After serving in the minority during the recently concluded 2013 legislative session, two central Minnesota state senators reflected on the session this week and on the impact of the laws that were enacted under DFL leadership. Sen.

...Johnson, DFL-Tower, said he recognizes the need to update and improve some tax laws. But he said Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration has to take a more active role in that process. ''I have yet to see a bill on that from the administration...

...required to stay within the increase, they are being watched closely by legislators and state officials. Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration is voicing displeasure with the increases.

PINE RIVER - With only three hours to spare, the Pine River-Backus School District and its teachers reached a contract settlement Tuesday that saved the district $36,000 in state fines, or a $25-per-student penalty.

...numerous Twin Cities opponents is that the money would be better spent on improving bus service. In fact, Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration is being sued because a light rail opponent claims a study about bus service as an alternative to light...

Ventura comes up with an idea that's accountable and prudent Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration has made a smart move by changing the way state agencies are funded and adding incentives to put out-of-date programs out to pasture.

...numbers from the U.S. Census, due in March. Dean Barkley, who is heading the redistricting effort for Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration, said a top goal will be to keep the decision out of the courts. "Everyone hopes that this thing can...

...and schools. Day, R-Owatonna, said Wednesday he hopes to win support from legislators who believe Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration is underfunding transportation and education. He said the legislation would allow private interests to...

GLENWOOD (AP) - Life is good at American Business Forms, a fast-growing national company based in this pretty small town. Traffic is light, people greet one another on the street and the Pizza Ranch doubles as the company cafeteria.

...Even with the House committee action, prospects for major change this year appear dim. The Senate and Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration have shown little appetite for taking a new direction. Nonetheless, the House committee approved one...