January 4, 2002 - On this segment of MPR’s Word of Mouth, host Chris Roberts looks at city politicians and art organizations making a plea for support from Governor Ventura and the Minnesota legislature for funding. MPR’s Laura McCallum also provides a short report.
January 4, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports on Governor Ventura’s final State of the State address of his term. He used the speech to provide Minnesotans with his perspective on the state's budget problems. The state faces a nearly two-billion dollar projected budget shortfall. The governor says if the Legislature doesn't act quickly to solve the problem, he'll use his authority to cut government spending.
January 7, 2002 - Retired sports writer and popular Star Tribune columnist Jim Klobuchar talks with Gary Eichten about the Minnesota Vikings.
January 10, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum provides an overview of Governor Ventura’s budget plan. In a press conference, Ventura outlined his plan for addressing a nearly two-billion dollar projected budget deficit, saying he would not hide behind quick decisions and that everybody is sharing the hurt…and there's plenty of pain to go around.
January 10, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on comments from Ventura's finance commissioner, Pam Wheelock, who says the budget plan will include a combination of spending cuts, tax increases and dipping into the state's budget reserves. She says resolving a deficit of this magnitude will be painful.
January 10, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that much of the reception to Ventura's deficit reduction plan is icy. Social program advocates and local government officials say Ventura is balancing the state budget at their expense. Tax opponents say Ventura's plans for higher gasoline, tobacco, and sales taxes hurt working Minnesotans.
January 10, 2002 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on Governor Ventura's budget cut of 1% from the education portion for this coming year…and that he wants to take another 2%-3% the following year. While a smaller cut than other areas of the budget, many educators are concerned at the negative impact cuts will create in areas such as specialized aides, grants, and charter schools receiving less money to lease buildings.
January 11, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Ventura’s response to critics over his budget plan. According to governor, sacrifice needs to be made by all parts of the budget and he invites suggestions to improve it. Republicans debate higher tax on gasoline and tobacco, while Democrats want more money for education.
January 15, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that Governor Ventura is inclined to run for governor again to continue his fight for “unicameralism.” The push to combining the two bodies of legislature into one has been a personal drive for the governor. He believes that if the two bodies are one, or unicameral, the government would run more efficiently.
January 15, 2002 - R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis, used the term "difficult" to describe the next three months. Rybak is trying to get the Minneapolis budget back on track as he begins his term as mayor.