February 6, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on potential downtown ballpark site discussions. Alabama businessman Donald Watkins was in Minneapolis to assess potential ballpark sites. Watkins is exploring a possible purchase of the Minnesota Twins and has pledged to build a new stadium entirely with private dollars if he's able to acquire the team. Meanwhile, Governor Jesse Ventura says he hasn't changed his stance on a ballpark, despite a willingness to call a special session if lawmakers can't address the issue in the regular course of business.
January 11, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Ventura’s response to critics over his budget plan. According to governor, sacrifice needs to be made by all parts of the budget and he invites suggestions to improve it. Republicans debate higher tax on gasoline and tobacco, while Democrats want more money for education.
January 4, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports on Governor Ventura’s final State of the State address of his term. He used the speech to provide Minnesotans with his perspective on the state's budget problems. The state faces a nearly two-billion dollar projected budget shortfall. The governor says if the Legislature doesn't act quickly to solve the problem, he'll use his authority to cut government spending.
December 20, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on a legislative commission vote on the divisive issue of same-sex domestic partner benefits. The panel voted 7-to-5 to let the House and Senate decide for themselves whether to provide coverage for the same-sex partners of legislators and their staffs. The discussion foreshadows a larger debate in the upcoming session, with some lawmakers saying they'll vote to reject two union contracts that include the coverage.
July 10, 2001 - Governor Ventura says the state had to spend more than three million dollars to prepare for a possible government shutdown. Ventura released a preliminary estimate as he again criticized legislators for not finishing a budget until the final days before the new fiscal year. But legislative leaders say the governor can share in the blame.
April 24, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that a Senate panel approved a campaign finance reform package championed by Governor Jesse Ventura. Some reform activists say the measure doesn't go far enough, while opponents say the bill is unconstitutional.
March 6, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that Governor Jesse Ventura has announced a package of campaign finance reforms he says will level the playing field for all candidates in future elections. A tri-partisan group of lawmakers joined the governor to support his initiative, although some of them say even deeper reforms are necessary.
February 28, 2001 - Minnesota Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum and DFL Senate Assistant Majority Leader John Hottinger talk about their priorities, in light of new state revenue forecast. Program contains pledge drive segments.
January 9, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that supporters of campaign finance reform say the 2001 session may be the best chance in years to pass significant changes. Governor Jesse Ventura and leaders in both parties say they want to reduce the amount of money flowing into politics.
January 3, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Democrat John Hottinger, the assistant majority leader of the senate, and Republican Tim Pawlenty, the majority leader of the house, about the start of Minnesota state legislature. Legislators are expected to tackle some sticky issues, like what to do with a projected three billion dollar surplus, along with campaign finance proposals, and the high price of prescription drugs.