Rob Hubbard

2 weeks ago | startribune.com | Rob Hubbard

If only more history lessons were as suffused with passion as "The Secret Letter," the latest concert program from the low-voiced octet, Cantus. Passion is a linchpin of the music and interstitial narrative, the concert serving up a tender, powerful and often exhilarating reminder that "queer love" has always been part of human history. That was underlined early in the first performance of the program at Hamline University's Sundin Music Hall Friday night.

3 weeks ago | insightnews.com | Rob Hubbard

Tax increment financing is kind of like borrowing from the future. Cities can create “TIF districts” to help finance the redevelopment of a blighted section of town, diverting funds raised by expected future property tax increases. But if those municipalities want to veer from the parameters of TIF law in statute, they go to the Capitol and ask for permission. And Tuesday was such a day in the House Taxes Committee.

3 weeks ago | house.mn.gov | Rob Hubbard

If you look at this year’s legislative session from the perspective of a storyteller, you could say that the literary device of foreshadowing has come into play. While discussing bills in committee, one House member or another will sometimes mention looming federal cuts to programs in medical, food or educational assistance, often suggesting that this will end up being the biggest issue facing state governments in 2025.

3 weeks ago | house.mn.gov | Rob Hubbard

Gov. Tim Walz wants to lower the state’s sales tax rate by 0.075%. But the lost revenue from that change would be more than made up for by new sales taxes on accounting, banking, brokerage and legal services, according to Revenue Department estimates. That’s all part of the governor’s tax bill, HF2437, which is being carried by Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston) and was presented to the House Taxes Committee on Wednesday.

3 weeks ago | house.mn.gov | Rob Hubbard

The data centers are coming. Granted, many of these buildings used to house the technological equipment required to run the internet are already here. But some of the largest technology companies — such as Amazon, Meta and Microsoft — are exploring building new data centers in Minnesota that require considerably more acreage, electricity and water than the ones currently found around the state.