February 7, 1979 - Report and coverage of Minnesota senate debate over a rebate plan for Minnesotans. The bill was introduced by Senator Bill McCutcheon.
February 14, 1979 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland speaking before a Farm Forum in Minneapolis. Bergland commented on the domestic farm situation. Speech was followed by a question and answer with audience members.
March 2, 1979 - MPR’s Tom Meersman interviews Barbara Boyle, food and nutrition advocate for the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council; and Mary Kennedy, food stamp outreach director for Minnesota's Department of Public Welfare, discuss changes in the food stamp program and the effects on Minnesotans. Allegations of widespread fraud within the program have had administrators and investigators studying both the systems and alternatives to it. Major changes were enacted through the Food Stamp Act of 1977.
March 2, 1979 - The Minnesota House of Representatives is considering a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to pass an amendment to the Constitution requiring a balanced federal budget. MPR’s Capitol reporter Bob Potter reports on subcommittee hearings on the amendment. Kenneth MacDonald, state representative who authored the bill; and Walter Heller, economist and opponent of the amendment, share their differing views. Supporters claim federal deficits are responsible for inflation and other economic problems. Opponents argue that a rigid requirement of a balanced budget would cripple the federal government's ability to cope with economic recessions or depressions.
March 3, 1979 - On this special Spectrum/Home for the Weekend broadcast, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Minnesota U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz. Reporters and listeners throughout the state ask Boshcwitz questions. Topics include conservative trends, SALT treaty, D.C. voting amendment, and federal deficit.
March 5, 1979 - Highlights from a 10-day symposium on "The Vietnam Experience and America today" held at Macalester College in St. Paul, with talks by anti-war activist Daniel Berrigan and Theodore Sorensen, former special counsel to president John Kennedy. Also comments from Eugene McCarthy, Gloria Emerson, and Minnesotans involved with the anti-war movement.
March 14, 1979 - MPR’s Bob Potter and Dale Connelly report from the stadium hearing held by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Topics include various financial and lease negotiations with the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings regarding a new downtown stadium.
March 16, 1979 - The Minnesota House Tax Committee hears tax proposals to help finance a downtown Minneapolis domed stadium, including a 2% liquor tax. The committee votes to repeal the liquor tax. After vote, MPR’s John Merli interviews various committee members.
March 17, 1979 - John Boland, former chairman and executive director of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, speaking on challenges and accomplishments during his tenure. Boland also discusses issues still before the body.
March 22, 1979 - Ed Bradley, a CBS News correspondent, speaking at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Bradley discusses "Media and Politics", and the role of journalists and the protections guaranteed them by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. He illustrates both the privilege and problems provided by Freedom of the Press.