Latest news with #MinnesotaSenate
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers consider axing program that has helped lower electric bills for over 40 years: 'A slap in the face to workers and families'
A bill introduced in Minnesota threatens to reshape the community solar program and financial incentives for residents who generate their own solar energy. Community solar advocates note that the program was just updated in 2023 to prioritize low-income communities. And the net metering system that essentially pays household producers of solar power has been operating, in some form, for more than 40 years, according to Canary Media. The Minnesota Senate advanced a bipartisan energy omnibus bill this spring. By definition, it aims to make a number of changes. One would be to end the state's community solar program in 2028. Another big change would be to net metering, which enables residents who generate their own power with at-home solar panels to sell excess energy back to the grid in exchange for credits. According to Canary, "The Senate bill would eliminate that option for systems in electric cooperative and municipal utility territories that apply for grid connections after Dec. 31, 2026, and instead set compensation using a less generous 'avoided cost' standard." Critics of the bill note that customers living outside of major cities could be hardest hit by this change — people like farmers and rural families. Proponents of the bill say small, rooftop systems are not efficient and large-scale projects should be prioritized, while others note that could put companies first. In 2023, then-Governor Tim Walz signed a bill setting 2040 as the year by which all of the state's energy would come from clean, carbon-free sources. Climate-positive initiatives like net metering and community solar have been seen by many as a part of the plan to meet that fast-approaching deadline. The local CLEAR Energy Coalition wrote to Senate committee members in April, opposing the changes the bill would make to net metering, saying that they "would unfairly reduce compensation for rooftop solar owners in rural areas and small towns ... . This would take away options from farmers, households, and small businesses who want to lower their energy costs." Of community solar programs, Pouya Najmaie, policy and regulatory director at Cooperative Energy Futures, said in a statement that they "power 30,000 Minnesotans, create local jobs, and save people money, especially renters, low-income households and public interest institutions." "All of this makes it the largest and most equitable form of solar in the state," Najmaie continued. "Killing this program is a gift to monopoly utilities—and a slap in the face to workers and families." Proponents of the bill say these programs have been successful, but their time is over. In an editorial for the Star Tribune, Minnesota Rural Electric Association CEO Darrick Moe and Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association CEO Karleen Kos called them "outdated" and unfair to low-income families who can't afford solar panels themselves. Do you think governments should ban gas stoves? Heck yes! Only in new buildings Only in restaurants Heck no! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. News about proposed changes like this can be discouraging for homeowners who want to save money on their utility bills while contributing less pollution to the environment. It's worth noting that the Minnesota bill has not yet passed and could be altered as it moves through the legislative process. Constituents who voice their preferences for its final form could end up influencing the path it takes. Meanwhile, community solar programs thrive in many other places. They can often provide a lower barrier to entry for those who desire access to clean energy and cost savings. And since 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act has offered tax credits and rebates to U.S. residents switching to solar and similar upgrades. The Trump administration has voiced an intention to end its incentives, so those looking to take advantage of potential savings on solar systems might consider acting sooner rather than later. Legally, however, it would take an act of Congress to make major changes to the IRA. While local policies continue to be worked out, the technology has been advancing. Developers have created high-efficiency tandem solar panels that produce more energy than standard versions while taking up the same amount of space. Thin, flexible panels are also in the works, as is wearable solar tech. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former MN Senator Justin Eichorn pleads not guilty in federal court
