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
March 20, 2006 - A hearing is set for tomorrow on a bill that would allow Hmong cultural marriages to be recognized by the state of Minnesota. The measure, sponsored by DFL Senator Wes Skoglund, would give the negotiators of Hmong marriages, the Mej Koob, the authority to formalize the wedding. At the same time, it would require them to report marriages involving underage girls. Skoglund says he sees the bill as a child protection issue.
March 20, 2006 - MPR’s Toni Randolph reports on a bill making its way through the state Senate that would allow recognition of Hmong cultural marriages by the state of Minnesota. The measure would give the negotiators between families in Hmong cultural weddings the authority to perform legal marriages, but the bill is getting resistance from some Hmong leaders.
March 22, 2006 - Governor Pawlenty says it's time to move on from the controversy surrounding Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson. Pawlenty, a Republican, says he'll ask GOP party officials to back off in their criticism of the Willmar DFLer. Johnson has been under heavy fire, especially from Republicans and groups that support a constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage. He has admitted "sanding off the truth" about a conversation with a Supreme Court Justice on the issue of gay marriage. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports....
March 23, 2006 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on a "People of Faith” rally at the Minnesota State Capital, where opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman gathered at the state Capitol.
March 31, 2006 - Anyone hoping for tax relief from state lawmakers this year may be disappointed. That's because Governor Pawlenty, Senate DFLers and House Republicans appear headed for an impasse over tax cuts. A key committee in the DFL-controlled Minnesota Senate today approved a measure that would increase taxes on the wealthy and provide tax cuts to middle income households. But the governor and leaders in the Republican-controlled House say the state has enough money to provide the tax cuts without making the rich pay more. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
April 4, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that a committee in the Minnesota Senate has rejected a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and its legal equivalents in Minnesota.
April 19, 2006 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak state of the city address. Public safety was the top priority outlined in his address. Rybak delivered his speech Tuesday afternoon in north Minneapolis -- a part of the city that contains several high crime neighborhoods. The mayor focused much of his speech on plans to bring jobs, housing, commerce and hope there. Report also contains community commentary on reaction to Rybak’s speech.
April 27, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Sheck reports that after more than seven hours of debate, the Minnesota House gave the go-ahead to a controversial plan for a new outdoor stadium for the Minnesota Twins. By a comfortable 76 to 55 margin the House approved a measure that would allow a Hennepin County to impose a sales tax without voter approval.
April 28, 2006 -
April 28, 2006 - MPR's Marisa Helms reports on Neighborhood House, a St. Paul community center providing services for the growing numbers of immigrants and refugees in the metro area. Neighborhood House is celebrating the grand opening of its new building in St. Paul, which is named after Paul and Sheila Wellstone.