2007 Minnesota Legislature preview

December 26, 2006

Minnesota lawmakers have a new slate as they convene Jan. 3 for a session due to wrap up by mid-May. It'll all depend on how quickly they can set the state's two-year budget, the only must-do item before them. Though Gov. Tim Pawlenty scratched out an election win, his fellow Republicans gave up a lot of ground in the Legislature. The governor will deal with a House and Senate firmly in DFL control, nearly by veto-proof margins. That could fundamentally affect how state government raises money, sets its spending priorities and regulates business and personal behavior.

Property tax relief is front and center at Capitol
Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders say a shared priority for the 2007 session is to provide homeowners some relief from rising property taxes.January 2, 2007
Capitol consensus: More money for schools
There's one thing everyone at the Capitol seems to agree on for the 2007 legislative session -- Minnesota's public schools will get more money. But it may not be enough for some parents and education groups, who are calling for an overhaul of the way Minnesota funds schools.December 27, 2006
Early childhood education could get major funding boost
Advocates of early childhood education are optimistic that the upcoming legislative session will include a major funding boost for programs that prepare children for school.December 26, 2006
Will governor and lawmakers find common ground to insure all kids?
Gov. Pawlenty and legislators agree this is the year to deal with providing universal health insurance coverage to all Minnesota kids.December 29, 2006
Higher ed counting on a big boost from Legislature
The state's higher education institutions dare to envision a legislative session that could help stem increases in tuition.December 27, 2006
Legislators in a race to keep up with transportation needs
Declining gas tax revenue and road and transit needs await the 2007 Legislature.December 26, 2006
City leaders looking for green light on Stop on Red
The city of Minneapolis is looking to the 2007 Legislature for help with a controversial traffic enforcement program that uses remote cameras to nab drivers who run red lights.January 1, 2007