Dean Johnson

25 Collection Items

• MPR Documentary: The Deep Roots of the Marriage Debate

  Minnesotans are involved in a passionate debate about marriage during 2012 election season. The two sides began squaring off more than 40 years ago. This project draws from MPR's extensive audio archive to explore the origins of this election day showdown over same-sex marriage.

  Oct. 25, 201255 minSave
• Midday Special: Live from the State Capitol - Key lawmakers on the end of the session, part 2

  Midday continues to broadcast live from the State Capitol. Host Gary Eichten and MPR's political editor Mike Mulcahy talk with key lawmakers at the MPR broadcast table. Guests include Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar; Governor Pawlenty's chief of staff, Dan McElroy; Senator Dick Cohen, DFL-St. Paul; Representative Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud; Representative Doug Stang, R-Cold Spring; and Senator Stevey Kelley, DFL-Hopkins.

  May. 14, 200455 minSave
• Steve Sviggum and Dean Johnson on MN State Legislature update

  Legislators have a full range of issues to deal with again this spring. Topics include the bonding bill, the state budget deficit, and a raft of proposed constitutional amendments such as the gay marriage amendment. Not to mention the fallout from the transit strike, health care, education, criminal sentencing, and the stadium. Gary Eichten. House Speaker Steve Sviggum, and Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson discuss issues before the Minnesota State Legislature.

  Mar. 15, 200453 minSave
• Ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota?: A Midday discussion

  Midday presents a report and conversation regarding Minnesota lawmaker’s debate of a bill that could lead to a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The constitution would state: "Only the union of one man and one woman will be recognized as a marriage in Minnesota."

  Mar. 9, 200453 minSave
• Baseball strike averted...Twins strong regular season goes into next inning

  Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports on labor agreement between Major League Baseball and its players union, which allows the Minnesota Twins to continue one of the team's best seasons without interruption. Twins executives joined baseball teams and fans around the country in hailing the agreement.

  Aug. 30, 2002Save
• Lease settlement considered by MSFC, MLB, and Minnesota Twins

  MPR's Tom Scheck reports that members of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission could vote on a proposed settlement with Major League Baseball and the Minnesota Twins. The commission, which owns and operates the Metrodome, filed suit against the two entities after the league announced that it wanted to eliminate two teams. No teams were named, but the Twins were considered a top candidate.

  Jun. 6, 2002Save
• Sports commission delays vote on proposed settlement with Twins, MLB

  MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has delayed a vote on a proposed settlement that would keep the Minnesota Twins in the Metrodome through the 2003 season. In exchange, the commission would drop its lawsuit against the team and league. Commission members say they're committed to keeping the Twins in the state but say they want the settlement in writing before they vote.

  May. 29, 2002Save
• Ventura plans unallotment while lawmakers point fingers for stalemate

  MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura and his staff are preparing for the worst. If the government doesn't figure out a budget, then he will do it himself and call the legislature into a special session. He can also call a special session in September, during election months, which some see as a way to make the candidates look bad.

  May. 8, 2002Save
• Senate approves Pledge for public school students once a week

  MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that the Minnesota Senate passed a bill that would require students to recite the pledge of allegiance in school at least once a week. Supporters say the bill would help teach patriotism to children, but opponents say the state shouldn't force students to recite the pledge.

  Apr. 25, 2002Save
• Latest on budget and transportation issues at Minnesota Capitol

  MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that budget negotiations proceeded at a snail's pace at the State Capitol. A co-chairman in a joint House-Senate budget balancing conference committee says he sees little need to meet until legislative leadership agrees to spending targets for conference committees. About the only sign of movement came on transportation funding as House Republicans made their first indication they would be open to a gas tax increase.

  Apr. 17, 2002Save