February 12, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on proposed budget cuts by Minneapolis Mayor and City Council. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and City Council leaders delivered a list of proposed cuts to reach the five-million-dollar budget reduction imposed by the council two months ago. The police and fire departments will see reductions, but their functions are protected. Many smaller operations in city hall aren't as lucky, including Office of Cultural Affairs, Civilian Review Authority (CRA), and Truth and Sale of Housing program, amongst others.
February 12, 2002 - Minnesota's senior U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone plans to officially kick off his reelection campaign in late Spring. Wellstone has been busy raising money for a race that's likely to break Minnesota campaign spending records. With control of the closely divided Senate at stake, the contest between Wellstone and his likely GOP opponent Norm Coleman has major national implications.
February 13, 2002 -
February 13, 2002 -
February 13, 2002 - State Auditor Judi Dutcher officially entered the DFL race for governor today (WEDNESDAY). Dutcher says if elected, she would be a fiscal leader and a champion of public education. Also today, another gubernatorial candidate, Republican Brian Sullivan, started running a new round of television ads. Both Sullivan and Dutcher used their news conferences to question the priorities of Governor Jesse Ventura, who hasn't said whether he's running for re-election. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 14, 2002 - Civil rights groups and privacy advocates will hold a rally at the state Capitol today to protest proposed anti-terrorism legislation moving through the House and Senate. Governor Ventura, House Republicans and Senate DFLers all have plans to give law enforcement more tools to monitor and prosecute alleged terrorists, but civil rights advocates say Minnesotans' civil liberties may be violated if the proposals become law. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
February 14, 2002 -
February 14, 2002 - A key House Committee approved a measure today (thursday) that would forbid the state from issuing family planning grants to groups that are connected in any way to abortion services. Supporters of the measure say abortion providers can continue to do business but wouldn't be allowed to receive any state money. Opponents say the provision would impact low income women and say they'll challenge the bill's constitutionality if it becomes law. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
February 14, 2002 -
February 14, 2002 - The U-S House voted early this morning to pass what could become the first significant reform of the campaign finance system in more than 25 years. The Shays-Meehan bill bans unregulated donations to national parties, but it does allow contributions to state and local parties, in amounts up to ten-thousand dollars. The Senate passed nearly identical legislation last year and now will vote on whether to send the bill directly to President Bush for his signature. Minnesota Congressman Jim Ramstad was one of 41 Republicans who broke rank with party leadership and voted for the bill. He says campaign finance reform is long overdue: