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.

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.

Mehring Ends Campaign for Congress, Will Return to CaringBridge

Sona Mehring announced earlier in April that she planned to run for Minnesota's Second Congressional seat.

Ambulance Association Could Disband, Botox for Dudes: South Metro News Roundup

Also in this week’s review: Burnsville chooses new superintendent, Shakopee joins the South Suburban Conference and a local man loses out on 'The Voice.'

Minnesota Representatives Compete in Third Delegation Hot Dish Event

Rep. Tim Walz's 'Hermann the Germann Hotdish' won this year’s competition.

AGENDA: City of Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission

The City of Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at Mendota Heights City Hall.

Carlson Wants $4 Million to Deal with Minnesota River Muck

Each week, Patch takes a closer look at the activities of Dakota and Rice Counties' legislators as part of our Capitol Review.

Kline Challengers Make it Official, Burnsville Schools Narrow the Search: South Metro News Roundup

Also in this week’s review: A new leader for the City of Burnsville staff, Little Caesar’s gets its sign wavers back.

Mendota Heights Rep. Wants Annual Invasive Species Decal for Watercraft

Each week, Patch takes a closer look at the activities of Dakota and Rice Counties' legislators as part of our Capitol Review.

Mendota Heights is Not Among Winners in New LGA Bill

Even with a new formula, the city would continue to do without the state aid payments.

Mendota Rep. Wants Lottery Money to Fund Gambling Addiction Treatment

Want to know what south metro legislators are up to? Check out Patch's weekly legislative review to find out.

Best of the Blogs: What's Mendota Heights Saying This Week?

Got something to share with your neighbors? Post it on Patch, and we might highlight it in our weekly roundup!

Is the "Newspaper of Record" a Thing of the Past?

An Eagan legislator has backed a proposal that would allow municipalities to post public notices online, rather than paying to have them placed in local newspapers.

Brodkorb Pleads Guilty to DUI in Lilydale Crash

The former Senate staffer received a year probation and fines and fees totaling $836.

Same-Sex Marriage Bill Makes It Through Senate, House Committees

The MN Senate Judiciary Committee sent a same-sex marriage bill to the full Senate on 5-3 vote, and just hours later, the Civil Law Committee in the House approved the campanion bill 10-7.

MVTA Says Yes to $6.6 Million Bus Garage Expansion

The expansion will serve the soon-to-be-opened Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit route.

How Much Has the NRA Given to John Kline and Other Minnesota Legislators?

Second District Rep. John Kline received $2,500 in contributions from the gun rights group during the 2012 election cycle.

Metzen Backs Proposal to Raise Speed Limit on I-35E

Keep track of local politics with Patch's weekly southeast metro legislative review.

Friendly Hills Students Build Metropolises with SimCity, Earn City Council Accolades

Friendly Hills Middle School students were recognized by the Mendota Heights City Council at its Feb. 19 meeting.

Clear Your Criminal Record with Help from Dakota County Class

The free clinic is scheduled for April 2 at the Wentworth Library in West St. Paul

House Passes Atkins' Health Insurance Exchange Bill

The bill, which would create an online marketplace where Minnesotans can compare and purchase health insurance coverage, is expected to pass the Senate later this week before going to a conference committee.

Same-Sex Marriage Proposal Carries Risks for Both Sides, Local Legislators Say

A bill authored by Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL) would define marriage as a union between two people—rather than a union between a man and a woman.

Atkins Announces Legislation to Protect Senior Citizens from Wire Fraud

State representative Joe Atkins (D-52B) will announce legislation today aimed at protecting elderly Minnesotans from forms of wire transfer fraud.

New Rules Regarding Birth and Death Records, Passports in Dakota County

A recent change implemented by the U.S. Department of State means the county can no longer process passports in the same building as birth and death records.

St. Thomas Student Reflects on Success after Choir Trip to Washington

The trip included personal guided tour of the White House from U.S. Rep. John Kline.

Hansen Wants to Increase Regulations on Silica Sand Mining

Keep track of local politics with Patch's weekly southeast metro legislative review.

LIVE VIDEO: Same-Sex Marriage Bill to Be Announced Today

Opponents vow half-million dollar offensive to counter legalization.

Study: Asian Carp DNA Found near Mendota, Inver Grove May Not Mean Invaders Here Yet

But warnings at latest state Asian Carp Summit say it's too late for barriers in MN.

What is Sequestration?: Deadline Looms, Cuts Could Hit Minnesota Education Programs

Minnesota's Congressional delegation has weighed in on the series of cuts that could hit the country March 1. The rollbacks would hit everything from education to senior care, the White House states.

Rick Hansen Holding Listening Session Today at Buon Giorno

The DFL state representative will be at Buon Giorno in Lilydale from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. today.

Sen. Metzen Talks About Helping Constituents in DFL Video Series

Sen. James Metzen said speaking with constituents is his favorite part of his job.

Robert Street Transitway Open Houses Planned in Dakota County

Dakota County will host two open houses to discuss Robert Street Transitway options. The project aims to improve public transit service between downtown St. Paul and northern Dakota County communities.

Kline Hosting Mobile Office Hours, Public Invited to Attend

Rep. John Kline will visit host mobile office hours in Lilydale and West St. Paul later this week.

Local Legislator Casts Support Behind Workplace Pregnancy Leave Proposal: Pick of Our Patches

Eagan Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL) is listed as the co-author of a bill that would require employers to provide as much as 12 weeks of pregnancy leave for female workers.

Atkins Co-Sponsors Bill to Create Care Standards for Hospital Patients

The bill comes from concerns voiced by nurses that minimum standards of care have not been met at some hospitals.

Access Your Social Security Benefits Information Online

The U.S. Social Security Administration has a new online feature, 'My Social Security Account,' which allows users secure access personal benefits information.

Mendota Heights Nixes Pet Pigeon Proposal

The Mendota Heights Council voted last week to keep the city free of pet pigeons.

Effort to Lift Ban on Sunday Liquor Sales Faces Stiff Opposition—From Liquor Store Owners

Though many Minnesotans would raise a glass to Sunday liquor sales, many liquor store owners are against lifting the ban.

MVTA Annual Ridership Steady at 2.5 Million Users

The figure is only 70,000 riders away from the MVTA's 2008 high ridership mark.

State Patrol: Brodkorb's Alcohol Level Was Over Legal Limit At Time of Crash

The former Republican staffer was seriously injured in a crash in late January.