April 3, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports on Minnesota State Capital commitee discussion of gay rights bill in effort to add sexual orientation to the list of protected statuses in the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
April 3, 1981 - The Minnesota human rights law currently forbids discrimination on the basis of faces, sex, age, marital status among other things. Repeal of the gay rights in the city of St. Paul left Minneapolis as the only community in the state that protects homosexuals. DFL Representative Karen Clark of Minneapolis led a parade of witnesses before the House Law Reform Subcommittee. She stated that 10 percent of the population is homosexual and that the biggest single area of discrimination is employment. Clark is satisfied with the hearing results for the time being.
April 11, 1981 - Peter G. Peterson, former United States secretary of commerce speaking at the Women's Economic Roundtable. Peterson’s address is on the Reagan consensus.
April 16, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter and Gary Eichten take a look at Minnesota Governor Al Quie’s budget and tax proposal. An incorrect state forecast has left the administration looking for a tax increase.
May 5, 1981 - Senate DFLers now accept Gov. Quie tax bill 2 weeks after they proposed a higher tax increase themselves. Roger Moe, Senate Majority Leader: Quie has refused to negotiate seriously, sits in corner of his office and threatens to veto proposal he hasn?t recommended.. Gov?s proposals not correct financial crisis state is facing. Without his public recognition of the full extent of the problem the public can?t be expected to support corrective measures. Tax committee voted 11 to 9 to accept the governor?s tax bill, aslo lowered gas tax increase from 4 cents to 2 cents and cut in half license fee increases for cars and trucks.460 million tax increase bill now goes to full senate for a vote, differences between House and Senate versions to be worked out later in committee. Pat Kessler, reporter.
May 5, 1981 - Mark Dayton in studio, will be announcing this morning for Senate, on Democratic ticket, against Durenberger. Still has to get party endorsement. Talks about his background, why he wants to run, campaign and fundraising.
May 11, 1981 - Ely’s Jackpine Bob provides commentary on disarmament and his frustration of military nuclear buildups.
May 13, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with MPR reporter Rich Dietman about University of Minnesota hospital proposal to build largest hospital construction project in state.
May 15, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter provides a brief tax committee update from the Capitol.
May 18, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports on continued debate at the Capitol over a tax plan and the growing chances for a special session. Segment includes speech excerpts and interview.