May 19, 2003 - Minnesota lawmakers are just hours away from the end of the legislative session - but their work is far from completed. They have yet to send any budget bills to the governor, and several major conference committees are on hold. Legislative leaders say they hope to finish work on the budget by the end of the week. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
May 19, 2003 - With less than 24 hours left in this year's regular legislative session, House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on only two of eight major budget bills. Late last night (SUNDAY), they also resolved several contentious issue surrounding pay and job security for state workers. Negotiators wrapped up their work on bills funding Higher Education and Environment, Agriculture, and Job Development. That leaves six more budget measures to conclude later this week in an expected special session. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
May 19, 2003 -
May 20, 2003 - as they head into a special session. Conference committee members are negotiating their differences on several budget bills but legislative leaders say time may be running out. They say they'll intervene by the end of the day if the two sides can't compromise on the remaining bills. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 20, 2003 - Minnesota lawmakers are back at the Capitol in special session, just hours after the regular session adjourned. Legislative leaders hope to finish passing a budget by this weekend. They say if informal conference committees don't wrap up a couple of major spending bills shortly, leaders will step in and resolve their differences. However, two key Senate DFL negotiators object to the leadership intervention. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
May 20, 2003 -
May 21, 2003 - One of Minnesota's most successful High School hockey coaches has lost his job. Duluth East Coach Mike Randolph was told in April his contract would not be renewed. Supporters want to know why, but school officials won't say. Randolph presented his case to the Duluth School Board last night, but apparently to no avail. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Kelleher reports:
May 21, 2003 - A bill that funds the state courts, public safety and public defense is on its way to Governor Pawlenty. The Minnesota House passed the bill this afternoon (Weds) on a 70 to 62 vote. Supporters say the bill, which is a compromise between the House, Senate and Governor Pawlenty, is the best they can do in difficult budget times. Lawmakers are working to pass a budget that erases a four-point-two billion dollar deficit without raising taxes. Opponents say the bill is filled with fees and is bad public policy. It was the only major piece of legislation to pass on the second day of the Legislature's special session. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 21, 2003 - State lawmakers have made only incremental progress towards completing a $4.2 billion deficit-reduction package. Legislators returned to the Capitol yesterday (TUESDAY) to begin a special session meant to resolve business left undone when the regular session ran out the clock Monday night. A state government finance bill is now on its way to Governor Tim Pawlenty's desk, but at least six other funding measures await final legislative action. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
May 22, 2003 -