The Brief Former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn pleaded not guilty Monday afternoon in St. Paul federal court to charges that he attempted to solicit an underage sex worker last month. Eichorn was arrested last month in Bloomington as part of a prostitution sting. Eichorn resigned from the Minnesota Senate hours before lawmakers were going to have him expelled. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn appeared in St. Paul federal court Monday afternoon, during which he entered a not guilty plea as he's accused of trying to solicit an underage sex worker last month. Before the court hearing, Eichorn had filed a request to have the conditions of his release from a Duluth halfway house eased to have contact with his four children. His legal team withdrew that motion on Monday. His current conditions don't allow him to have contact with children under 18 years old. Timeline Eichorn will have a motions hearing at 2 p.m. on June 18. The backstory Bloomington police announced last month Eichorn had been arrested as part of a prostitution sting. According to the charges, Eichorn is accused of texting an undercover officer he believed was a 17-year-old girl. Police say Eichorn tried to negotiate rates, asked how much not to use a condom, and arranged a meet-up time. However, when Eichorn allegedly showed up to meet with the teen, police say he was arrested. What we know Eichorn, a Republican, faced calls from both sides of the aisle to resign after his arrest in March. The Senate GOP brought forth a motion to expel him from the chamber, but Eichorn ultimately resigned hours before the motion could be heard. After initially being charged in Hennepin County Court, the case was moved to federal court where Eichorn faces charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. In the days following the arrest, Eichorn's wife also filed for divorce. Why you should care Eichorn resigned from his Minnesota Senate seat on March 20, just hours before state lawmakers were going to make a motion to expel him. A special election to fill Eichorn's seat is set for April 29. Republican Keri Heintzeman and Democrat Denise Slipy are set to face off in the race for Senate District 6.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MN GOP files ethics complaint against DFL Senate President Bobby Joe Champion
The Brief An ethics complaint accuses the Minnesota Senate President of violating Senate rules. The Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct is asked to investigate Sen. Champion's affiliation with 21 Days of Peace and legislation he authored that directed money to the organization. Sen. Champion said he "voluntarily sought an advisory committee" for the same facts before they were brought forward by GOP lawmakers. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (DFL- Minneapolis) is facing an ethics complaint from GOP lawmakers who accuse him of violating Senate rules by authoring legislation that directed funds to an organization he is affiliated with. GOP lawmakers announced the complaint filing on Friday morning. Sen. Champion points out that he notified the Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct on Monday of the same questions highlighted in the complaint. The Minnesota Legislature is on a scheduled recess from noon on Friday, April 11, through noon on Monday, April 21, to commemorate Easter and Passover. What they're saying The ethics complaint accuses Sen. Champion of violating Senate Rules 56.1 and 56.3 for allegedly "sponsoring legislation appropriating money to a legal client without disclosing the client relationship," adding that "Senator Champion authored legislation in 2023 and 2025 directing money to this client, including legislation that was signed into law in 2023 and sent $3 million to a client." That client, Rev. Jerry McAfee, runs the violence prevention organization 21 Days of Peace. READ MORE: New concerns over Minneapolis violence prevention funding decisions The complaint states that Sen. Champion represented Rev. McAfee, and his nonprofit, Salem Inc., in several financial disputes. The complaint then references news articles where Sen. Champion acknowledged the legal work but did not disclose it because it concluded before the start of the legislative session and no money was exchanged for the pro-bono service. The complaint points out that Sen. Champion's ability to testify before the Minnesota Senate in an "honest and unbiased or neutral manner before the Minnesota Senate" because of legal obligations owed to his client. GOP legislators conclude that "The failure to disclose his personal relationships with Rev. Jerry McAfee and Salem, Inc. violated Senate Rules by falling short of the highest ethical standards, betraying the public trust, and giving the appearance that his independence of judgment was impaired by his legal relationship with Rev. McAfee and Salem, Inc." READ MORE: Minneapolis violence prevention workers charged after one of them was shot The full ethics complaint can be viewed below: Click to open this PDF in a new window. The other side Sen. Champion shared the following written statement to FOX 9 on Friday morning in response to the GOP filing: "I am aware that the Republicans have filed an ethics complaint based upon the same facts for which I voluntarily sought an advisory committee from the Senate Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct. "To allow this process to move forward, I've also asked to temporarily step aside from my role as chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee until this situation is resolved.I was not paid for the legal work in question, and have a practice of not charging churches that ask me for legal support or advice. "The Supreme Court encourages lawyers to provide pro bono services as a part of our practice. Our conflict of interest rules cover situations that directly and financially benefit individual legislators. "Because my work in this matter occurred in the past, and was unpaid, there was no potential conflict to disclose." READ MORE: New concerns over Minneapolis violence prevention funding decisions The Source This story used information from statements made by Sen. Champion and the ethics complaint to the subcommittee on ethical conduct.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MN daycare mandate to require cameras removed from bill
