February 24, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that three northern Minnesota Indian tribes are closing in on an agreement with the state to build a Twin Cities area casino. The proposed half-billion dollar entertainment and hotel complex would be operated by the tribes through the Minnesota State Lottery.
March 4, 2005 -
March 10, 2005 - Last November, with much fanfare, Governor Pawlenty invited Minnesotans to suggest ways to balance the state budget without raising taxes by logging on to a new Web site. The governor's office has just released the results. More than 17-thousand people responded, and most wanted the state to spend more money on education, both K-12 and higher ed. Democrats question whether Pawlenty is paying attention to the results of his own Web site. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
March 11, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty is proposing an increase in education funding as a part of his revised budget plan. Pawlenty wants to spend 108 million dollars more than he originally proposed on K thru 12 education. The increase in funding is possible because the revenue forecast released last week showed the state's budget outlook improving. Critics say the funding for education still isn't enough. And others point out that Minnesota is still facing a budget deficit of 466 million dollars in the next two-year budget cycle without including inflation. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
March 14, 2005 - MPR’s Steven John interviews U.S. congressman Keith Ellison, who discusses a bill introduced that would double the level of protection provided to Minnesota children to prevent lead poisoning. DFLer Keith Ellison represents North Minneapolis in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
March 15, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty wants the state to partner with three northern Minnesota Indian tribes on a $550 million dollar Twin Cities casino. Profits would be split between the state and the White Earth, Leech Lake and Red Lake Ojibwe bands. The plan has launched a high-profile debate in the Legislature. It's also sparked a growing debate among northern tribal members. Some don't trust the state; they worry the plan is a bad deal for the tribes. As Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports, members of the Red Lake band may get a chance to vote the deal up or down.
March 18, 2005 - That's Minnesota's Commissioner of Human Services, Kevin Goodno.
March 30, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders today (WED) reached a deal on a package of public works projects. If the agreement holds up, it would mark the most significant breakthrough at the Capitol in more than a year. The Legislature failed to pass a bonding bill last session, in the midst of partisan gridlock. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
April 7, 2005 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that the Minnesota Senate upended an attempt to force a vote on a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages. The legislation would allow voters to decide whether to amend the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.
April 8, 2005 - Karl Rove, the man considered to be the political mastermind of the Bush White House, will be in Minnesota Friday night to raise money for Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty is up for re-election next year. Some powerful Republicans also view Pawlenty as a potential presidential or vice presidential candidate in 2008. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.