Over the decades, MPR has presented the many different perspectives of Minnesota politics and politicians. This collection is home to a multitude speeches, interviews and debates on the issues of the day. Important topics of civil rights, environment, crime, budget, legislation, and campaigns are addressed.
Click on link to these well-known figures to see audio segments directly related to them: Michele Bachmann Arne Carlson Keith Ellison Hubert Humphrey Amy Klobuchar Eugene McCarthy Walter Mondale Tim Pawlenty R.T. Rybak Jesse Ventura Paul Wellstone
February 6, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty asked Minnesotans to prepare to make sacrifices today in his first state of the state address. He said the state is facing what he called "the incredible hulk of budget deficits" and warned it could get worse. The governor laid out broad plans to create more jobs, reform the state's education system, and overhaul the state transportation department. He says he will accomplish all these goals without breaking his pledge not to raise taxes. Towards the end of the speech, the governor issued a challenge to all Minnesotans to help fix the state's projected four-and-a-half b billion dollar deficit
February 6, 2003 -
February 7, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty today (FRIDAY) is expected to use his own authority to trim state spending in anticipation of a $356 million deficit projected through mid-summer. Early this morning, House and Senate negotiators deadlocked in budget discussions that would have pre-empted Pawlenty's authority to act on his own. Lawmakers from both bodies -- as well as the governor's office -- are expressing frustration over the lack of a breakthrough. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
February 11, 2003 - For years, members of Alaska's congressional delegation have pushed for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife refuge. Minnesota's late Senator Paul Wellstone was a vocal opponent of those efforts. Now, pro-drilling forces backed by the Bush Administration are making a new attempt. Environmental groups say this time around, Minnesota's new Senator, Norm Coleman, could play a key role in the refuge's fate. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports.
February 13, 2003 -
February 17, 2003 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on bills that ratify contracts for state workers clearing legislative hurdles. The bills include pay and benefit provisions agreed to by state employee unions and the Ventura administration. But they're missing another provision -- health benefits for same-sex domestic partners. Gay and lesbian groups say removing the benefits is a slap in the face.
February 18, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty today (TUESDAY) will release his plan for erasing a $4.2 billion deficit projected over the next two years. The state's fiscal shortfall is one of the largest in recent memory. Bridging the gap will dominate discussion at the Capitol for the remainder of the session -- and is complicated by Pawlenty's pledge NOT to raise taxes to close the divide. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
February 19, 2003 -
February 20, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty's plan to close a 4-point-2 billion dollar projected budget deficit doesn't just have financial impact across the state. It also has a political impact too. Pawlenty's budget makes cuts... or limits growth in health programs... higher education... and state employee pay. It also spends much of the tobacco endowments. But his budget also largely preserved funding for K-through-12 education... and included no new taxes. Joining us on the line to talk about the politics of the budget is Chris Gilbert... professor of political science at Gustavus Adolphus College.
February 20, 2003 - County sheriffs and other local jail administrators are criticizing Governor Pawlenty's proposal to shift short-term offenders from state prisons to county jails. As a budget savings measure, Pawlenty would like county jails to hold any prisoners sentenced to six months or less. Sheriffs say the proposal shifts costs from the state to the counties. They also argue that many county jails are near full capacity already. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports....