Brian Bakst
MPR News
Saint Paul, MN, United States
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Past articles by Brian:
Minnesota is processing 2022 tax returns in about a week's time
Minnesota Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart says people who have filed already are mostly using electronic methods, making for a quicker turnaround. → Read More
MN Supreme Court defers to lawmakers on felon voting rights
Minnesotans convicted of felonies who have served their prison time must complete all aspects of their sentence, including parole and probation, before their voting rights are restored, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The decision puts the issue back in the hands of the Legislature. → Read More
As hunger rises in Minnesota, House passes school meals for all bill
The state would pick up the tab for most student meals under a bill passed by the Minnesota House and not far from Senate action. It would cover a daily breakfast and lunch regardless of family income. → Read More
Blackout plates, popular in other states, may be headed for Minnesota
Minnesota could soon add a new specialty license plate that officials believe will quickly become a popular option. → Read More
More than Walz checks: A deeper dive into the governor’s budget
There’s lots in the new budget Gov. Tim Walz put forward for Minnesota, including funding for post-COVID care and spurring teacher recruitment. Not all of it will attract the same level of attention. → Read More
Minnesota Legislature: DFL keeps House, gains Senate control
Voters on Tuesday kept the Minnesota House in the hands of the DFL Party, and DFLers gained control of the state Senate, giving the party total control of the Legislature and the governor’s office for the first time in nearly a decade. → Read More
After turbulent first term, Walz casts himself a 'steady hand'
Tim Walz began his term as governor four years ago calling for “One Minnesota.” After COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd, the unity he was looking for seems more elusive than ever. → Read More
Minnesota congressional candidate Paula Overby dies
The Legal Marijuana Now candidate was 68 and suffered a heart problem over the past few weeks, according to her son. → Read More
Minnesota poll: Most feel inflation ‘stress’ but not to same degree
Eight in 10 Minnesota voters say recent inflation has caused financial stress, but the bulk say it’s caused “minor” burdens on their households. One third in the MPR News/Star Tribune/KARE 11 poll describe inflation as causing “major stress.” → Read More
Minnesota notches another new low in unemployment
Minnesota’s low unemployment rate reached a new record in May, when the seasonally adjusted jobless figure hit 2 percent. → Read More
Walz keeps money edge as campaigns, groups stock up
There’s a big money gap between DFLer Tim Walz and Republican Scott Jensen as their race for governor takes shape. New campaign finance reports show where they’re putting all that cash. → Read More
In upbeat Capitol speech, Walz spotlights ‘unfinished business’
As Minnesota moves into a post-pandemic mindset, Gov. Tim Walz urged the Legislature to solve urgent issues and position the state to reach long-term goals. His State of the State speech comes with one month left in the 2022 session. → Read More
Liquor interests ponder 'cease-fire' as part of growler, distiller deal
A proposal is circulating among interest groups that would clear the way for expanded sales of growlers and other changes in Minnesota liquor laws. It’s not yet a done deal, and it wouldn’t guarantee the Legislature doesn’t make other changes. → Read More
Bill to dump Russian holdings clears Legislature
Minnesota would shed any investments in companies or government securities based in Russia and Belarus under a bill approved on a pair of unanimous votes. → Read More
Minn. lawmakers pushed to act fast on opioid settlement deal
Minnesota lawmakers could vote soon on a bill paving the way for opioid legal settlement money to begin flowing. → Read More
Unemployment rate falls, labor market tightens
Wages are climbing as unemployment drops and labor force participation rises. But inflation persists and employers are competing for increasingly hard to find workers. → Read More
Republicans propose paid family leave plan
Some Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature proposed a plan Monday that would use tax credits as an incentive for some businesses to begin to provide paid family and medical leave to their employees. Some Democrats who have been working on a larger more expensive plan called the GOP plan inadequate. But DFL Gov. Tim Walz said he was pleased to see Republicans enter the debate. → Read More
Bakk to leave Capitol after 28 years
Sen. Tom Bakk will retire at the end of the year after nearly three decades in the Minnesota Legislature. → Read More
Despite plans, precautions, COVID-19 nearly broke Minnesota hospitals. Why?
The COVID-19 pandemic defied the preparations of health care and political leaders, and has taken a toll on a care system that could last for years. As Minnesota heads into the third year of COVID, hospitals in the state are just crawling out of what may be their hardest struggle with treating patients since it all started. So why were hospitals so overwhelmed for so long? → Read More
Ready or not, the 2022 election is underway
It’s precinct caucus night in Minnesota, which serves as the starting line for a candidate selection process that will culminate with November’s vote. What does that mean? Here's a guide. → Read More