January 25, 2005 - <
January 25, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty released a proposed two-year budget today (TUESDAY) that depends on money from a new casino to help erase a projected 700-million dollar deficit. Pawlenty's budget wouldn't raise state taxes, but relies on a mix of spending cuts and revenue increases to balance the budget. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
January 26, 2005 - In the weeks leading up to his budget announcement, Governor Pawlenty spoke often of his desire to rein in spending on health care programs. And in doing so, he started referring to the state's subsidized health insurance programs as "welfare health care." In the plan released yesterday (tues), Pawlenty recommended limiting eligibility for MinnesotaCare, a state subsidized health insurance program for the working poor. Those who are on the program and advocate on behalf of people with low incomes call Pawlenty's "welfare" characterization unfortunate and wrong. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 26, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty took his budget message on the road today (WED), while critics and defenders of his budget spoke out at the Capitol. Two former state finance commissioners blasted the budget Pawlenty proposed yesterday, while a key Republican called it a good starting point. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
January 26, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that Governor Tim Pawlenty is banking on casino money as a way to balance the state's finances. His plan includes a proposed Twin Cities casino that would be run jointly by the state and interested northern Indian tribes.
January 26, 2005 -
January 26, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty's budget recommendations for the state's public colleges and universities are getting a mixed reaction from the state's higher education community. The University of Minnesota says it got what it wanted, mostly. But officials and students with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system say the governor is under-funding the system and short-changing the daily needs of students. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
January 27, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty has proposed a tax credit that he says will help close the achievement gap between white and minority students. Under the plan he first mentioned in this week's budget proposal, businesses would get the credit for funding scholarships that would allow at-risk students in the K-12 public school system to attend private schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
January 28, 2005 - <
January 31, 2005 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on Mayor Rybak’s desire to run again. R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, formally announced his re-election bid Sunday near the place he started his first campaign for elected office four years ago, almost to the day. At that time, he waged a grassroots battle against an established incumbent he felt was out of touch residents. Now, Rybak has a political track record that makes him the target for challengers. Report includes comments from Linda Longino, mother of slain child Tyesha Edwards; Don Samuels, City Council member; among others.