April 26, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that prospects for a major state income tax cut appear dim. House Republicans, who previously championed the idea of across-the-board income tax cuts say they're now leaning towards substantial property tax reform and relief. Governor Jesse Ventura and Senate DFLers are also promoting property tax cuts, but some conservative groups say House leaders are compromising their principles.
April 26, 2001 - MPR’s Marisa Helms that the Minnesota House and Senate are about $100 million apart in education spending. Both the Senate and House K-12 finance committees approved their main education funding bills shortly before final committee deadline. The main difference between the two bills is the amount of new spending and how each addresses fiscal inequity among school districts.
April 26, 2001 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports that the CEOs of twenty companies from Finland are in the Twin Cities to meet with local business leaders, and to explore potential business opportunities. The group attended a two-day workshop at a local law firm where they listened to an address by Governor Ventura, who has often promoted foreign trade and investment to boost the state's economy.
April 26, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio series Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country, MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on the obstacles for American Indian children within the education system.
April 26, 2001 - MPR’s Patty Marsicano reports that higher education budget would fare much better under the senate's budget than the Governor's budget. Of the 2.9 billion dollars of total spending, the package contains 283 million dollars in new spending. That's nearly three times the new spending proposed by Governor Ventura.
April 26, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio series Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country, MPR’s Bob Rhea reports on the fight for religious freedom of Native Americans, including those incarcerated.
April 26, 2001 - MPR’s Dan Gunderson reports that Minnesota counties are concerned about a legislative proposal to cut off cash welfare payments to thousands of Minnesotans starting next summer. County officials fear they will be responsible for paying the cost of caring for those who lose state assistance. Advocacy groups say many of Minnesota’s working poor will forced to seek charity to survive….but the author of the House bill says those concerns are largely unfounded.
April 27, 2001 - Midday presents a collection of Mainstreet Radio stories from MPR's Indian civil rights series Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country, followed by an interview with Joe Day, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council. Day shares his thoughts and answers listener questions.
April 27, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio series Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country, MPR’s Dan Gunderson reports on free speech within the Indian reservation.
May 7, 2001 - An MPR special: A Simple Buddhist Monk. The special is about buddhism and the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet and Nobel Peace Prize winner.