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Researchers with the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions say safe storage of firearms is a good way to prevent suicides, especially when adolescents are in the home. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Firearm storage bill highlights latest MN gun safety efforts

The end date for Minnesota's legislative session is less than two weeks away. One of the remaining debates is gun safety and supporters of a safe …

For the 2023 tax year, the top five Minnesota counties under the state's wind energy production tax received nearly $12-million in combined revenue. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 6, 2024

In some MN counties, wind turbines are taxpayers, too

Minnesota is coming off another windy month of April. Those strong wind gusts may have translated into some extra cash for counties with wind …

Pushback vs. pushback: MN parents respond to political forces in education

Minnesota's largest school district is at the center of a budget controversy tied to the recent wave of school board candidates fighting diversity pro…

Trade unions said workers in areas such as construction, meat processing and agriculture need protection from unscrupulous employers who cheat them out of wages and benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation aimed at stopping MN employers from misclassifying workers

Minnesota lawmakers are considering a measure which would force employers to properly classify certain trade union workers and others as employees rat…

PFAS are chemicals used since the 1940s. They are found in everyday products such as nonstick cookware. Public officials are sounding the alarm about health risks associated with the chemicals, including their presence in drinking water. (Adobe Stock)<br />

EPA finalizes national standard for PFAS in drinking water

Minnesota is the site of a high-profile drinking-water contamination case linked with so-called forever chemicals and advocates are hopeful residents …

If Minnesota adopts a plan that asks private companies to fund innovations in recycling and the collection of discarded materials, the state also would set a goal of all packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2032. (Adobe Stock)

MN plan would overhaul its recycling approach

Minnesota ranks high for its recycling rate, but it still has a waste problem, putting more pressure on local governments. A plan in the …

Public school leaders say competition from charter schools - and in some states, vouchers for private schools - are contributing to enrollment declines, impacting how much aid districts receive. (Adobe Stock)

Mpls. funding fight underscores larger school budget pain

From expiring pandemic aid to declining enrollment, school districts in Minnesota face financial pressure and public school advocates and community …

Organizations fighting wage theft said it harms affected workers and surrounding communities because the money withheld is not being circulated through the local economy. (Adobe Stock)

Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN

A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …

As part of its Climate and Resilience Action Plan, the city of St. Paul plans to convert the Como Zoo Conservancy building to geothermal heating and cooling. (Flickr)

St. Paul Climate Action Plan aims for net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050

By Frank Jossi for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

During the pandemic, the federal government rolled out a temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Policy experts say it helped many families temporarily escape poverty. Supporters of Minnesota's new credit hope for similar results. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Child Tax Credit aligns with economic justice efforts

With tax season winding down, efforts continue to spread the word about Minnesota's new Child Tax Credit. Outreach leaders say it's another way to …

According to national data, traffic deaths increased by 10.5% in 2021 and traffic fatalities rose by<br />14% for drivers 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

In making MN roads safer, law change sought for safety course

Traffic deaths are trending higher in Minnesota this year after a decline the previous year. Groups pushing for safer roads are convinced a small …

Attendees at a recent COPAL event hold the design of a proposed Latino Center for Community Engagement in the Twin Cities. The organization hopes to have the facility up and running by 2026. (Photo courtesy COPAL)

MN Latino leaders seek new hub to bolster community outreach

Minnesota's legislative session kicked off this week. A bill for construction projects is possible, and those serving Latino communities hope to get …

Heat pumps, powered by electricity, are seen as a key source in eventually replacing natural gas to reduce emissions from homes and businesses. (Adobe Stock)

MN coalition: Give residents a voice in phasing in clean heat sources

A regulatory hearing dealing with energy policy does not seem like a setting for most Minnesotans but a new coalition is recruiting voices who want af…

The Minnesota Department of Commerce reported weatherization services could help decrease a homeowner or renter's annual energy costs by up to 30%. (Adobe Stock)

Deep freeze prompts reminders for home weatherization aid

Warmer temps may be on the horizon, but arctic air still has a grip on Minnesota. State officials and community action agencies are pointing out …

In 2023, the Legislature approved nearly $50 million for the new Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority. Officials said the funds will help accelerate the adoption of proven clean energy technology and greenhouse-gas reduction projects. (Adobe Stock)

'Green Bank' among new MN climate efforts trying to get off ground

When Minnesota lawmakers reconvene in the coming weeks, additional climate change work is expected. Meanwhile, bigger moves from last year are being …

Minnesota lawmakers, leading a task force on Emergency Medical Services shortages, say they have received some initial reports of 90-minute response times in certain rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

MN takes deep dive into solving ambulance shortages

Efforts to close ambulance service gaps in Minnesota are taking shape. A special legislative task force is gathering findings about the severity of …

Minnesota's new paid leave law, scheduled to take effect in 2026, will distribute benefits through a state-operated insurance pool funded by employers and employees. (Adobe Stock)

