ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers failed to pass a state Equal Rights Amendment that would have enshrined protections for abortion and LGBTQ+ rights in the state Constitution as the 2024 legislative session came to an acrimonious end.
The Minnesota ERA was the one of the biggest casualties as partisan rancor, lengthy debates and filibusters were fueled by the continued participation of a Democratic senator who was arrested on a burglary charge. Democrats, who hold just a one-vote majority in the Senate, needed her vote to pass any legislation that lacked bipartisan support.
A compromise to legalize sports betting also failed to cross the finish line by the midnight Sunday deadline. So did a public infrastructure borrowing package known as a bonding bill that was supposed to be the centerpiece of the session. Neither could pass without at least some GOP support. But Republicans who said they were frozen out were unwilling to supply the votes needed for the 60% supermajorities required for new debt unless Democrats dropped the ERA. And enough Democrats were opposed to sports betting, so that some GOP votes were essential.
Kylie Jenner displays her VERY edgy fashion sense in cleavage
Teen cancer survivor reveals she had no idea how ill she was until radiographer CRIED during scan
I used ChatGPT to go on hundreds of Tinder dates
Woman who thought she had pinkeye was actually suffering a 'functional' STROKE
How Diddy made himself the 'victim' in apology video where he does not mention ex
Sydney Police searching for an officer over disappearance of two men
The black market dealers delivering Elon Musk's Starlink to US adversaries
Pay offer a 'significant loss' to frontline officers
Tamara Ecclestone is criticised as her daughter Fifi, 10, heads out wearing heavy make
How to tell if you have the sleep disorder that even doctors don't know about
Israeli army says it kills over 130 militants in E. Rafah
I put my night sweats down to early menopause