds. Will there be consensus?
By Lisa Kaczke
The Legislature will convene at the Capitol for the 2026 session Tuesday with the state facing heavy challenges, a new caucus leader, several new members and nearly two-dozen me...
House back to 67-all as DFL wins both special elections
By HPIS Staff
DFL candidates easily won both of Tuesday’s special elections, meaning the House will again be evenly split between parties when members return to St. Paul in three weeks.
S...
Fraud committee holds final interim hearing, says bills forthcoming
By Mike Cook-CD.jpg)
Most people would say fraud of any kind is unacceptable; however, there is little to no doubt what state agencies and departments have been doing to fight program fraud has been...
Legislative leaders set 2026 committee deadlines
By Lisa Kaczke
Legislative leaders on Tuesday officially set the timeline for getting bills through the committee process during the upcoming 2026 session.
Here are the three deadlines for...
Latest budget forecast projects nearly $2.5 billion surplus, but red ink down the road
By Mike Cook
Three weeks before Christmas, state budget officials provided some merriment to Minnesotans. However, Grinch-like transformations lurk.
Released Thursday, the November ...
New DFL co-chairs named for transportation, commerce committees
By HPIS Staff
Two House committees will have new DFL co-chairs for the 2026 legislative session.
Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park) was designated Wednesday as the DFL co-chair of th...
Paid Leave program protections aim to reduce fraudulent usage
By Mike Cook
A family and medical benefit insurance program for full- and part-time Minnesota workers begins Jan. 1, 2026.
Per its website, Minnesota Paid Leave “provides payments and jo...
Two House special elections scheduled for Jan. 27
By HPIS Staff
Special elections to fill the District 47A and District 64A House seats are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, per writs of special election issued Monday by Gov. Tim Walz.
Frazier named DFL co-chair of House Ways and Means Committee
By Lisa Kaczke
House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) announced Tuesday that Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) will serve as the new DFL co-chair of the Ways and Means Com...
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Stable budget outlook projects $3.7 billion surplus now, no deficit in next biennium
By Lisa Kaczke
The projected surplus for Fiscal Years 2026-27 is now higher than it was in the November estimate, and no deficit is projected for the next biennium.
“Minnesota’s budge...
Legislative leaders set 2026 committee deadlines
By Lisa Kaczke
Legislative leaders on Tuesday officially set the timeline for getting bills through the committee process during the upcoming 2026 session.
Here are the three deadlines for...
