Recent content from Jessie Van Berkel
Minnesota House DFL proposes gas tax increase
House Democrats' transportation funding bill would raise the tax on a gallon of gas by 5 cents over the next four years.
Legislature's budget plans differ on how to address racial inequality
Budget proposals vary on approaches to education disparities, police reform.
Where big issues stand at the Minnesota Legislature
The divided Legislature has just a few weeks to pass a two-year state budget and try to strike a deal on other key policy issues.
Minnesota House DFL joins Walz in push for tax increase on wealthy
Republicans say tax hikes are dead on arrival.
Minnesota legislators push to end state collection of tax refunds for private hospital debt
Minnesota collected tens of millions for private nonprofit hospitals in recent years.
Minnesota House Democrats present $52.5 billion budget plan
Political clashes continue over state law enforcement funding for Chauvin trial.
A year after deadly fire, Minnesota House approves high-rise sprinkler requirement
Residential and commercial buildings would need to add automatic systems.
1.1 million Minnesota children could qualify for expanded tax credit
Expanded child tax credit will give families monthly check starting in summer.
Spending on Minnesota lobbying fell to $67.5 million in 2020
Less money was devoted to influencing those decisionmakers than in any year since 2012, according to newly released data.
Minnesota Senate Republicans propose $51.9 billion state budget
Their plan comes as the state's financial outlook has improved.
Minnesota Senate aims to curb Gov. Tim Walz's emergency powers
State's executive council also extends those emergency powers another month.
Minnesota legislators debate eviction ban 'off-ramp' as tenants fear homelessness
Legislative planning for the end of the eviction halt has started in earnest.
Minn. officials hail peaceful protests while legislators clash over funding
Minnesota law enforcement leaders applauded the tranquillity of Monday's early demonstrations at the start of the closely watched trial of former Minneapolis police officer…
Security will increase at Minnesota Capitol during Derek Chauvin's trial
The state has had a tall fence around the Capitol since the end of May, and is adding traffic control measures around the complex.
Businesses' requests far outweigh $242 million Minnesota relief package
State and county officials have distributed the bulk of the aid approved in December.
Minnesota's projected budget shortfall flips to $1.6B surplus
News sets the stage for months of budget negotiations at the State Capitol and adds fuel to a political fight over taxes.
Walz pitches $518M package for public works, infrastructure
The governor said that a new public works package would create jobs during the pandemic and help prevent roads and buildings from falling into disrepair.
With Chauvin trial looming, Minneapolis faces balancing act on police
City and state leaders plan to bring thousands of soldiers, sheriffs' deputies and police into the metro area.
Minnesota House fails to pass SAFE Act for security during Chauvin trial
Legislators are divided over the measure to cover police bills.
City, state leaders detail plans ahead of Derek Chauvin trial
Thousands of police, sheriffs deputies and Minnesota National Guard members are ready to jump into action during the upcoming trial of the first of four officers charged in the killing of George Floyd.
![Minneapolis Police officers formed a line as a makeshift barricade erected by protesters earlier was removed along South Fourth Avenue. ]aaron.lav](https://chorus.stimg.co/22305334/ows_72092fb5_6c31_4f8a_8940_75b19ddd2629.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Legislature deadlocked over Chauvin trial security
Chauvin case looms but the Legislature is mired in debate over police reform.
Walz tax cut for 1 million families doesn't reach lowest earners
Some Republicans quickly derided the small amount, with House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt calling it "a talking point, that's not a tax cut."
Minnesota's big brewers calling for end to growler limit at State Capitol
Minnesota brewers gathered at the Capitol on Thursday to make the case for the state to remove its limits on which breweries can sell growlers.Leaders…
Buffalo clinic shooting renews gun control push at Minnesota Capitol
Gun measures have not been a focus during a COVID-dominated legislative session.
Minnesota GOP legislators push for Walz's impeachment over executive orders
Similar arguments that Walz overreached have been rejected by the courts.
First Republican candidate announces bid for Minnesota governor
The first Republican candidate has joined the race for Minnesota governor.Mike Murphy, mayor of the small town of Lexington in Anoka County, said while he…
Walz to activate Minnesota National Guard around Derek Chauvin's trial
The state is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies ahead of the trial.
