Legislators, staff, and visitors are starting to navigate their way around the renovated Capitol. A few hundred bills were introduced this week in the Minnesota Legislature, including Rep. Jim Newberger’s bill to authorize a combined cycle natural gas plant in Becker. But the talk of the Capitol complex this week was about a power outage, which occurred at the complex on Wednesday.
via Mary LaHammer’s Twitter account.Committee hearings were postponed and even the long time public affairs television show Almanac: At the Capitol had to cancel its weekly live show do to the lack of power. The outage was caused by an issue with an Xcel Energy substation near the Capitol.
Healthcare and taxes continue to dominate the discussion in both the Senate and the House. The Senate took up their tax conformity bill this week as well. The legislation would bring Minnesota’s tax laws in-line with the federal government. The bill is now headed to Gov. Dayton’s desk.
Other topics:
Real ID: Minnesota is currently one of a few states without federally compliant driver’s licenses. House and Senate leaders are working on a compromise that would allow Minnesotans to access federal buildings or get through airport security before the year-end deadline.
Uniform minimum wage: In response to municipal efforts to increase the minimum wage, legislators introduced a bill for a one statewide uniform minimum wage.
Renewable development fund: The renewable development fund is proposed to be renamed the Energy Fund. The fund, paid for by Xcel Energy, is used for wind, solar, and hydro projects. The legislation also eliminates the incentives for the ‘Made in Minnesota’ solar project.
Sunday Sales: Sunday Sales of wine, beer, and spirits continues to be a hot topic among legislators. A bill was introduced this week as well.
Bonding: Governor Dayton introduced a $1.5 billion bonding bill this week. Expect the House and Senate to introduce bonding bills later in the session.