January 17, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura remarks at the Humphrey Institute Policy Forum called "Moving Minnesota: How Is Tri-partisan Government Working?" Other remarks from House Republican Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty and Senate DFL Majority Leader Roger Moe.
January 24, 2001 - MPR's Elizabeth Stawicki reports on that Minnesota's judiciary fared better than many other departments in Governor Jesse Ventura's budget plan. Still, the Governor's budget doesn't fully fund the state court system's major initiative for this legislative session, known as Crimnet. It is an integrated computer system that would allow law enforcement and courts from different jurisdictions to easily share information on criminals.
January 25, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio’s Mark Steil reports on Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura in southern Minnesota as he continued to promote his budget plan and fire back at critics. During a stop in Worthington he said one of his most important priorities is to reform telephone service in the state. He says increased telecommunications competition will help business growth in rural areas.
January 25, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on the debate over higher education state funding between Governor Jesse Ventura and University of Minnesota president Mark Yudof. Neither side is backing down on what promises to be one of the biggest budget debates this session.
January 25, 2001 - MPR’s Chris Julin reports on speech event by Governor Jesse Ventura at University of Minnesota in Duluth. The Governor is traveling around the state, trying to sell Minnesotans on his proposed budget. Some of the loudest criticism of the budget plan is coming from university and college administrators who say the governor's proposal will make them lose good professors, and raise tuition.
January 30, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura's tax bill got its first committee hearing at the State Capitol. Ventura's ambitious series of tax cuts and reforms faces an uncertain future. Even the bill's chief House author doesn't completely support all of it.
January 31, 2001 - Author Margaret Atwood, speaking recently as part of the Pen Pals Lecture Series sponsored by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County. Her latest book is The Blind Assassin.
February 9, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes provides a summary report on Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton’s 2001 State of the City address. the mayor highlighted successful city initiatives, lower unemployment and crime, downtown construction, and a strong arts in downtown.
February 15, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports that Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton kicked off her re-election campaign with a bus tour designed to highlight the successes of her administration and her plans for a third term.
February 19, 2001 - MPR's Andrew Haeg reports on a bill that would limit the governor and other constitutional officers from receiving money for outside work has passed its first major test. The House Governmental Operations Committee approved the bill, and will soon send it to a vote by the full House.