Government & Politics

In their final hours before the session ended, lawmakers passed a county hospital bailout, an infrastructure bill and small cuts to car tab fees and property taxes.

Here’s what made it into the Legislature's infrastructure package and what lawmakers and others had to say about it May 17, 2026.

The Legislature must take action by Sunday night, May 17, 2026, to avoid the impacts on the Outdoor Heritage Fund projects set to begin or continue in coming months.

The deal is Gov. Tim Walz’s last, as his term ends in January and he’s not seeking reelection. The deadlocked Minnesota House — jointly controlled by Republicans and Democrats — has tempered Walz’s ambitions.

Financial Controller Barb Baird said she brought the decision to the Council because other cities have been making similar moves.

As this week wears on, the bonding bill may become the Legislature’s main focus. When exactly that happens, largely depending on lawmakers resolving fraud and HCMC tax funding legislation, will help determine the package’s outcome.

With hundreds laid off and bleak economics, Iron Range leaders are warning elected officials to carefully plan their budgets over the next few years.

The bill’s proposed portal, accessible via the Internet, would provide contractors and subcontractors a place to submit payroll reports, which would be stored in a database for public or state use.

The Permanent School Fund uses revenue from the sale of timber, minerals and land on 2.5 million acres of School Trust Lands to fund public school districts and charter schools around Minnesota.

When infectious and pathological waste is found in any unauthorized refuse center, the facility has to shut down and open an investigation.