September 6, 2001 - Xcel Energy says homeowners can expect considerable relief from high heating bills this winter. After a sharp increase last year the cost of natural gas is falling. Still the shock of last winter's high prices has many people looking for ways to cut down on energy bills. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
August 31, 2001 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on Governor Jesse Ventura joining the throngs at the Minnesota State Fair to talk taxes and politics. Ventura promoted the idea of a national sales tax and banning elected officials from campaigning when he says they should be working.
July 30, 2001 - Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernard is retiring this week after 25 years in labor leadership. During Brommer's years of labor activism, union membership has fallen dramatically in Minnesota and throughout the country. But Brommer says he sees a resurgence of interest in unionism --- driven largely by economic globalization which HE SAYS is enriching corporate executives at the expense of working people. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 25, 2001 - Newly released federal government statistics show personal income in Minnesota grew the second fastest of any state in the nation from the beginning of last year to the beginning of THIS YEAR. Economists say the growth reflects the strength of Minnesota's relatively DIVERSE and HEALTHY economy. But they say more recent data will likely show more of an impact from the continuing economic slowdown. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 2, 2001 - The Minnesota Legislature's decision to take local government OUT of basic school funding will mean massive property tax cuts for home and business owners. The tax bill also fundamentally changes tax policy, by shifting some of the property tax burden from businesses to homes. Supporters say Minnesota businesses will be more competitive, and local governments to be more accountable for their spending. Critics worry in the long run the changes will INCREASE property taxes for people who can least afford to pay. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 2, 2001 - Target corporation has ambitious plans to double the size of its namesake discount chain over the next decade. The company hopes to achieve much of the growth in its relatively new SuperTarget division. SuperTargets add groceries to the store's traditional mix of merchandise. The first two Minnesota SuperTargets are slated to open at the end of this month in Shoreview and in Rochester. SuperTargets' entrance into Minnesota is prompting a major retail workers union to launch an organizing campaign. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
June 20, 2001 - Much of the push for property tax reform at the Capitol is coming from Minnesota businesses. Business leaders say to remain competitive Minnesota MUST continue cutting taxes. Critics of the plan say it would shift the burden of paying property taxes from businesses to homeowners. They say homeowners pay enough already and there are good reasons for commercial and industrial properties to pay a higher rate. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
June 18, 2001 - Northwest Airlines new C.E.O. says management and unions need to find a better way to handle contract negotiations to improve relations. Richard Anderson, who took the top job in April, says with employee support Northwest will be strongly positioned for growth over the next several years. Later this week Anderson takes his message on the road with visits to employees around the country. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
June 6, 2001 - Minnesota Nurses Association leaders today heard from rank and file nurses who are on the job at two Allina Health Systems hospitals -- NOT on picket lines, even though they voted down their contract offer last weekend. The botched vote count has many nurses angry with their union AND with hospital administrators for holding the workers to the initial ratification notice -- even though the vote was improperly tallied. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
May 30, 2001 - Medtronic says it will spend more than three and a half BILLION dollars to get into the diabetes (die-ah-BEE-tees) treatment business. The Fridley-based medical device giant is buying "MiniMed, Incorporated," a maker of insulin pumps and glucose monitors AND the much smaller -- "Medical Research Group," which is developing an implantable insulin system. Medtronic says with the two Los Angeles-based companies it can begin serving the enormous and rapidly-growing diabetes market. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...