Reps. Hansen, Atkins Vote 'Yes' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Both Mendota Heights representatives said yes to the same-sex marriage bill on Thursday afternoon.

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation that would extend marriage to same-sex couples in a 75-59 vote Thursday afternoon. Mendota Heights Reps. Joe Atkins (D-52B) and Rick Hansen (D-52A) both voted in favor of the measure. The bill will go to the Senate floor Monday. If passed, Gov. Mark Dayton will be the last step to sign the bill into law. Neither Hansen nor Atkins spoke during the debate. Atkins, though posted this item on his campaign's Facebook page on Thursday's vote: In many places around the world, a disagreement over an emotional issue like this would boil into a battle settled with rocks or guns or bombs. Here, it is settled with speeches and political pressure and voting. I'm proud of the process and of the …

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Donald Lee

3:35 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2013

For those of you who object to what's going on in St. Paul, send flowers in a silent, civil protest. Details: http://mendotaheights.patch.com/blog_posts/please-send-flowers   more ›

WATCH: Livestream Video of Same-Sex Marriage Debate, Vote at MN House

The Minnesota House of Representatives takes up the bill at noon on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

  Watch live here as the Minnesota House of Representatives debates and votes on a bill to make same-sex marriage legal on Thursday, May 9, 2013, starting at noon.  The top video above will carry the action on the House floor via The UpTake. The lower video, from The UpTake's cameras in Minnesota Capitol corridors, is set to show crowds supporting or opposing gay marriage that may gather outside the House chamber.

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Jimmy

11:24 am on Thursday, May 16, 2013

There has always been talk of how married couples pay MORE taxes. Many married couples have been divorced because it reduces their taxes. Now BLT-G couples can pay more once they are married. I agree it would be best if Government didn't favor or punish people who are married, why is that appropriate. If Government wants to give parents with kids a break fine but the tax code should be clean …   more ›

Video: Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passes Minnesota Senate Finance Committee

The bill is poised to move to the floors of the Minnesota House and Senate.

Update: The same-sex marriage bill passed the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee on a voice vote just after noon on Tuesday. Check above for a replay video. The Minnesota House of Representatives will vote on the bill on Thursday. Original post: Watch a video livestream of the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee Tuesday as the committee debates and votes on a bill that would make same-sex marriages legal in Minnesota.  It is the up fourth item on the committee's Tuesday morning agenda. The video in the window above (or at The Uptake) will show first the Minnesota Senate Education Committee discussion of another bill addressing the problem of bullying.

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Tony Challeen

4:11 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2013

Mike, your view of marriage is limiting and quite frankly medieval. You do know that the definitions of words change throughout time, right?   more ›

Snow Pounds South Metro and Construction Season Comes Next: South Metro Rewind

Also in this week's wrap: A reprieve for Northfield students, and Sobriety High gets kicked off the state's financial bus.

Take a trip around Dakota County and the south metro with this week's rundown of top news.  For the original story, simply click on the link in the headline.  Watch Out Motorists: Major Interstate 35E Closures Start May 3 MnDOT will be closing portions of Interstate 35E and 35W in May to make repairs to the freeway interchange in Burnsville. Parkview Will Open on May 3 for 'Last Hurrah' Proceeds from the golf course, which is slated for redevelopment, will go toward several local charity causes. Eagan Actress Nominated for Second Tony Award Eagan High School graduate Laura Osnes earned her second Tony Award nomination for her role as Cinderella. Sobriety High to Close After School Year Concludes After 21 years of service to students …

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Council to Mull Hunter, Orchard Street Improvement Project Bids

The Hunter and Orchard neighborhood street improvement project bids are in. There are four of them and they range from $1.44 million to $1.63 million.

The Hunter and Orchard neighborhood street improvement project got four bids, and the City Council will discuss them and possibily select one at its May 7 meeting. The bids: VIEW THE AGENDA

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End of Session Rush

Legislators shouldn't get a pay raise, says blogger Don Lee.

The End of Global War?

Blogger Don Lee reflects on the Boston bombings.

City Spring Clean Up Starts Saturday Morning

The event will be accepting electronics, mattresses, scrap metals, miscellaneous junk, bicycles, home remodeling debris and more.

South Metro News Roundup

Northfield Teen Murdered in AZ, Mehring Ends Run for Congress: South Metro News Recap

Also in this week's round-up: A farewell to Lakeville's editor and another housing development makes headway in Eagan.

Take a trip around Dakota County and the south metro with this week's rundown of top news.  For the original story, simply click on the link in the headline.  Fifth Affordable Housing Complex in the Works for Eagan The Dakota County Community Development Agency wants to construct a 50-unit facility near Lemay Lake in Eagan. Mehring Ends Campaign for Congress, Will Return to CaringBridge Eagan resident Sona Mehring announced earlier in April that she planned to run for Minnesota's Second Congressional seat. Developer Submits Plans for Four-Story Senior Living Complex in Eagan Southview Senior Communities wants to build a 148-unit senior living building at 4232 Blackhawk Road. The company's request will go before the Eagan Advisory Planning …

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