Baird Helgeson

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Baird Helgeson

Reporter | Politics and government

Phone: 651-925-5044

Email: baird.helgeson@startribune.com

Baird Helgeson covers all aspects of Minnesota politics, the state budget, the administration and state agencies.
Follow @BairdStrib

Minnesota same-sex marriage vote nears the finish line

The simmering fight over same-sex marriage spilled into the open Monday, as both sides erupted in a final, frantic push on an issue that has divided the State Capitol for months.

Updated: May 06, 2013, - 11:30 PM

Tom Bakk standing firm on clothing tax as state budget solution

But Bakk’s soaring political currency took a body blow this week when the DFL-controlled Senate got caught by some shrewd, last-minute GOP vote-flipping and failed by a slim margin to pass its own tax bill.

Updated: May 04, 2013, - 06:02 AM

Dayton lobbies legislators for same-sex marriage

Pressure comes ahead of House and Senate votes, expected soon.

Updated: May 01, 2013, - 08:56 PM

It takes 2 votes, but Minnesota Senate approves $1.8B tax bill

The DFL-led proposal would lower the sales tax rate to 6 percent from 6.875. But the state would broaden the sales tax to include a first-ever tax on clothing, auto repair, dating services and haircuts.

Updated: April 29, 2013, - 10:25 PM

Dayton draws line on scope of tax hikes in Minnesota

The governor says he will reject any plan that raises overall taxes on the middle class.

Updated: April 29, 2013, - 06:08 AM

House wraps $338 million for Mayo Clinic into tax proposal

The $2.6 billion tax measurem approved on a 69-64 vote, raises taxes on smokers and drinkers to balance the budget. The Senate continues to debate a significantly different tax plan.

Updated: April 25, 2013, - 06:24 AM