May 16, 2002 - Governor Ventura and other supporters of the Northstar Commuter Rail Line say they have renewed hope that funding for the project will be included in the state's still-evolving bonding bill. Lawmakers worked feverishly last night to pass the bonding bill and still have enough time to override a veto. But talks broke down as negotiators disagreed over funding for anti-terrorism equipment. Last night's compromise didn't include Northstar funding, but Ventura may use his line item veto authority to influence legislators to reconsider their agreement. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 16, 2002 - A deal on a capital investment bill hit a snag late last night (WEDNESDAY), making lawmakers miss a deadline for passing it with enough time to override vetoes. Earlier in the evening, House and Senate negotiators reached agreement on a bill funding 977-million dollars worth of construction projects. But negotiators couldn't agree on the details in time to get the bill to the governor by midnight. Until the bonding bill is resolved, other major issues are on hold. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
May 20, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis, on state capital stadium bill. Governor Jesse Ventura has 14 days to decided what to do with a Twins stadium financing plan that lawmakers sent him late Saturday night. The deal for a 330-million-dollar ballpark, requires a 120 million private contribution (facilitated by the Twins) prior to any bond sale. In addition, the team would pay ten million dollars a year in rent. Proponents of a new ballpark in Minneapolis were hoping the bill would allow a county to finance the local portion of the cost, but that did not happen. Rybak says because of that Minneapolis appears to be out of the running as a location for a new ballpark.
May 20, 2002 - Governor Ventura says he will make a quick decision on which projects he'll cut from the Legislature's 979 million dollar bonding bill. Ventura said the bill is too large, especially after lawmakers overrode his veto of the budget balancing bill. The governor also says he has concerns about a proposed requirement that would require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 22, 2002 - The state of Minnesota and two state worker unions have re-signed a contract that will continue to provide pay and health benefits for the state's workers. The contracts technically expired on Monday after the Legislature failed to ratify them during the Legislative session. The agreement effectively works around the refusal of House Republicans to agree to the contracts. They objected because part of the contract includes benefits for same-sex couples. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 23, 2002 - More than 30 state legislators won't be returning to their seats in 2003…retiring DFL State Senator Doug Johnson of Tower is one of them. Senator Johnson talks about his 30-year career in the Minnesota Legislature.
May 23, 2002 -
May 28, 2002 - Senator Paul Wellstone formally launched his bid for a third term today. He toldd supporters much work remains a head of him in Washington from improving conditions for veterans to making health care, prescription drugs and housing more affordable. In seeking another six years in the Senate, Wellstone is breaking a self-imposed two-term limit.
May 29, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has delayed a vote on a proposed settlement that would keep the Minnesota Twins in the Metrodome through the 2003 season. In exchange, the commission would drop its lawsuit against the team and league. Commission members say they're committed to keeping the Twins in the state but say they want the settlement in writing before they vote.
May 30, 2002 - One of the Bush administration's leading housing officials visited the Twin Cities yesterday (WEDNESDAY) and encouraged local policymakers to be vigilant about adding more affordable homes to their communities. Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson announced HUD is providing more than $12 million dollars in federal aid to Saint Paul. Jackson also joined in a panel discussion on how to boost the region's supply of affordable housing. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this report...