Minnesota Legislature Kicks Off with Razor-Thin Partisan Divide, Key Issues at Stake cover art

Minnesota Legislature Kicks Off with Razor-Thin Partisan Divide, Key Issues at Stake

Minnesota Legislature Kicks Off with Razor-Thin Partisan Divide, Key Issues at Stake

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 Minnesota's 2026 legislative session kicked off this week with a razor-thin divide, pitting 100 Republicans against 101 Democratic-Farmer-Laborers in the House and a similar split in the Senate, setting the stage for bipartisan compromises on key issues. According to Minnesota News Network, top headlines include Hennepin County Attorney's Touhy demands for federal records in the Alex Pretti death and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shooting cases, where the FBI has declined cooperation, and Duluth police linking shell casings from a February 10 homicide of Darius Handy to a subsequent deputy-involved shooting. U.S. Senator Tina Smith rallied lawmakers and advocates at the Capitol to block copper mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, warning a Chilean firm would export profits while damaging habitats, as the U.S. Senate eyes a vote next week.

In politics, Republicans prioritize fraud crackdowns, affordability measures like tax cuts on tips and overtime, and a constitutional amendment to end unfunded mandates, per House Republican leaders. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce launched its Economic Imperative for Growth initiative, seeking data-driven strategies to boost competitiveness and attract businesses. Clean Water Action pushes PFAS defenses and Amara's Law amid industry lobbying.

Business news highlights a California man's conviction for defrauding Optum of $1.2 million, while workforce strains from paid family leave mandates and rising energy demands prompt calls to lift the nuclear moratorium. Community updates feature $5 million in proposed Iron Range funding for Aitkin School District's scaled-back PreK-6 elementary school after a failed referendum, with a new vote set for April 14. Public safety saw a minor Mankato crash involving a DHS vehicle, and federal prosecutors face resignations amid political pressures.

Blowing snow triggered no-travel advisories in south-central counties, per MnDOT. No major recent weather disasters reported.

Looking Ahead: Watch the U.S. Senate's BWCA mining vote, Aitkin referendum, February budget forecast influencing bonding, and ongoing ICE operations wind-down after protests.

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