February 3, 2004 - A new MPR-Pioneer Press poll shows more than half of Minnesotans give Governor Tim Pawlenty's job performance high marks. The numbers are higher than a similar poll conducted nearly a year ago. The poll also shows Minnesotans are divided about the budget fix approved last year to plug a record four-point-two billion dollar gap. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 5, 2004 -
February 5, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty delivered a State of the State address today (THURSDAY) that was more upbeat than his first one. Pawlenty says Minnesotans have reason to be optimistic. He noted the state has largely overcome a historic budget deficit without raising state taxes, and he highlighted several reforms he's already proposed over the last few months. DFL leaders object to Pawlenty's description of his first year, and disagree with his vision for the future. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 6, 2004 -
February 9, 2004 - In last week's state of the state speech, Governor Pawlenty asked lawmakers to explore ways to rein in the growing cost of state government. He suggested capping spending increases to an amount based on inflation and population growth. That would be consistent with a proposal by the Minnesota Taxpayer's League -- called the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights -- or TaBOR is to downsize government.
February 9, 2004 - Minnesota residents talk a lot about the great quality of life they have. The state has enjoyed a national reputation for good schools and supportive children's programs…but that image has taken a hit lately. Funding for low income daycare has been chopped and lawmakers will struggle again in 2004 to make up a deficit that could total $500 million dollars. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports that it's a situation that may leave some families, scrambling to pay the daycare bill.
February 10, 2004 - There are only a few places in the country considered hotbeds for emerging biotechnology industries and Minnesota isn't one of them. Governor Pawlenty hopes to change that with an initiative to strengthen a biotech corridor in the Twin Cities and Rochester. But some say biotech businesses could also spur economic development in rural Minnesota. Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that leaders in Bemidji are exploring ways to develop a mini biotech cluster of their own.
February 10, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is in Baghdad, Iraq today... at the invitation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Pawlenty's office says he is traveling with a group of governors from both political parties. He started his trip on Sunday... with a briefing at the Pentagon. Joining us on the line is Leslie Kupchella. That is Leslie Kupchella, a spokesperson for Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty is making the trip to Iraq along with the governors of Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, New York and Oregon. Before leaving for Iraq, the governors toured the memorial at the Pentagon dedicated to the victims of September 11th.
February 11, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty wrapped up a two-day trip to Iraq today (WEDNESDAY). Pawlenty and five other governors spent a second day in Baghdad at the invitation of the Bush administration. Pawlenty says he leaves Iraq convinced that President Bush was right to go to war against Saddam Hussein's regime. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 11, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty has plans for another full day in Baghdad today for the second part of his two-day trip to Iraq. Pawlenty is one of six American governors picked by the Defense Department for a surprise visit to the country... the first visit by governors since the occupation began in April. Pawlenty says the group wants to visit troops stationed in Iraq and learn more about the U.S. mission. Joining us now for a political perspective on the trip is Steven Schier, political science professor at Carleton College in Northfield.