The Brief Legislation to force daycare centers to have surveillance cameras was removed from the bill before it could be voted on. The proposal was authored by a representative whose daughter was abused at a daycare in Blaine. House representatives who removed the mandate said it didn't have Minnesota Senate support and there were concerns over expense. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A Minnesota state representative lost his bid to force day care centers to have surveillance cameras. Minnesota Rep. Nolan West's (R-Blaine) bill came less than a year after his daughter was abused at Small World Daycare Center in Blaine. READ MORE: Parents horrified after Blaine daycare employees arrested for abuse Big picture view Rep. Nolan West says he agreed with his DFL counterparts to include the mandate and that they also agreed to fund it with $500,000. READ MORE: Security cams in MN daycares required under new bill before lawmakers But as the committee finalized their bill, the Democrats took out the mandate. West appeared emotional when he spoke and began to slowly lose his voice, saying, "We don't want to create a burden that is insurmountable," he said, taking a long pause before saying, "I probably covered it." READ MORE: Family's daycare abuse experience drives proposed new MN laws The Democrats on his committee said they were hearing the Minnesota Senate wasn't going to support the mandate because stakeholders had concerns about safe storage and how expensive it might be. Instead, Democrats offered a task force to study those concerns, as well as the half million dollars for daycare centers that wanted to add cameras on their own. Dig deeper Elizabeth Augusta Wiemerslage, 23, and Chloe Kaye Johnson, 24, were arrested in July after surveillance video allegedly showed them being rough with multiple infants in their care. Wiemerslage is facing aiding and abetting charges for three counts of felony malicious punishment of a child under four, two counts of third-degree assault against a victim under four and one count of third-degree assault of substantial bodily harm. READ MORE: Blaine daycare teacher charged with abusing infants enters guilty plea According to court records, Wiemerslage filed a petition to enter a guilty plea to one count each of aiding and abetting malicious punishment of a child under the age of four and third-degree assault, in exchange for the other charges being dropped. Wiemerslage's sentencing has been scheduled for May 16. Johnson is charged with three counts of malicious punishment of a child, and third-degree assault of a victim under 4-years-old. Her next court appearance is set for May 13. The Source This story used information from lawmaker testimony and past FOX 9 reporting.
CBS News
08-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Minn. Senate President Bobby Joe Champion steps back as ethics panel chair amid conflict-of-interest concerns
Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion said he would temporarily step down as chair of the chamber's ethics committee in the wake of concerns that he did not disclose a conflict of interest when bringing forward legislation that would send grant money to a local nonprofit. The Minnesota Reformer first reported the connection last week. The nonprofit online news outlet said Champion, a Democrat representing north Minneapolis, in 2022 worked in his private capacity as an attorney for Rev. Jerry McAfee and his nonprofit Salem Inc.—a connection he did not share when he brought forward legislation this session that would steer a $1 million state grant to McAfee's 21 Days of Peace violence prevention organization. Champion told the Reformer he did the work pro bono and that he didn't need to disclose it because it preceded the 2023-2024 legislative session, during which he also advocated for funding for 21 Days of Peace. On Monday in a statement, he said he would temporarily step aside as chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Ethics pending advice from the panel, which Senate rules allow members to do should an issue arise. "I understand that questions have been raised about a potential conflict of interest regarding my work as a senator and a private practice attorney. Out of an abundance of caution, I have asked the Senate Ethics Subcommittee for an advisory opinion," Champion said. During a Monday afternoon meeting of the Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee, Champion, who is the chairman, walked through the draft of the budget bill that includes grants for community organizations offering workforce development and job training. Sen. Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, asked Champion if, in light of the Reformer report, he could assure the committee that he "had no legal contracts with any of the named organizations in this bill." Champion replied that it's "challenging" when "someone tries to smear your name with what's written in the papers," but that he "1,000%" did not represent anyone in the large budget proposal that will be worked on through the end of the session . "I just want to make sure that I assure you I am not representing anyone that is outlined on our sheet—not pro bono, not for a fee, nothing," Champion said. This story will be updated.