State leaders split over fund to support law enforcement during emergencies
The governor wants to create the account ahead of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin's trial.
Minnesota Democrats outspent GOP in battle for legislative control
Despite being outspent, Republicans held on to control of the Senate and made gains in the House.
Minnesota leaders clash over state aid for repairing damage from George Floyd riots
Minnesota leaders are debating the state's financial responsibility for helping Minneapolis and St. Paul pay for property damage and other costs related to last summer's…
Walz budget raises taxes on wealthiest Minnesotans
His $52.4 billion plan would provide a tax credit for an estimated 300,000 working families and would cut taxes for about 1 million households across the state.
Gov. Tim Walz's budget aims to address COVID's uneven impact
Gov. Tim Walz said the coronavirus has not decimated the priorities he campaigned on — although he's hoping the new administration in Washington can help…
Minnesota Democrats, stuck at home, celebrate Biden's inauguration
From block parties to Biden sweatshirts to ice cream, Minnesota Democrats celebrate Inauguration Day.
Legislators' special session expenses add up for 2020
Minnesota lawmakers' overall per diem costs and expense reimbursements fell in 2020 as more people worked from home during the pandemic. Still, payments to legislators…
'Nothing left undone' to guard Capitol during possible protests
Minnesota's top public safety officials say they have detailed precautions set up ahead of protests this weekend, but said there are no credible threats against the State Capitol.
Minnesota House, Senate kick off work on vastly different priorities
The two chambers have sharply different focuses in their early bills this session.
Minnesotans clash over President Donald Trump's second impeachment
Some of Trump's supporters in Minnesota dismissed impeachment as a "ridiculous charade."
![The Minnesota State Patrol and Capitol Security forces were keeping a watchful eye around the State Capitol Tuesday afternoon. ] GLEN STUBBE • g](https://chorus.stimg.co/22231732/ows_d22ad3c2_dd76_4841_8722_cca2b8188ffe.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota National Guard, security forces prepare amid threats of violence
Walz is deploying the Minnesota National Guard ahead of potentially violent protests.
Gov. Walz, GOP start session with clash over Capitol attack
An annual panel with state leaders erupted with Walz making accusations of gaslighting and GOP drawing comparisons to George Floyd protests.
Midwest governors share ideas, frustrations in battle with COVID-19
Close pandemic partnership ends at Minn.'s western and southern borders.
Legislators clash over face masks as session starts
The political battle over face masks resurfaced at the Minnesota Capitol as the legislative session kicked off last week.House Democrats passed a rule saying members…
Members of Minnesota delegation urge peace amid U.S. Capitol chaos
Several lawmakers tweeted Wednesday saying they are safe.
Pandemic front and center, Minnesota Legislature convenes 2021 session
Lawmakers aim to set the budget, respond to COVID, tackle education gaps and redistricting this year.
Minnesota awaits its cut of $900 billion COVID stimulus
State leaders are trying to discern just how much Minnesota will get, and when.
Capitol push to end Gov. Walz's emergency power is longshot
Speaker Melissa Hortman says she doesn't foresee "any set of facts" where the Minnesota House would vote to end powers.
Rep. Jim Hagedorn has surgery for kidney cancer
Southern Minnesota Republican has been fighting cancer; wife Jennifer Carnahan calls surgery success.
Rep. Rena Moran leverages life experience in rise to top Minnesota Capitol post
The St. Paul DFLer is stepping into one of the State Capitol's most powerful jobs.
Walz loosens restrictions on bars, gyms and youth sports
Fitness studios and gyms will be able to reopen at lower capacity, and bars and restaurants may resume only outdoor service.
Electors prepare to cast Minnesota's votes for Biden as Trump keeps up false claims
In unprecedented election, 10 gather Monday to cast state's votes for Biden.
State IDs $100M in health and human services savings
The state of Minnesota launched a blue ribbon commission last year with a big goal: Find $100 million of savings in health and human services…
![Tiffany Lounge on Ford Parkway had its share of patrons because bars shut down under Governor Walz’s orders.] With bars closing down Friday at midni](https://chorus.stimg.co/22161486/ows_90ce41d3_d011_4374_8de8_ec4a1748919f.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Lawmakers agree on COVID-19 business relief, but unemployment is sticking point
Democrats said a deal is contingent on additional unemployment benefits.
