April 15, 1999 - During last fall's campaign, Governor Jesse Ventura often talked about lower taxes and smaller government, positions that struck a chord with business leaders. But after the governor's first 100 days, there's some cautious grumbling in the business community, that they heard a republican philosophy but are seeing Democratic policies.
April 14, 1999 - Governor Ventura and Senate DFLers spent the day down-playing the significance of the surprise tax cut passed last night in the Minnesota House. House DFLers and Republicans joined forces to approve tax cuts and rebates worth more that $1-point-4 Billion dollars a year but Ventura and Senate leaders say the House went too far.
April 14, 1999 - Governor Jesse Ventura offered his own assessment of his first 100 days in office during Minnesota Public Radio's Midday program today. Ventura says he takes pride in his smooth transition, the quality of commissioners he's named, and his budget. When MPR host Gary Eichten asked him about mis-steps and comments that have riled people, the governor said he has no regrets.
April 13, 1999 - A new Minnesota Public Radio/St. Paul Pioneer Press poll shows most Minnesotans still think highly of Governor Ventura after his first 100 days in office. His approval rating has dipped significantly from the last poll taken before he took office, but he still gets high marks from a majority of voters. Most like his plain spoken style and agree with him that people should rely on themselves--not government--to solve their problems. But a significant number of people also say it's too soon to judge the governor's performance, and they'll wait before they make up their minds about Ventura.
April 13, 1999 - Governor Jesse Ventura went head-to-head with critics of his transportation programs earlier today. During a speech in downtown Minneapolis , members of the Libertarian party heckled the governor for his support of light-rail transit in the Twin Cities.
April 13, 1999 - Governor Ventura has warned legislators that he has no intention of calling a special legislative session if they don't finish major tax and spending bills by the May 17 adjournment date. Ventura is especially concerned with the fate of his tax rebate legislation, which has been stuck in a conference committee for two months.
April 12, 1999 - This week marks Governor Jesse Ventura's 100th day in office. The former wrestler is arguably the country's most well-known governor, and so far he's riding high in the opinion polls.
April 2, 1999 - Black leaders of dozens of organizations and churches are calling upon people to participate in a planned March for Freedom, Justice and Equality tomorrow. The march was planned out of concern over Governor Jesse Ventura's recent cabinet appointments. Critics say the state's top administration officials fail to represent the diversity of Minnesota's population. Black leaders are ESPECIALLY concerned over the lack of any African American appointments.
March 31, 1999 - Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura spent much of the day in East Grand Forks. The Governor heard about the destruction caused by the flood of 1997, and saw the rebuilding still underway. The Governor left a trail of one liners, and a ray of hope for residents looking for financial help from the state.
March 30, 1999 - For Tuesday A legislative change gives Governor Jesse Ventura a chance to put a new face on the Metropolitan Council by naming up to sixteen new members at once. The speculation is that he make announce the names as early as today. The council is in charge of such mundane metropolitan matters as treating sewage and making sure the buses run on time. But it is also has the power to regulate Twin Cities development. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson talked to three people who have ideas for how the reconstituted Council should do it's job.