October 17, 1975 - Minnesota Senator Robert North says a domed stadium is "out of the question." Citizens do not want to be "held up" for the building cost of $60 million. Instead, he proposes improvements be made to Met Stadium and Memorial Stadium.
October 16, 1975 - A presidential primary bill passed the House but did not receive a hearing in the Senate. It would have set April 6 as a primary date. Rick Scott says a primary comes too early, but the caucus system works well. Senator Skip Humphrey offered a bill to create a "regional" primary, grouping Minnesota with WI, the Dakotas and Iowa. Also in capitol news, a bill was passed restricting commercial development in the BWCA.
October 16, 1975 - A presidential primary bill passed the House but did not receive a hearing in the Senate. It would have set April 6 as a primary date. Rick Scott (title unknown) says a primary comes too early, but the caucus system works well. Senator Skip Humphrey offered a bill to create a "regional" primary, grouping Minnesota with WI, the Dakotas and Iowa. Also in capitol news, a bill was passed restricting commercial development in the BWCA.
October 9, 1975 - Ulrich Scott wants all MN Democrats to come to together to discuss issues. He says his experience as college administrator and fundraiser at St. Mary?s qualifies him to manage the party?s finances, now $50,000 in debt partly due to 1974 election landslide victories for Democrats. He thinks the state party should play a larger role in local and regional races, reducing financial burdens for those candidates.
October 9, 1975 - The Minnesota Senate considers determinate sentencing, which is designed to avoid inequities in court system when conflicting sentencing philosophies of different judges might send two people to different prison terms for the same crime. Judge Jerome Kluck (sp?) of Dakota County says each set of circumstances requires separate consideration by the court, and it?s not appropriate to have the same punishment for everyone. Some defendants would be served by lesser sentence, some greater. Judge Ronald E. Hatchee (sp?) says court should have discretion within certain limits. He gives the example of man desperate after being laid off who steals milk and bread for his family compared to man who?s a criminal at heart, vicious, who might have hurt someone, who?s a danger to society. Both judges want to retain sentencing discretion based on circumstances.
October 1, 1975 - The frequency of claims is the most alarming aspect of malpractice turmoil. Adverse drug reaction, patients' unrealistic expectations and loss of job rather than negligence are the reasons for many suits, as is the state's tort system, so says a Mr. Burnswag, testifying before a state subcommittee on malpractice.
July 16, 1975 - State Auditor's report shows a vast number of discrepancies in construction, bidding, and use of funds related to the construction of a government center in Hennepin county.
May 24, 1975 - In this MPR Special, State Capitol reporter Dulcie Lawrence summarizes some of the highlights of the session, with commentary and taped excerpts from floor sessions, committee meetings, and interviews.
May 13, 1975 - Senate passes workman?s compensation increase and unemployment compensation bills. Metropolitan planning bill goes back to committee. Would require local governments and school districts to follow Metro Council growth plan. with coordination among adjacent communities for services.
May 7, 1975 - Jerome Blatz, a Republican Minnesota State Senator from Edina, voices his displeasure with the 1975 tax bill under debate on the Senate floor. Reporter Dulcie Lawrence adds that Blatz proposed amendments to the bill, but minority requests would probably be rejected.