Despite cost debate, some MN businesses intrigued by paid-leave law

Minnesota is two years away from enacting its new paid leave law and while the debate over costs has resurfaced, some in the small business community …

According to the organization Hunger Solutions, Minnesota saw a record 5.5 million visits to food shelves in 2022. There is concern visits this year will be even higher. (Adobe Stock)

MN food shelves navigate record high demand

The Thanksgiving holiday is here, as too many Minnesotans still struggle with food insecurity. New state support is on the way, but with record …

Using federal incentives, the USDA is calling on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations to add anaerobic digesters that collect methane from manure to be used for electricity. But conservation groups countered it will do little to reduce harmful emissions from industrial ag operations. (Adobe Stock)

Family farm groups blast conservation incentives for industrial ag

Minnesota has been in the headlines over nitrate levels in drinking water and some conservation groups argued industrial farms are being given too man…

Los funcionarios federales dicen que la Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista brinda oportunidades de financiamiento para que las comunidades m�s peque�as mejoren su infraestructura h�drica. (Adobe Stock)

Biden impulsa mensaje de inversión rural durante visita a Minnesota

El presidente Joe Biden estuvo ayer (miércoles) en el sur de Minnesota para destacar las inversiones federales para las zonas rurales de Estados …

Federal officials say the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding opportunities for smaller communities to improve their water infrastructure. (Adobe Stock)

Biden pushes rural investment message with MN visit

President Joe Biden was in southern Minnesota yesterday to highlight federal investments for rural America. Biden visited a farm near Northfield to …

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says last year's spike in the nation's child poverty rate is the largest increase for children dating back to 1967. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Nationwide Surge in Child Poverty, MN Mitigation Plan Takes Flight

Policy experts are reacting to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, showing the nation's child poverty rate has more than doubled, to 12%. In …

Environmental researchers reported buildings account for 40% of global carbon emissions, and not all of it is from their heating and cooling systems. They said conventional construction materials used to build them, such as steel and concrete, account for some of the pollution, too. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Gives Skeletons of Buildings a Green Makeover

Just like electric vehicles and solar farms, the bare bones of a large building can be environmentally friendly if constructed with certain supplies…

With more federal funding coming Minnesota's way to improve broadband access, advocates said it might create more remote work opportunities for those who want to move to rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

In Rural MN, Road to Good Jobs is Paved with Broadband

Minnesota is preparing to make use of more than $650 million in federal aid to bring high-speed internet to underserved populations. Rural areas …

To date, 37 states have legalized online sports betting. (Adobe Stock)

In Between Sessions, MN Faces Calls to Look at Sports Betting Risks

Minnesota is in wait-and-see mode again when it comes to legalizing online sports betting, and one lawmaker hopes for more public discussion about …

The National Low Income Housing Coalition said Minnesota has a shortage of nearly 104,000 affordable rental homes for its lowest-income households. Community action agencies say historic investments from the Legislature will help them meet the demand for housing aid. (Adobe Stock)

Facing High Demand, MN Digs Deep to Provide Housing Aid

The U.S. is in the midst of a housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable homes and concerns about people facing homelessness. Minnesota is using …

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation show Minnesota has an overall high ranking for child well-being. But advocates warn that lack of access to early child education could derail outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Shines in Child Well-Being Report, But Pandemic Shows its Impact

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like Minnesota fared better in the …

For years, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been quickly targeted for cuts when Congress is at odds over spending priorities. (Adobe Stock)

MN Hunger Relief Leader: SNAP Threats Off Mark

Whether it's the recent debt ceiling negotiations or the Farm Bill debate, a key federal food assistance program is again at the mercy of budget …

In addition to shielding waterways from harmful sources, a new Minnesota environmental spending bill includes funding for planting trees and other efforts to accelerate carbon sequestration. (Adobe Stock)

MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources

From protecting and studying waterways to addressing chronic wasting disease, conservation voices say there are a lot of important items in …

Over the next budget years, state aid for Minnesota public schools will increase to more than $23 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Budget Stability, Flexibility Among Highlights of MN School Funding Plan

Many Minnesota school districts say they have been walking a financial tightrope, but leaders appear to be encouraged by the new education funding …

Even prior to the racial reckoning, Minnesota was known for its disparities, including child development outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Faces Key Decision on Program to Reduce Child-Development Disparities

A few years ago, Minnesota launched a pilot program to give communities of color more power to improve outcomes for child development as they …

Minnesota is poised to join nearly a dozen other states that have paid leave programs. Minnesota's plan would not be required for employers that have their own plans bigger than the one proposed. (Adobe Stock)

MN Paid-Leave Backers: Workers, Families Closer to Crucial Benefit

Minnesotans are learning more about a statewide paid leave plan, which cleared a major legislative hurdle this week. Groups tracking the …

