November 29, 2000 - Minnesotans can look forward to another tax rebate. The state has banked a 345-million dollar surplus since last July, and by law, that money along with any additional surplus projected for fiscal year 2000- must go to a tax rebate. Earlier this year, the state gave back 645-million dollars from the last fiscal year's surplus. That was only HALF of what the state had given back a year earlier. Tomorrow, state budget officials will release the state budget forcast that will project the surplus for the 2000-2001 and 2002-2003 fiscal years. Art Rolnick is Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. I asked him what the projected surplus says about the Minnesota economy:
November 29, 2000 - Minnesota's system of optical scan ballots is considered more reliable, and easier to accurately recount, than the punch-card ballots used in Florida. But the final legislative recount underway in Minnesota shows no system is perfect. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
November 29, 2000 - A panel of Twin Cities mayors says the way to build more affordable housing is to find more money, reform zoning codes, and reduce government red tape. The findings are part of a report released today by the Metropolitan Council. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson has more. {Minneapolis mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, the co-chair of the affordable housing panel says an obvious, if freuquently overlooked need, is for public officials to tell people to pay more attention to the problem.
November 29, 2000 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale addressed a symposium on US-Japan relations. The event at Macalester College was one of a series of Mondale Lectures on Public Service, a look back at the former Vice President's 50-year career.
November 30, 2000 - The nation's largest study of adolescent health finds that one in four teenagers have used a weapon in the past and one in ten drink alcohol on a regular basis. Researchers at the University of Minnesota surveyed 10-thousand students ranging in age from twelve to seventeen. The research suggests that teenagers who engage in risky behavior have done poorly in school and have lots of unsupervised free time. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
November 30, 2000 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Lee Ronning, director of One Thousand Friends of Minnesota, about the fight against urban sprawl. Urban sprawl will be topic number one at the "Growing Smart in Minnesota" conference taking place later today in St. Paul. Jesse Ventura, governor of Minnesota; and Ted Mondale, Met Council chairman, are expected to attend. So are urban growth experts from other parts of the country. One Thousand Friends of Minnesota is sponsoring the conference.
November 30, 2000 - Independence party member James Gibson says he's considering a run for governor in 2002, even if the race would pit him against his party's most popular politician, Governor Jesse Ventura. Gibson, a software developer who failed in his bid for the U.S. Senate this year, says running against Ventura in the party primary would allow for a vigorous campaign including debates and other events to bring voters to the party. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 30, 2000 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minnesota House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty, a Republican from Eagan, about his thoughts about state surplus and what should happen going forward. Pawlenty is concerned about Governor Ventura’s idea of lowering state sales tax, but raising in other areas.
November 30, 2000 - Mark Dayton spent more than his budget allowed. He will do what he can in order to serve the public but can also try build back his finances.
November 30, 2000 - Marisa Helms reports on a survey looking at aspects of Governor Ventura from the public’s view. The results sow ratings are high in all categories. One way he is so popular is through his bold moves, writing books, and connecting with citizens through unusual mediums, such as Playboy interviews.