Clock is Ticking at the Capitol

Getting another bill signed into law in the only divided government in the nation could help the governor and lawmakers build some momentum towards in the end of the legislative session. “Gratifying to see bipartisan group come here to do the right thing,” says Gov. Tim Walz (DFL-MN). “Today we make history for Minnesota,” says Rep. Zach Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids). “It's a foundational change,” says Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake). The bill was to make marital rape a crime.

A brave Jenny Teeson told her difficult story of being raped by her husband and authorities struggling to bring charges against him.  “Schools are great but if you want to get schooled in politics, spend some time down here!,” said Teeson. Her father Jerry Teeson proclaimed, “we’re so proud of our daughter, she changed the world.”

Many other tough issues remain, including scrapping the new licensing system MNLARS and spending more money to replace it. Leaders say again it's a good sign they're working together. Republican Transportation Chair Sen. Scott Newman called it a “really a good day, something to look forward to, first time I see the end of the tunnel." DFL Transportation Chair Rep Frank Hornstein added, “I feel we’ve turned corner both technically and politically." The two have worked well together all session, also coming up with a bipartisan solution to requiring hands-free cell phone use in cars.

But bridging the divide on a gas tax increase won't be easy. It's one of the many budget issues lawmakers and the governor have to work out by session's end May 20th or before government would shut down July 1.