Republican legislators push for 'right-to-work' amendment

On Wednesday Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed so-called “right-to-work” legislation into law, making it illegal for employment to be contingent on paying union dues. Indiana became the first state in a decade to enact such a policy.

Senate Finance Committee unanimously backs Schowalter

Many of the questions focused on the government shutdown last year, and whether steps should be taken to ensure state spending or programs continue in the event of a future impasse.

Marriage amendment donor bases a study in contrasts

Minnesota will witness a multimillion-dollar referendum on the issue of gay marriage in 2012. Opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman raised $1.2 million in cash contributions in 2011.

Legislative caucuses: They’re in the money

The four partisan caucuses that make up the Minnesota Legislature raised millions of dollars for their campaigns in 2011.

Tort reform lands in the House

The contentious issue of tort reform was the subject of several hours of debate on the state House floor on Wednesday. Republicans argue that tort reform will help the business climate. DFLers lined up amendments to challenge the bill.

Anoka-Hennepin teacher to challenge Sen. Benson

A key figure in opposing the school district's controversial sexual-orientation policy will challenge first-term Sen. Michelle Benson in Senate District 49

Congressional fundraising: Kline's $873,000 on hand, Peterson reports $676,000

Michele Bachmann reported that her congressional campaign collected more than $4.6 million in 2011, but spent more than $6.2 million and ended with just $250,000 on hand.

House and Senate GOP release March committee deadlines

Both chambers sent out a memorandum on Tuesday setting three March deadlines for committee work during the 2012 session.

Campaign finance complaint against Sen. Thompson dismissed

The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board has dismissed a complaint alleging reporting violations by Sen. Dave Thompson. Earlier this month the Minnesota DFL Party filed a complaint against the GOP legislator arguing that $70,000 in payments from the state Republican Party should have been disclosed in a public filing.

House GOP raises $1m in 2011, DFL caucus raises $860k

Fundraising and spending reports are due from all four legislative caucuses to the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure board on Tuesday.