Melissa Hortman Archives - The Minnesota Sun

GOP, DFL State House Leaders Prepare to Negotiate ‘Power-Sharing Agreement’

November 8, 2024November 8, 2024 Alpha News

With almost all the dust settled the day after the election in Minnesota, caucus leaders in the Minnesota House faced the media for the first time since they learned that Republicans and DFLers are likely to be deadlocked in a 67-67 tie when the 2025 legislative session starts on Monday, Jan. 13

Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth both acknowledged that their caucuses will have just a few weeks to structure the organization of their chamber in a challenging, but not unprecedented, “power-sharing agreement.”

DFL Scales Back Rebate Checks, Social Security Tax Elimination in Minnesota Tax Bill

April 19, 2023April 18, 2023 Minnesota Sun Staff

With under six weeks remaining in the 2023 legislative session, budget bills are making their way to the floors of the House and Senate. And so is a way to pay for them.

House DFLers who unveiled their tax bill on Monday said it represents the largest tax cut in state history and is aimed at helping those who need it most. Senate Republicans returned serve and claimed that provisions Democrats have touted — if approved without any concessions — would add up to nearly $10 billion in tax hikes on Minnesotans over the next four years.

Minnesota Lawmakers Agree to $17.9 Billion Target

March 23, 2023March 22, 2023 The Center Square

Minnesota lawmakers agreed to spend an additional $17.9 billion on top of the base budget of $52.4 billion, likely depleting the state’s current $17.2 billion surplus.

The target includes $3 billion in tax breaks but doesn’t specify how relief will be delivered.

Minnesota State Rep Demands Apology After ‘Authoritarian’ Investigation into Rally Attendance Goes Nowhere

January 24, 2021January 23, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

A review requested by House Speaker Melissa Hortman found “no actions or speech rose to the level of criminal activity” during a Jan. 6 protest at the Minnesota Capitol.

The rally, billed as a “Storm the Capitol” protest, took place the same afternoon as the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

DFL House Leaders Postpone Event with Pro-Riot Candidate Thompson After Widespread Pushback

September 9, 2020September 8, 2020 Corinne Murdock

The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party has officially postponed its event with Democratic candidate John Thompson due to widespread pushback. A reporter with The Star Tribune announced the fundraiser’s indefinite delay.
However, DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman did not initially want to remove Thompson from the event.

Minnesota Lawmakers Pass Police Accountability Package

July 22, 2020July 21, 2020 The Associated Press

The Minnesota Legislature passed a broad slate of police accountability measures early Tuesday that includes a ban on neck restraints like the one that was used on George Floyd before his death in Minneapolis.

The package also bans chokeholds and so-called warrior-style training, which critics say promotes excessive force. It imposes a duty to intercede on officers who see a colleague using excessive force. It changes rules on the use of force to stress the sanctity of life. It makes changes in arbitration rules affecting police unions. Officers will get more training on dealing with people with mental health issues and autism. The measure also creates a new advisory council for the state board that licenses officers.

Walz Expected to Call Another Special Session to Extend Emergency Powers

July 8, 2020July 7, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Gov. Tim Walz is expected to call another special session by the end of the week in order to extend his peacetime emergency powers.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) alerted members and staff in a Monday email about the likely special session.

DFL Lawmakers Want State and Federal Aid to Rebuild Minneapolis

June 6, 2020June 5, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

DFL lawmakers want the state and federal governments to chip in to help repair the estimated $55 million in damage caused to Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and the Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous Caucus called for “immediate legislative funding for Minneapolis and St. Paul rebuilding efforts” in a joint statement.

House Republicans Will Block Major Legislation Until Walz Ends Peacetime Emergency

May 4, 2020May 4, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

The leader of the Minnesota House Republicans said Saturday that his caucus will block a bonding bill from being passed while the governor’s emergency powers remain in effect.

Republicans have made three unsuccessful attempts to end Gov. Tim Walz’s peacetime emergency declared in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The emergency declaration expires May 13 but can be extended for an additional 30 days. Walz has already extended the peacetime emergency once.

Minnesota House Rejected Third Resolution to End Peacetime Emergency

May 2, 2020May 1, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

The DFL-controlled Minnesota House rejected a third resolution this week that would have ended Gov. Tim Walz’s peacetime emergency declaration.

DFL-Controlled House Blocks Two Resolutions to End Minnesota’s Peacetime Emergency

April 16, 2020April 15, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

The DFL-controlled Minnesota House voted Tuesday against two resolutions that would have ended Gov. Tim Walz’s peacetime emergency declaration and voided his coronavirus-related executive orders.