Postal union leaders say understaffed facilities are taking a toll on the health and safety of postal workers and the service they provide. (Adobe Stock)

Postal Employees Say They're Fighting 'Toxic' Work Environment

Today is International Workers Day, and in the U.S. postal workers say they're struggling to keep up amid staffing shortages and a work environment …

Minnesota is one of only about a dozen states that tax Social Security income. (Adobe Stock)

MN Social Security Tax Debate Comes Into Focus

The current Minnesota legislative session has seen a lot of big policy moves, and Social Security tax relief could be next. A compromise plan is …

MN Local Government: Give Us a Voice in Marijuana Plan

This week, the Minnesota House began the floor-vote process for a bill that would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for adults. Lawmakers …

In the past two years, the federal government has adopted two major laws to provide states billions of dollars to beef up infrastructure, including clean energy. But there are strings attached, as states must provide matching funds to maximize available grants. (Adobe Stock)

MN Joins 'Matching-Funds Game' for Clean-Energy Projects

Minnesota has taken a big step in unlocking more funds from Congress to secure clean energy projects. The state was under pressure to come up with …

According to a Move Minnesota poll, 86% of respondents report driving as one of the main ways they get around, but nearly one in five drivers would prefer to travel by another mode. Advocates say expanding mass transit or walking options could help. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Minnesotans Want Transportation Options Beyond Roads

A Minnesota bill could surface as early as this week, calling for a proposed tax increase to fund transportation needs. Advocates and local …

Groups calling for more transportation-related investments in Minnesota say not only would more funding create more jobs and help the state's economy, it also would help to keep motorists safe. (Adobe Stock)

Groups: MN Faces a Range of Transportation Needs

Several groups were at the Minnesota Capitol yesterday to highlight transportation issues facing the region, including rural areas. The …

Supporters of Minnesota's new 100% carbon-free plan say it balances reliability factors in providing electricity by providing

Sorting Out the Cost Factors Behind MN's Carbon-Free Plan

Minnesota recently captured headlines for its approval of a new goal to reach 100% carbon-free electricity, and those tracking the effort say while …

In a recent AARP survey of Minnesotans age 45 years and older, 90% said having enough income or savings to retire was extremely or very important to them. (Adobe Stock)

MN Looks to Reverse Trend of Disappearing Retirement Plans

This week, a Minnesota Senate committee will consider a plan supporters said would make it easier for workers at small businesses to have retirement …

The American Rescue Plan directed more than $8 billion to Minnesota as it tried to navigate the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Poverty-Fighting Groups: Pandemic Aid Helped, But Need Persists

Data continues to surface about the impact of federal pandemic relief distributed to states as the COVID crisis took shape. A Minnesota organization …

MN Navigates School Funding as Poll Shows Support for More Aid

A Minnesota House committee heard testimony Thursday about the governor's proposed spending plan for education. As these talks unfold, public polling …

When people are trying to flee a violent conflict in places like Ukraine, they are often aided through information and resources provided by nonviolent peacekeepers. (Adobe Stock)

MN Group Applauds Funding for 'Unarmed Civilian Protection'

Humanitarian groups, including one based in Minnesota, pointed out global conflicts have been pervasive in recent years. And in those trouble spots…

Housing assistance groups say 25% of Minnesota homeowners and renters pay more than they can afford for housing. (Adobe Stock)

Market Challenges Persist, But MN Keeps Affordable Housing Solutions in Sight

Amid a challenging housing market, Minnesota has released annual funds to provide more affordable homes around the state. It coincides with efforts …

Minnesota is poised to receive more than $7 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to add infrastructure, such as EV charging stations. Many projects require matching funds from the state to take full advantage of the federal grants. (Adobe Stock)

As Session Nears, MN Faces Renewed Pressure Over Public-Works Funds

Minnesota's projected budget surplus now stands at more than $17 billion, and supporters of clean energy projects and other infrastructure needs say …

In recent years, Minnesota has had a divided state government, which has led to gridlock on several important issues. (Adobe Stock)

Looking Past Election, MN Groups Push Priorities

As Minnesota pores over midterm election results, there are calls for policymakers to pursue more protections for the state's working class, but …

Minnesota is poised to receive more than $300 million to fight the opioid crisis, with 75% going directly to hard-hit communities. (Adobe Stock)

Settlement Work Viewed as Big Part of MN AG's Office

This fall, initial payments from Minnesota's settlement with opioid manufacturers began flowing to communities to help with fallout from the epidemic…

In Minnesota, an estimated 64-thousand people care for older parents, spouses, children and adults with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Caregivers to Candidates: Don't Forget About Us This Election

Issues such as crime and safety are getting a lot of attention on the campaign trail in Minnesota, but those who have taken on the role of family …

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PNS Daily Newscast - May 8, 2024

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MN: Budget Policy & Priorities