Minnesota Legislature: Natural Resources



The prospects of the state lawmakers taking up a constitutional amendment on natural resources during a summer special session are over. DFL Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson Thursday rejected the latest Republican House offer to raise the state sales tax by one-eighth of 1 percent for hunting and fishing habitats. (06/08/2006)
Many hunting and fishing enthusiasts are frustrated that lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session without agreeing on a bill to dedicate a portion of the state sales tax to conservation funding. But other environmental groups say the session did produce a few important victories. (05/23/2006)
With time running out, House and Senate negotiators have been unable to bridge a fundamental difference between their bills. The House bill would dedicate a percentage of existing sales taxes, while the Senate wants a sales tax increase. (05/17/2006)
A group calls on politicians to make the state's natural resources a priority that is equal in importance to education, health care and transportation. Envision Minnesota says it is focusing its attention on the 2006 gubernatorial candidates. (05/05/2006)
Gas prices are headed up. Analysts say we'll be paying upwards of $3 a gallon at the pump before Memorial Day. Will people start looking to electric cars, reaching for the ethanol and springing for the latest hybrids to save money? (Midday, 04/12/2006)
Should Minnesota constitutionally dedicate a small portion of its sales tax to conservation? What about the arts? If Minnesota amends the constitution, should the sales tax be raised? Or, should the money be taken out of the general fund? (Midday, 04/11/2006)
The Minnesota Senate has approved legislation that lets voters decide whether to raise sales taxes to benefit environmental programs and the arts. (04/03/2006)
A bill that would ask voters to dedicate a portion of the sales tax to environmental projects has become so loaded down with other proposals that even the bill's sponsor says he doesn't recognize it. Supporters of the measure are upset with the changes. (03/22/2006)
Minnesota's outdoor legacy is responsible for a large measure of its reputation as a state with a great quality of life. But will it stand up to the pressures of the 21st century? What should the state's vision be toward the environment? (Midday, 03/16/2006)

MPR News
Radio

Listen Now

Other Radio Streams from MPR

Classical MPR
Radio Heartland

Services