March 26, 2003 - A proposal for a state-run casino in the Twin Cities is dividing Native American communities. The package is supported by the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, who stand to share in millions of dollars of gambling revenues. But the state's other nine tribes say a new casino will eat into revenues they currently generate with their own gaming operations. The bill also faces opposition from lawmakers who say the state has no business in the gambling industry. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
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February 24, 2003 - (EMBARGOED UNTIL MONDAY 2/24/03 A.M.) A new poll shows most Minnesotans are ready to accept the level of spending reductions outlined in Governor Tim Pawlenty's budget plan. Last week, Pawlenty released a deficit-reduction package that pruned back planned spending by almost $3 billion dollars and offered no new tax increases. But the survey, conducted for Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press, also shows that majorities of respondents expect the cutbacks to fall hard on some Minnesotans. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
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February 18, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty today (TUESDAY) will release his plan for erasing a $4.2 billion deficit projected over the next two years. The state's fiscal shortfall is one of the largest in recent memory. Bridging the gap will dominate discussion at the Capitol for the remainder of the session -- and is complicated by Pawlenty's pledge NOT to raise taxes to close the divide. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.