June 27, 2001 -
June 27, 2001 -
June 28, 2001 - With the clock still ticking toward a partial government shutdown, House and Senate negotiators reached agreement on an eight-point-seven Billion dollar funding bill for K-12 education early this morning. The bill would increase spending for schools by slightly more than the inflation rate for each of the next two years. It also contains a provison designed to ensure that school districts base their teacher contracts on the actual amount of money they receive from the state. Meanwhile, the House and Senate are scheduled to vote on a major property tax overhaul later today. But obstacles remain in other areas of the state's two-year budget. Lawmakers say it will take at least another day before they can complete their work. Administration officials say that brings the state uncomfortably close to a shutdown. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
June 28, 2001 -
June 28, 2001 - House and Senate negotiators reached agreement on the eight.seven billion dollar K-12 education bill today. One of the most controversial elements of the bill is a provision that prevents school boards from approving contracts they can't afford. Charlie Kyte is the director of the Association of School Administrators. He says lawmakers were able to come to find a good compromise on a difficult issue:
June 29, 2001 - A Ramsey County district judge has ordered state finance officials to keep writing checks if the Legislature fails to finish a budget by midnight tomorrow. Still, lawmakers are working feverishly to avert that prospect by finishing their business before the fiscal year comes to a close. Work remains on several major funding bills. Negotiators finished work on the transportation bill today (FRIDAY) but are still putting the finishing touches on the state government operations bill. The House and Senate must still pass both bills, along with the health and human services bill. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
June 29, 2001 -
July 2, 2001 - The Minnesota Legislature wrapped up a new two-year budget early this morning hours before a partial government shutdown would have begun. Lawmakers approved the final three spending bills and a bonding bill for long-term investments. Later today (SATURDAY), Governor Jesse Ventura is scheduled to sign the various spending items along with a tax bill passed earlier in the week. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
July 2, 2001 -
July 2, 2001 -