Minnesota House Confirms COVID-19 Case, Governor Walz Cancels State of State

March 20, 2020March 19, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

State lawmakers said Wednesday that an employee of the Minnesota House of Representatives has tested positive for COVID-19.

Republicans Ask for Ethics Investigation of Kurt Daudt for Accepting Position with Lobbying Firm

March 14, 2020March 13, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Members of Minnesota’s New House Republican Caucus called for an ethics investigation into House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) in a Thursday letter.

Minnesota’s Projected Budget Surplus Increases $181 Million in New Forecast

February 28, 2020February 27, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota Management and Budget’s annual February economic forecast projected a budget surplus of $1.513 billion for the 2020-21 budget cycle.

House DFL Unveils Bill to Use Nearly $500 Million of Budget Surplus for Early Childhood Education

February 16, 2020February 15, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota House DFLers unveiled their “Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act” this week, a nearly $500 million investment in early childhood education.

Minnesota House Democrats Say They Will Prioritize Gun Control and Climate Change in 2020

February 7, 2020February 11, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota House Democrats said they will once again prioritize gun control and climate change during the upcoming legislative session.

Republicans Say DFL ‘Marching Left’ After Suburban Democrat Ousts Iron Ranger for Leadership Role

February 3, 2020February 2, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Sen. Susan Kent (DFL-Woodbury) defeated Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) for the role of Senate DFL minority leader during a Saturday meeting, a move Republicans think signals the party’s shift to the left. Kent (pictured above) emerged victorious Saturday evening after the 32-member caucus met at the Carpenters Union Hall…

Tim Walz Raised $1 Million for Reelection During First Year in Office

February 1, 2020January 31, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Gov. Tim Walz announced Friday that he raised more than $1 million in 2019 for his reelection, but he won’t face voters again until 2022.

Tim Walz Raised $1 Million for Reelection During First Year in Office

February 1, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Gov. Tim Walz announced Friday that he raised more than $1 million in 2019 for his reelection, but he won’t face voters again until 2022.

DFL House Leader Threatens Minnesota County for Voting Against Refugee Resettlement

January 9, 2020January 8, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

A high-ranking Minnesota lawmaker is threatening to withhold state aid from Beltrami County after it became the first county in the state to opt out of refugee resettlement.

DFL Lawmaker Cleared of Wrongdoing in Accepting University of Minnesota Position

January 1, 2020December 31, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

A report released Monday “completely exonerates” Minnesota Rep. Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis) from allegations of illicit lobbying activity, according to House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park).

Report Criticizes Growing Role of Omnibus Bills and ‘Triumvirate’ in Minnesota Legislature

October 25, 2019October 24, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

A new report released this week criticizes the growing roll of omnibus bills in the Minnesota Legislature, most of which were pushed by a triumvirate of the governor, speaker of the house, and senate majority leader.

Walz Administration Framing Gas Tax Increase as ‘Debt Service Fee’

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson-Kelliher is pushing a combined gas-tax increase along with what she’s calling a “debt-service fee” that would raise fuel prices by up to 15 cents per gallon, according to interviews with local news outlets.

Minnesota Republican Calls on Governor to Condemn Lawmaker’s Involvement in Anti-Trump Demonstrations

October 14, 2019October 13, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

State Rep. Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) called on Gov. Tim Walz and House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) to condemn the violent behavior of anti-Trump protesters and the involvement of a sitting Democrat legislator in the demonstrations.

Minnesota DFL Will Work With Youth Climate Activists to Push ‘Climate Action Plan’ in 2020

October 9, 2019October 8, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

The Minnesota House DFL recently formed a new “Climate Action Caucus” and plans to work with youth climate activists to develop a “Climate Action Plan” to push through the State Legislature in 2020.

Republicans Criticize Minnesota ‘Mini-Session’ as Waste of $100,000

October 5, 2019October 4, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

The Minnesota House concluded its three-day mini-session Friday, and some Republican lawmakers think it was a waste of $100,000 in taxpayer money.

Republicans Accuse Melissa Hortman of Anti-Police Bias for Removing State Rep from Committee Assignments

August 30, 2019August 29, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Republicans are criticizing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) for her decision to remove Rep. Matt Grossell (R-Clearbrook) from his committee assignments following his drunken arrest in May.

Minnesota House GOP Calls on Democrats to Hold Hearings on DHS During Upcoming ‘Mini-Session’

August 4, 2019August 4, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota House Republicans are calling on their Democratic colleagues to hold hearings on the ongoing turmoil at the Department of Human Services during an upcoming legislative “mini-session.”

