Minnesota Legislature
Northern MN helium discovery prompts proposed regulatory framework for gas, oil production
By Margaret Stevens
Perhaps best known for filling party balloons and causing Mickey Mouse voices, helium is a critical element for many industries ranging from semiconductors to fiber optic cables. One of its biggest uses is as a coolant for MRIs.
A new mining boom could be underway on the Iron Range following the discovery of a large, highly concentrated reservoir of the colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-toxic gas.
Helium’s discovery in northern Minnesota earlier this year is a win for an area that could use it, said Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely). Leaders recognized the potential immediately, he said, but soon asked the question: “Now what?”
The answer could come from HF5350 that would establish a fair royalty structure on state lands and provide environmental protections while developing the industry, said Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL-Aurora), who sponsors the bill.
Recent Dailies
House passes human services policy bill that would end subminimum wage program
By Miranda Bryant
People with a disability who legally earn less than minimum wage under a federal program would see that program end under a bill hotly debated Monday.
Amended to include the...
Local control over wetlands roils waters as House passes environment policy bill
By Margaret Stevens
Preparing the way for digital licenses, distinguishing between native fish and invasive species, strengthening manure management and setting up barriers to a possible invasion o...
House Property Tax Division completes its work
By Rob Hubbard
If where you live has the word, “township,” in its name, aid from the state would increase. Small resorts could get a break on their property taxes. Seven Minnesota cities could...
Supplemental education finance bill would provide $33 million for READ Act
By Brian Basham
Public education received an appropriations increase of $2.26 billion, or 10.8% over base, in 2023.
Now, in a supplemental budget year, a wide-ranging education finance bill...
Week in Review: April 8-12
By HPIS Staff
It was a week when more major policy bills — public safety, elections and education — were passed by the House, which must mean conference committee season is right around the c...
Child mental health services could be covered by medical assistance
By Miranda Bryant Children amid a mental health crisis who need care at a residential treatment facility have too often been left behind when it comes to medical benefits. Sponsored by Rep. K...Cities, counties could impose local sales taxes to fund certain infrastructure projects
By Mike Cook
Approving a potential local sales tax bump may no longer need legislative approval.
Sponsored by Rep. Aisha Gomez (DFL-Mpls), HF5336 would let cities and counties impose loc...
Education policy bill — including proposed student cell phone policy — passes House; conference committee expected
By Brian Basham
After nearly four hours of House debate Thursday evening, the education policy bill is headed back to the Senate.
“This wide-ranging policy bill … picks up where last year’s...
House passes bill that calls for added protections for online ticket buyers
By Tim Walker
Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-Shoreview) certainly doesn’t like Ticketmaster.
She got burned by the ticket conglomerate when a promised code to ensure she could buy Taylor Swift ti...
State tax preparation would be free for most filers under bill heard in House
By Rob Hubbard
Individual income tax returns are due Monday, so perhaps you’ve recently used such tax preparation software as TurboTax or H&R Block.
What if the state did the same thing fo...
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Ways and Means Committee OKs proposed $512 million supplemental budget on party-line vote
By Mike Cook
Meeting more needs or fiscal irresponsibility is one way to sum up the differences among the two parties on a supplemental spending package a year after a $72 billion state budg...
Minnesota’s projected budget surplus balloons to $3.7 billion, but fiscal pressure still looms
By Rob Hubbard
Just as Minnesota has experienced a warmer winter than usual, so has the state’s budget outlook warmed over the past few months.
On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget...
