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.
Norwegian Cruise Line, Wix.com rise; Cushman & Wakefield, Target fall, Monday, 5/20/2024
Rory McIlroy loves life inside the ropes, shoots 66 on first day at PGA
Russia expels British defense attaché in a tit
These hilarious notices will make you do a double take
BMX racing world championships hit South Carolina with Olympic berths on the line
Archaeologists believe they've found site of Revolutionary War barracks in Virginia
BBC comedy with Baby Reindeer star Jessica Gunning will return to screens in just a matter of weeks
Norwegian Cruise Line, Wix.com rise; Cushman & Wakefield, Target fall, Monday, 5/20/2024
Revealed: Bridgerton's most regal filming locations for season three, including real
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
Nevada Supreme Court denies appeal from Washoe County election