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.
Padres second baseman Xander Bogaerts leaves game against Braves with shoulder injury
Mining giant BHP Billiton makes $39 billion bid for Anglo American to expand copper operations
New reporting requirements for life
Panthers trade up into first round of NFL draft, select WR Xavier Legette from South Carolina
Judge orders man accused of opening fire outside Wrigley Field held without bail
Jason Kelce addresses claims his Super Bowl ring was STOLEN after New Heights live show with Travis
Candice Swanepoel and Kate Upton show off their long legs as they pose up a storm on Segways in high
How major US stock indexes fared Thursday, 4/25/2024
Five surprise teams aim to finish stunning seasons by securing Champions League spot
Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities