March 25, 2004 - Midday presents excerpts from debate on bill to amend the constitution to define marriage. On March 24th, the Minnesota State House voted on a proposal that would let voters decide if the Minnesota constitution should ban same-sex marriage. The vote was 88-44 in favor of proposal.
March 25, 2004 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that the Minnesota State House passed a measure by 88-44 that would put a constitutional amendment question on the ballot in November 2004. It goes next to a Senate committee for vote, where it may be defeated.
March 26, 2004 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on a committee vote in the DFL Senate defeating proposed amendment that would ban gay marriage. That measure would allow the voters to decide if the Minnesota Constitution should ban same sex marriage and any legal equivalent. The committee did approve a proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent the courts from forcing the Legislature to define gay marriage, as the Massachusetts Supreme Court has done.
March 26, 2004 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on the debate over same-sex marriage as a civil rights issue. The civil rights argument has caused concern among some African American religious leaders in Minnesota, especially when they've heard it compared to the fight for racial equality. While they argue that the civil rights struggle is completely different than the gay marriage issue, others counter that one should look to history in considering discrimination.
March 30, 2004 - A Minnesota Senate committee has recommended against confirming Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau in her second state government role - commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The 9-to-7 vote fell along party lines, with DFLers opposing confirmation of the Republican Molnau. Her confirmation now goes to the full Senate. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck followed the debate this afternoon and is on the line with us now. Tom, why did Molnau run into trouble?
March 30, 2004 - A plan to build two new stadiums for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings has taken another step forward. The bill advanced fairly easily out of the House Government Operations Committee without the lengthy debate that has often accompanied stadium discussions. The plan remains a work-in-progress, but critics contend it's not receiving the full scrutiny it deserves.
March 31, 2004 - MPR’s Perry Finelli talks with St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly, who says the city of St. Paul is safe, affordable, and livable. Topics includes city budget, city council, a potential Twins ballpark, and housing.
March 31, 2004 - A committee in the Minnesota Senate has voted to remove Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau from her job as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The recommendation now moves onto the full Senate which will make the final decision on Molnau's future. Molnau serves in the unique position of holding both the lieutenant governor and transportation commissioner titles. Critics say Molnau doesn't have a balanced plan to improve Minnesota's roads, bridges and transportation needs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports....
April 1, 2004 - The Minnesota Family Council says it will begin running several hundred radio ads this week to put pressure on members of the Minnesota Senate to vote for a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. A senate committee defeated the proposal last week and replaced it with a proposal that would allow only the Legislature to define marriage. The Family Council says it hopes the ads will increase public support for the amendment that would define marriage between one man and one woman. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
April 2, 2004 - The Minnesota House has passed a health and human services budget bill that attempts to reduce health care costs, cuts welfare benefits and restores some of last year's cuts in benefits for the disabled. The House voted 83 to 46 after debating the measure for five hours. The bill would also allow for-profit HMOs to operate in the state and reduces state regulations for HMOs. Critics say the bill is unfair to the poor. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.