Politics and Government News

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Minnesota Legislature speeds $21M in coronavirus money
Gov. Tim Walz praised lawmakers for “working in a totally nonpartisan manner” shortly before the 64-0 vote in the Republican-controlled Senate. The Democratic-controlled House passed the bill soon afterward, 133-0. Walz is expected to sign the bill Tuesday.
Get ready to be counted: Census questionnaires go live on Thursday
Most Minnesotans will have their first contact with the 2020 census this week. Starting Thursday, the U.S. Census Bureau is sending out letters Thursday inviting residents to fill out their census questionnaires online.
With three COVID-19 cases in Minnesota, state officials say it’s too early to cancel large gatherings. But one state lawmaker says he’s stopping all in-person meetings with constituents. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Senate takes up several violence prevention measures, and St. Paul teachers are back on the picket line.
Health officials have announced a second COVID-19 case in the state. Lawmakers are responding with a funding package that could be signed in the coming days. And Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson says he’ll run for 16th term in Congress.