BUSY DAY AS NEW SESSION OPENS AT CAPITOL

Lawmakers return to a full slate of activity as the new legislative session begins, with nearly 20 committees scheduled to meet.  Key committees on the docket include Agriculture, Education, Health, Housing and Public Safety.  Activity outside the hearing rooms will also be busy with three rallies planned throughout the day.  The Save the Boundary Waters organization is organizing a demonstration opposing proposed coppernickel mining projects near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Another rally will call for accountability and economic recovery following the recent surge of federal law enforcement activity in Minnesota.  A third group plans to protest the development of new data centers in the state.  Visitors to the Capitol are reminded that weapons  screening is now required at all four public entrances to the building.