Minnesota counties, cities use up COVID aid as needs persist
Minnesota counties, cities and towns got $1.1 billion from the CARES Act. Now they are navigating a spike in virus cases and another wave of business closures just as funds are running out.
Minnesotans' spending helps flip state budget to surplus, for now
A $1.3 billion shortfall is forecast for the next budget cycle.
![Jim Schowalter, who previously served in Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration, was named as Myron Frans’ successor as head of MMB. ] GLEN STUBBE •](https://stmedia.stimg.co/ows_1bd54688-80d1-461f-9808-cf3459d74ebd.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Two state finance leaders take helm amid Minnesota budget uncertainty
While picture has brightened, questions cloud future new finance chiefs try to see.
Millions in 'sin taxes' flowing into state coffers during pandemic
Annie Santos headed to the store for some emergency supplies after a distressing message from her children’s school. “We just got the e-mail from school…
Gazelka says he could've handled COVID outbreak differently
Senate majority leader says he "personally will apply lessons from this episode to inform future decisions" while DFL leader says Republicans didn't take situation "seriously."
Legislators clash over COVID-19 reporting amid outbreak
Minnesota DFL legislators are demanding more transparency from Republican senators who held large indoor gatherings that may have contributed to a COVID-19 outbreak at the Capitol.
Republicans in Legislature make moves on Klobuchar speculation
In the sixth special session this year, legislators played political chess as Republicans tried to protect their one-seat hold on the Senate next year if Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins President-elect Joe Biden's cabinet.
Minnesota continues battle against homelessness for veterans
Milestone met in suburbs, but amid the pandemic, "there's more work to be done."
Some Minnesota Republicans join Trump in raising election concerns
Prominent Minnesota Republican leaders joined President Donald Trump in questioning the results of an election that remained too close to call Friday, some raising unsupported…
Marijuana candidates shake up Minnesota races
In two pivotal races for control of the Minnesota Senate, candidates running under the pro-marijuana banner pulled in thousands of votes despite largely invisible campaigns.…
Craig staves off challenge from Republican Kistner in 2nd District
She had 9,386 more votes than challenger Tyler Kistner on Thursday.
Rep. Angie Craig wins Minnesota's 2nd District, turning back GOP challenger Tyler Kistner
A deceased Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate attracted significant votes.
Rep. Dean Phillips wins Minnesota's 3rd District over GOP challenger Kendall Qualls
He won over voters by highlighting his bipartisan credentials, defeating political newcomer Kendall Qualls.
Rep. Angie Craig vs. Tyler Kistner too close to call in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District
The swing district race has been clouded by legal confusion.
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum prepares for an 11th term
Longtime Fourth District U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum easily secured an 11th term in Congress, where she is positioned for an increasingly prominent role on the…
Rep. Ilhan Omar wins easily in Minnesota's heavily Democratic Fifth District race
The national spotlight on Omar has prompted people to spend heavily on the Fifth District's primary and general elections.
In video, 4 Minnesota governors call for 'civility' around election
Gov. Tim Walz and three predecessors shoot ad asking for "decency," patience after election.
Trump agrees to 'speech-stifling' crowd limit in Rochester
The president abided by Walz's limits on crowd size for a scaled-down rally Friday in Rochester.
Trump, Biden both headed to Minnesota today for rallies
Trump will be in the Rochester area today; Biden will be in St. Paul.
Walz says every option on table for state's worst budget deficit in decade
GOP hopes to provide conservative bulwark; DFL wants full control.
Tens of millions in campaign dollars flood fight for Minnesota Legislature
DFL-aligned groups have outspent the GOP so far.
GOP Senate candidate Jason Lewis has emergency surgery
The hernia surgery was successful and minimally invasive, campaign manager Tom Szymanski said. Doctors expect Lewis to be released from the hospital in a couple of days.
Congressional candidates sticking to the center in Second District race
The race between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and newcomer Tyler Kistner was shaping up as a heated but fairly typical swing district battle until September, when it veered into unfamiliar territory.
Ruling: Election in 2nd Congressional District will be held Nov. 3
GOP hopeful Tyler Kistner said he'll take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court to force a special election later.
