February 6, 1979 - Report on the abandonment of a hundred-mile branch line railroad track in southeastern Minnesota and how that abandonment would affect the communities, residents and businesses along its route. Minnesota has about 7,000 miles of rail lines - that figure was 8,000 miles just over ten years ago. Since then, rail line abandonment has increased, and the pace of abandonment is picking up. Railroads operating in the state have requests before the Interstate Commerce Commission that 400 miles of track be scuttled. Minnesota officials say another 300 miles of line may become moribund in the next three years. One of the requests before the ICC is that a 100-mile branch line in Southeastern Minnesota be abandoned. The track follows the root river from La Crescent on the Mississippi River to Ramsey just north of Austin in Mower County. The rail serves 12 communities and about 50 businesses. But Milwaukee Road officials say the line is a loser because there isn't enough traffic. MPR's John Gaddo of KLSE in Rochester visited some of the businesses along the track and prepared this report.
February 7, 1979 - Report and coverage of Minnesota senate debate over a rebate plan for Minnesotans. The bill was introduced by Senator Bill McCutcheon.
February 14, 1979 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland speaking before a Farm Forum in Minneapolis. Bergland commented on the domestic farm situation. Speech was followed by a question and answer with audience members.
February 28, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Willis Anthony, University of Minnesota agricultural economist, who discusses farming, its future, problems and solutions. MPR’s John Ydstie talks about planting. Program also includes report from MPR’s Jennifer O'Neil on set-aside program.
March 2, 1979 - The Minnesota House of Representatives is considering a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to pass an amendment to the Constitution requiring a balanced federal budget. MPR’s Capitol reporter Bob Potter reports on subcommittee hearings on the amendment. Kenneth MacDonald, state representative who authored the bill; and Walter Heller, economist and opponent of the amendment, share their differing views. Supporters claim federal deficits are responsible for inflation and other economic problems. Opponents argue that a rigid requirement of a balanced budget would cripple the federal government's ability to cope with economic recessions or depressions.
March 16, 1979 - The Minnesota House Tax Committee hears tax proposals to help finance a downtown Minneapolis domed stadium, including a 2% liquor tax. The committee votes to repeal the liquor tax. After vote, MPR’s John Merli interviews various committee members.
March 17, 1979 - John Boland, former chairman and executive director of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, speaking on challenges and accomplishments during his tenure. Boland also discusses issues still before the body.
April 5, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Wes Skjegstad, tax examiner for Minnesota Revenue Department; and Esme Evans, member of publication office at Minnesota Revenue Department discuss state taxes and tax reporting. Skiegstad and Esme also answer listener questions.
April 14, 1979 - Stephen Keating, vice-chairman of Honeywell Incorporated; Angus Wurtele, chairman of Valspar; Don Larson, editor of "Corporate Report" business magazine; and Bill Drake, counsel for Medtronic Incorporated, discuss democracy in governance of corporations, social responsibility and shareholder relations.
April 14, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Bill Angell, extension housing specialist for the University of Minnesota; Win Peterson, past president of the Minneapolis Board of Realty; Mike Harris of the St. Paul Board of Realty; and Judith Owen, assistant vice-president at the First National Bank of St. Paul, who discuss the housing market in the Twin Cities.