Grabbing headlines in this week’s news from the House was the release Tuesday of a nonpartisan report on the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, which operates U.S. Bank Stadium. It found family and friends of government officials had benefited from free football, soccer and concert tickets, along with charging the authority with sidestepping a state law requiring keeping a record of who gets free tickets.
Other issues addressed during the week include: proposals to legalize recreational use of marijuana; conversion of the Becker coal-fired plant to natural gas; and a grant program to help undergraduate students cover the cost of tuition; and replacement of the state’s aging election equipment.
Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.
Before looking ahead to next week; let’s take a look at what you may have missed this week.
AGRICULTURE
House passes $35 million farm loan bonding bill
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12481
BONDING
Governor’s bonding plan shared with capital investment committee
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12487
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE
Minnesota’s mining industry digging out of recent recession
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12495
EDUCATION
Proposed curriculum addition spurs discussion on economic engagement
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12483
Pre-K tax break? Incentives, deductions for expenses approved
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12484
Starting Line: Is elementary school recess still important?
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12477
Teachers, staff face challenges as incidents of student misconduct rise
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12504
ELECTIONS
House panel weighs hands-on vs. hands-off redistricting processes
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12489
Aging election equipment in need of $28 million overhaul
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12507
EMPLOYMENT
Local employment law preemption bill clears another committee
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12496
Seeking balance, bill looks for teens to call it an earlier work night
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12502
ENERGY
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12508
ENVIRONMENT
Environment committee approves $103.9 million Outdoor Heritage Fund bill
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12485
Wetlands funding moves forward as counties face construction roadblock
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12505
FAMILY
Child care providers want out from developmentally disabled rule
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12501
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Palliative care advisory committee would look to improve awareness, access
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12494
Former Alzheimer’s working group should be revived, advocates say
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12500
Services for exploited youth to be expanded in proposed bill
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12488
HIGHER EDUCATION
Former House speaker among four people nominated for U of M Board of Regents
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12492
Proposed ‘last dollar’ grant would help cover college costs
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12499
MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Grant program targets ‘disillusioned’ veterans in criminal justice system
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12480
Free state park entry sought for disabled veterans, active military, dependents
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12482
Minnesota Index: Active military and veterans
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12478
PUBLIC SAFETY
Courtroom demands increase, funding sought for more judges, increased salaries
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12497
Driving without a license? Consequences could become more severe
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12479
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
State’s centralized IT service under fire from some lawmakers
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12493
STATE GOVERNMENT
Report: Friends, family, government officials benefited from free suite tickets
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12491
Group of DFLers say ‘it’s time to legalize marijuana
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12506
‘Discrimination’ against Israel could cost vendors state contracts
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12486
TAXES
Tax benefit sought for retired CIA employees
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12498
TRANSPORTATION
MnDOT working to make project selection process less hazy
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12490