February 10, 2003 -
February 7, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty today (FRIDAY) is expected to use his own authority to trim state spending in anticipation of a $356 million deficit projected through mid-summer. Early this morning, House and Senate negotiators deadlocked in budget discussions that would have pre-empted Pawlenty's authority to act on his own. Lawmakers from both bodies -- as well as the governor's office -- are expressing frustration over the lack of a breakthrough. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
February 3, 2003 - When Governor Tim Pawlenty outlined his plans for erasing a $356 million deficit projected between now and the end of June, affected interest groups converged on St. Paul to beg a reprieve. Producers of the corn-based fuel ethanol were among the most visible -- and not surprisingly, they've seen the most success at preserving their funding. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo examines the lobbying war at the Capitol.
January 17, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty today FRIDAY appointed former DFL senator Gene Merriam to lead the state Department of Natural Resources. Merriam is a vice-president for ECM publishers and served for 22 years in the state Senate. He was a key player in the Senate, heading the Finance committee and the Agriculture and Natural Resources committee. As DNR commissioner he will face a number of challenges, including a shrinking budget and a host of competing interests. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
January 14, 2003 -
January 13, 2003 -
January 7, 2003 -
January 3, 2003 -
January 3, 2003 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports on what is likely to be Governor Jesse Ventura’s last news conference as Minnesota's chief executive. Ventura has had a sometimes difficult relationship with the reporters who cover him, and although event was cordial, it was in many ways characteristic of previous appearances before the men and women he knew as "jackals."
December 31, 2002 - If voters knew one thing about Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty it was this: under no circumstances, he said, would he raise state taxes. Now, governor-elect Pawlenty is facing a $4.5 billion budget deficit over the next two years, far bigger than most had anticipated. Pawlenty says the unexpected size of the shortfall hasn't diminished his resolve to stand tough on taxes. But critics say his pledge could damage the state's long-term prospects. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.