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
January 26, 2005 - In the weeks leading up to his budget announcement, Governor Pawlenty spoke often of his desire to rein in spending on health care programs. And in doing so, he started referring to the state's subsidized health insurance programs as "welfare health care." In the plan released yesterday (tues), Pawlenty recommended limiting eligibility for MinnesotaCare, a state subsidized health insurance program for the working poor. Those who are on the program and advocate on behalf of people with low incomes call Pawlenty's "welfare" characterization unfortunate and wrong. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 26, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty took his budget message on the road today (WED), while critics and defenders of his budget spoke out at the Capitol. Two former state finance commissioners blasted the budget Pawlenty proposed yesterday, while a key Republican called it a good starting point. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
January 26, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that Governor Tim Pawlenty is banking on casino money as a way to balance the state's finances. His plan includes a proposed Twin Cities casino that would be run jointly by the state and interested northern Indian tribes.
January 26, 2005 -
January 26, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty's budget recommendations for the state's public colleges and universities are getting a mixed reaction from the state's higher education community. The University of Minnesota says it got what it wanted, mostly. But officials and students with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system say the governor is under-funding the system and short-changing the daily needs of students. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
January 27, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty has proposed a tax credit that he says will help close the achievement gap between white and minority students. Under the plan he first mentioned in this week's budget proposal, businesses would get the credit for funding scholarships that would allow at-risk students in the K-12 public school system to attend private schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
January 28, 2005 - <
January 31, 2005 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on Mayor Rybak’s desire to run again. R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, formally announced his re-election bid Sunday near the place he started his first campaign for elected office four years ago, almost to the day. At that time, he waged a grassroots battle against an established incumbent he felt was out of touch residents. Now, Rybak has a political track record that makes him the target for challengers. Report includes comments from Linda Longino, mother of slain child Tyesha Edwards; Don Samuels, City Council member; among others.
January 31, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty today (MON) outlined a series of proposals to lock up and track sex offenders. The budget he released last week includes nearly 80-million dollars for sex offenders programs, and he also wants the state to borrow money for additional prison beds. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 8, 2005 - St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly has acknowledged that one of his staff members is under investigation by the FBI. Kelly says Hmong community liasion Sia Lo has been the target of a federal corruption probe for about 10 months. The mayor made the announcement today in response to a Star Tribune article that named Lo. The article includes an allegation made by an unnamed source that says Lo demanded a bribe from a businessman in exchange for help from the mayor's office. Lo told the paper the allegations were false. Kelly urged the media to give Lo a break.