Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Mike Mulcahy and Julie Siple

Two months in, what has the state Legislature accomplished?

The grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol are covered in slushy, wet snow.
The grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol are covered in slushy, wet snow Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018.
Brian Bakst | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Minnesota lawmakers must agree on a balanced two-year budget by May 20 or risk a special session. They kicked off the year with optimism, talking of a fresh start and plans to get things done early.

But the situation quickly got complicated, as disagreements over the size and priorities of that budget emerged. This week, a revised economic forecast showed that lawmakers still have a surplus to work with, but the size of the surplus slipped to about $1 billion, down from an estimated $1.5 billion in November.

Meanwhile, a hearing on gun legislation drew a huge crowd and DFL Gov. Tim Walz has proposed a $1.27 billion list of public construction projects.

Overall, how's the session going? MPR News political editor Mike Mulcahy spoke with two MPR reporters about what's going on at the Capitol.

Guests:

• Briana Bierschbach, MPR News political reporter

• Tim Pugmire, MPR News political reporter

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.