February 4, 2003 - MPR’s Steven John interviews R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, on changing snow plowing plans within the city. The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul declared snow emergencies in wake of the winter's biggest snowstorm. In St. Paul when crews finish plowing east-west residential today the parking restrictions will end. But in Minneapolis the snow emergency will not end until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. When R.T. Rybak campaigned for mayor of Minneapolis he pledged to change the city to a 24-hour plowing schedule.
February 5, 2003 -
February 6, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty asked Minnesotans to prepare to make sacrifices today in his first state of the state address. He said the state is facing what he called "the incredible hulk of budget deficits" and warned it could get worse. The governor laid out broad plans to create more jobs, reform the state's education system, and overhaul the state transportation department. He says he will accomplish all these goals without breaking his pledge not to raise taxes. Towards the end of the speech, the governor issued a challenge to all Minnesotans to help fix the state's projected four-and-a-half b billion dollar deficit
February 6, 2003 -
February 7, 2003 - An organization representing the state's private colleges and universities is pushing for a change in the way Minnesota finances higher education. The Minnesota Private College Council has been arguing for more state grant money for about 15 years, they and they believe the current state budget problems may provide the best environment for their initiative to finally succeed. Critics say the Council's proposal would hurt students and the public colleges they attend. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
February 7, 2003 -
February 7, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty today (FRIDAY) is expected to use his own authority to trim state spending in anticipation of a $356 million deficit projected through mid-summer. Early this morning, House and Senate negotiators deadlocked in budget discussions that would have pre-empted Pawlenty's authority to act on his own. Lawmakers from both bodies -- as well as the governor's office -- are expressing frustration over the lack of a breakthrough. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
February 10, 2003 -
February 11, 2003 - The House Civil Law Committee today (Tues) approved a bill that would allow nearly every Minnesotan over the age of 21 to carry a handgun. Supporters say the bill would create a statewide uniform set of standards for all applicants to receive a handgun permit. Current law gives local law enforcement discretion over who can carry a gun. Opponents say the current law is acceptable and loosening the requirements would make the state more dangerous. Minnesota Public radio's TOm Scheck reports..
February 12, 2003 - The House Civil Law Committee has approved a bill that would allow nearly every Minnesotan over the age of 21 to carry a handgun. Supporters say the bill would create a statewide uniform set of standards for all applicants to receive a handgun permit. Current law gives local law enforcement discretion over who can carry a gun. Opponents say the current law is acceptable and loosening the requirements would make the state more dangerous. The handgun legislation approved yesterday (Tues) is one of several controversial bills that Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum wants the House to vote on before February twenty-seventh. Minnesota Public radio's Tom Scheck reports..