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 29, 2001 - Lawmakers plan to work through the night to send the remaining budget bills to the Governors desk by tomorrow's deadline. The long hours of negotiation have taken a toll on everyone from lawmakers to staff to lobbyists and the reporters who cover it all. DFL senator Deanna Wiener says this past week has been especially frustrating:
June 29, 2001 - The drawn out budget debate has taken a toll on lawmakers. Republican Representative Dan McElroy has put in long hours this past month with working groups on the Omnibus Jobs and Economic Development Finance Bill and the tax bill. He says the pace this past week has been amazing:
June 29, 2001 - With time running out to avoid a partial government shutdown, a House-Senate working group trying to put together a transportation funding bill broke off talks without an agreement at 4:30 this morning. The two sides plan to get back together later this morning after they accused each other of breaking earlier deals. Meanwhile, lawmakers working on the state government bill are negotiating behind closed doors and expect the full working group to take up the bill later today. Lawmakers did reach an agreement on another major bill funding health and human services. Both sides say they still hope to pass all the bills by tomorrow night's deadline and avoid the shutdown. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck 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 - One of the most contentious issues of this legislative session was the debate over how much to spend for public colleges and universities. Governor Ventura said the state couldn't afford to give everyone all the money they wanted. Some lawmakers say the governor made a big mistake and the lean budget will take a tollon the state's economic development engine. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
July 2, 2001 -