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Today's Question Blog

How would your life change if same-sex marriage passes in Minnesota?

Same-sex couples who’ve been together for years will soon have the option of getting married if the Minnesota Senate, as expected, passes legislation Monday legalizing same-sex marriage and recognizing out-of-state marriages, writes MPR News reporter Rupa Shenoy. Many Minnesota couples are trying to understand how their lives will change. One of those couples is Lisa…
by Michael Olson

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Should the state limit frac sand mining to protect trout streams?

Legislation that would prohibit frac sand mining within a mile of a trout stream or spring in southeastern Minnesota would prevent at least 10 proposed frac sand mines in the region from being developed, according to a new analysis. MPR News: Minnesota Sands spokesman Mitch Bublitz said frac sand mining opponents were using trout as…
by Michael Olson

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When is it ok for a lawmaker to vote against the will of a majority of his or her constituents?

Last year, in Aitkin in north-central Minnesota, a solid majority of people voted for a proposed constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman, effectively banning same-sex marriages. Even so, the first-term representative from the area says he will vote for the bill to legalize same-sex marriage. His constituents are not happy.…
by Michael Olson

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Should felons be forced to identify their criminal history on job applications?

Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would force private employers to remove questions asking job applicants about their criminal history until the applicant has secured an interview. A similar measure has been in place since 2009 for public employers in the state. The Cities: The fear is that hiring managers are weeding out candidates…
by Michael Olson

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Is now the time for lawmakers to take action that would redefine marriage in Minnesota?

Legislation to make same-sex marriage legal in Minnesota has cleared its last committee in the state House, and a long-anticipated floor vote could be coming by the end of the week. House DFL leaders still are not revealing their plans for the bill or whether they have the 68 votes needed to pass it. Senate…
by Michael Olson

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What’s one lesson a teacher taught you that matters today?

A St. Paul Public Schools educator is Minnesota’s 2013 Teacher of the Year. Megan Hall teaches high school biology and life sciences at Open World Learning Community in downtown St. Paul, and said Sunday that the achievement gap in education is the biggest issue facing her field. Today’s Question: What’s one lesson a teacher taught…
by Michael Olson

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Should medicinal marijuana be legal in Minnesota?

A bill outlining how Minnesota could regulate medicinal marijuana is sparking debate in St Paul. This bill, brought forward by Rep. Carly Melin, DFL-Hibbing, addresses some of the problems medical marijuana has encountered in 18 other states. Melin said her bill “strikes the appropriate balance between compassion, health and safety.” Key provisions: Patients who are…
by Michael Olson

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Should the Plan B contraceptive pill be available to women 15 and up without a prescription?

The Department of Justice is appealing a U.S. district court ruling that would make the Plan B emergency contraceptive pill available to females age 15 and older without a prescription. Prior to the judge’s ruling Plan B was available without prescription only to females aged 17 and up. The pill also had to be locked…
by Michael Olson

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Should prosecutors be allowed more discretion before adding kids to sex offender registries?

“Offenses triggering inclusion on the registries can range widely — from rape to consensual sex between children to “sexting” of photos that depict nudity or sexual activity,” reports the Associated Press. Human Rights Watch is calling for reform of the laws. The group points to the case of a young man, Austin, from Louisiana who…
by Michael Olson

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How does Jason Collins’ coming out change the discussion about gay equality?

I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay. I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation. — Jason Collins Jason Collins plays center for the Washington Wizards and came out in Sports Illustrated,…
by Michael Olson

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