skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

No last-minute deal for Canada or Mexico to avoid tariffs, Trump says; Rural AZ hotel's solar installation in limbo after federal funding freeze; Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade; New findings: State workforces suffer when abortion restrictions tighten.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration puts 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. New York wants newly fired federal workers for state service, and the GAO's High Risk report finds ways to make the government more efficient.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

U.S. farmers are left twisting in the wind over farm projects the federal funding freeze has stalled, parks and public lands could be a mess for visiting tourists this summer, while money to fight rural wildfires is in jeopardy.

Hunger Relief, Equal Rights to See Legislative Push in MN

play audio
Play

Wednesday, January 6, 2021   

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota lawmakers have kicked off the 2021 session, with pandemic-related issues commanding most of the attention. Advocates of specific proposals, some directly connected to the crisis, hope to see some movement.

The pandemic has shed new light on hunger in Minnesota and across the country. Hunger Solutions Minnesota estimates local food shelves saw 3.75 million visitors last year, the highest ever. Leah Gardner, the group's policy director, said there's also strong demand for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and they'd like the state to adjust eligibility requirements.

"We want to increase the income threshold, which I think is a perfect thing for us to do at the state level," she said, "because we can get more families eligible by making a state-level change."

Because it's federally funded, Gardner said, it wouldn't add costs for Minnesota. For the long term, Hunger Solutions wants all students to have access to free school meals, not just those who qualify. She said that could keep families from struggling with lunch debt if they suddenly fall into poverty. However, legislative leaders have questioned whether that can be addressed amid other budget demands.

Supporters of an Equal Rights Amendment say they're pushing again for adoption of a state bill. The federal amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, reached a milestone in 2019 when Virginia became the last state needed to ratify the proposal. Minnesota joined the federal movement early on, but it's been a struggle to get a state change approved.

Heather Allison, president of ERA Minnesota, said they're not giving up.

"We are back to square one," she said. "We have to get new bill numbers, new bill authors."

Most opposition has been in the Senate, where some Republicans have questioned past bills including the word "gender," saying it could open the door to debates about transgender individuals using facilities designated for the opposite sex. Allison said they've worked with lawmakers on the language. She also noted that some newly elected Senate Republicans have signaled their support.

Disclosure: Hunger Solutions Minnesota contributes to our fund for reporting on Hunger/Food/Nutrition, Livable Wages/Working Families. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
A 2023 study by the Pew Charitable Trusts found states with retirement savings programs for private-sector workers saw increased participation rates and higher savings balances among low- and moderate-income workers. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

For many Mississippians, saving for retirement feels out of reach. Nearly 48% of private-sector workers in the state lack access to employer-…


Environment

play sound

New legislation would help build more wildlife crossings across Oregon highways to make roads safer for people and animals. Research shows that …

Social Issues

play sound

The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association are suing the Trump administration over a threat of funding cuts and inv…


Lake algae blooms can release toxins posing serious risks to humans, pets and wildlife, potentially causing illness or even death. (Pete Niesen Photo/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Each summer, more lake beaches shut down as toxic algae blooms spread across the water and while climate change is often blamed, new research …

Health and Wellness

play sound

The U.S. had more than 500 mass shootings last year, and a new program launched in Denver hopes to prevent targeted violence before it happens…

According to a new national report, businesses are responding to a patchwork of abortion bans across the country, with some offering relocation assistance and expanded benefits amid a backlash against tighter restrictions. (Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

The 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn federal abortion protections continues to be felt. New research now suggests states where bans have …

Health and Wellness

play sound

Advocates are urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would approve medical aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. A poll last …

Health and Wellness

play sound

Open enrollment for health insurance from the online marketplace is over, but Wyoming experts are reminding tribal members that they qualify to …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021