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 -
May 22, 2003 - In day three of a special session, legislative leaders say they're making progress on a couple of fronts. They agreed on a bill funding K-12 schools early this morning THURSDAY, and say they're close to finishing a health and human services bill. They reached agreement on more money for state troopers, so Governor Pawlenty says he'll sign a bill for 2 a.m. bar closing times. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
May 22, 2003 -
May 23, 2003 - Three days into their special session, state lawmakers have passed half of the state budget bills. The House and Senate passed a bill last night that funds education from pre-school through grade 12, as well as some adult education programs. The bill now goes to Governor Pawlenty. Supporters say they did their best to continue funding the classroom. Opponents say the bill makes significant cuts to early childhood education, special education funding and english as a second language. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 29, 2003 - A new law requires students at Minnesota public schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week. Governor Pawlenty signed the legislation on Monday. He says the law will help instill American values in the state's children.
May 30, 2003 - A nearly 12-billion dollar spending bill for Minnesota schools is awaiting Governor Pawlenty's signature. Kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms were largely spared from the deep cuts needed to balance the state's budget deficit. But spending was reduced significantly for several education programs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
June 2, 2003 -
June 4, 2003 - There's a growing crisis among America's children. Recent studies agree that young people are heavier than ever. Three times more kids are considered overweight than twenty years ago. Students used to get a lot more exercise in school but school officials say they don't have the time or money for recommended physical education. Meanwhile, kids can find plenty of calories right on school property, from the lunchroom to the vending machines. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Kelleher reports the next installment in our continuing series; "The Fight Against Fat."