Government & Politics

Plus: Bemidji School Board approves $1M+ in cuts; and the state's Department of Human Services is hosting in-person and virtual workshops on its second draft of proposed child care licensing standards.

According to unofficial results, Keri Heintzeman earned 60.27% of the vote in the race against DFLer Denise Slipy for Senate District 6.

The state Department of Human Services is accepting public feedback on its second draft to modernize child care licensing standards through June 30, 2025.

At Minnesota's Capitol, state lawmakers are trying to come together on a new two-year budget, estimated to land at around $66 billion.

Republican Keri Heintzeman and DFLer Denise Slipy are running for the Minnesota Senate in the April 29 special election. Find results here after polls close.

The $3.66 billion budget bill the House passed on April 25, 2025, increases state spending for the next two years by $50M for public safety and $30M for courts.

DFLer Denise Slipy raised the majority of her funds after the primary. Republican Keri Heintzeman's pace has slowed, but her totals are still far above Slipy's.

The proposed measure would help offset the amount of a voter-approved operating levy paid for with local property taxes.

The DFL candidate answered questions about subjects ranging from rising cost of living, housing and child care to education, abortion and gun ownership.

The DFL said Heintzeman violated individual contribution limits. Heintzeman said she confirmed the legality of her donations with the state campaign finance board.