Tim Walz Open to Calling Special Session to Resolve Insulin Drama

June 17, 2019June 16, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

It was a rare point of agreement in the Minnesota Legislature – something needed to be done to address the skyrocketing costs of insulin. The Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, named for a 26-year-old Minnesotan who died trying to ration his last vial of insulin, was going to be…

Minnesota Teachers Union Calls for Voting in a ‘New Senate’ After Education Budget Released

May 23, 2019May 23, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Education Minnesota, the state’s largest teachers union, urged Minnesotans to “vote in a new Senate” after an education budget agreed to by party leaders was released. “This is a lukewarm outcome to a legislative session that had a lot of potential for Minnesota students,” Education Minnesota President Denise Specht…

Abortion Fanatics Rally Against Minnesota’s ‘Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act’

March 15, 2019March 14, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota State Sen. Michelle Benson’s (R-Ham Lake) bill to protect unborn children capable of feeling pain from abortions received its first hearing Thursday, but Planned Parenthood and its allied activists in the state are doing everything they can to kill the bill. Senate File (SF) 1609 was introduced February 21…

Red Flag Bill and Universal Background Checks One Step Closer to Becoming Law in Minnesota

March 2, 2019March 1, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

DFL lawmakers are closer than ever before to passing multiple gun-control bills in Minnesota as a Republican-controlled Senate stands in the way. A universal background checks bill and a “red flag” law both advanced out of committee this week. The former was approved by the House Public Safety Committee late…

Confusion Surrounds New Minnesota House Rules as Democrats Face Backlash for Jamming Through Legislation

January 31, 2019January 30, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

A major opioids bill in Minnesota, House File (HF) 400, was introduced Monday at 3:30 p.m. House members and the public then had until Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., less than 24 hours, to offer any changes or amendments before the bill went to a hearing Wednesday at the Health and…

Minnesota Pro-Lifers Warn Against Constitutional Amendment on Gender Equality

January 28, 2019January 27, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota’s pro-life organizations are warning against a 2020 state ballot proposition that would amend the Minnesota Constitution to provide “equality under the law” on “account of gender.” House File (HF) 13 was introduced January 10 and would place the following yes-or-no question on the 2020 ballot: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution…

House DFL Tells Trump He’s ‘Threatening the Well-Being of Minnesotans’ in Letter

January 19, 2019January 18, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

Nearly every DFL member of the Minnesota House signed their name to a letter sent to President Donald Trump Thursday urging him to “end this shutdown immediately.” “The ongoing federal government shutdown—now the longest in the history of our nation—is threatening the well-being of Minnesotans, putting our state tax dollars…

Minnesota Democrats Go All in on Gun Control

January 10, 2019January 9, 2019 Anthony Gockowski

The Minnesota House Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party unveiled its first ten bills Wednesday, two of which deal with gun control, while DFLers in Congress are signing their names to a national gun-control measure. At a Wednesday morning press conference, the state House DFL released House Files (HF) one through 10, which…

Second Amendment Groups Vow to Fight Minnesota DFL’s Gun Control Efforts

December 29, 2018December 28, 2018 Anthony Gockowski

The only thing barring Democrats from total control of Minnesota’s government is a one-seat Republican majority in the Senate, but that might not be enough to block gun-control efforts during the upcoming session. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) recently indicated that he has “some openness” on the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL)…

Next Minnesota House Speaker Wants More Politicians Who Aren’t Worried About Being Polite

November 18, 2018November 17, 2018 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman (D-Brooklyn Park) was facing pressure to resign in 2017 after criticizing her “white male” colleagues for sitting in the “retiring room” during a debate, but now she has been selected to serve as the next Minnesota House speaker. “I hate to break up the 100 percent…

Tim Walz And House Democrats Plan to Renew Gun-Control Efforts in Minnesota

November 10, 2018November 10, 2018 Anthony Gockowski

With the help of a new Democratic majority in the Minnesota House, Gov.-elect Tim Walz is expected to renew efforts to pass gun-control legislation in the state. In response to Wednesday night’s mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, Walz and Rep. Melissa Hortman (D-Fridley), who was elected this week to…

Democrats Doubling Down on DFL Mailers Deemed ‘False’ by Several News Outlets

September 13, 2018September 12, 2018 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party is doubling-down on claims that Republicans voted to pass legislative pay raises, even though the allegations were repeatedly proven false by several major news outlets. In an August campaign mailer, the DFL claimed that elected officials across the aisle, such as Jim Knoblach, Dario Anselmo, and…