April 5, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura says he isn't giving up the fight for campaign finance reform this session. In the previous month, a key House subcommittee dealt Ventura's reform bill a major setback by laying the plan over until the next year. But new legislation has emerged with many of the same provisions and supporters say it's not too late for action.
April 3, 2001 - Private providers of family planning services today (TUESDAY) said they could lose signficant funding if legislation approved by a key House committee becomes law. Last week, the Health and Human Services committee voted to shift state family planning grants from non-profit groups to cities and counties. Opponents say the move is a veiled attack on groups that provide abortions. But supporters say the switch simply gives taxpayers oversight into how the money is used. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports. {NARRATION: The state health department estimates private family planning groups currently receive roughly 3 million dollars a year in state grants. But amendments tacked onto the omnibus health care financing bill would strip those funds from private non-profits and pass them to local governments to provide the same services. Ray Martin is the director of Healthy Start, an adolescent health care organization which receives a yearly 100-thousand dollar grant. He says continuing the funding for non-profit providers will pay off in the long run.
April 2, 2001 - There is a lack of balance between the Senate and the GOP and Governor regarding the spending of the surplus.
March 30, 2001 - (NOTE: THIS HAS NOT BEEN EDITED) Today is the first deadline for committee action on most policy bills at the state legislature. Last night (THURDAY) lawmakers worked to move legislation before the deadline expires. A notable casualty was an effort to allow the sale of wine in supermarkets and grocery stores. Other measures on handgun laws, seatbelt use, and a new football stadium fared better. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this wrap-up.
March 30, 2001 - Attorney General Mike Hatch and Allina CEO Gordon Sprenger announced a deal to renew an audit of the health provider's business practices. Last week, Hatch questioned Allina's administrative costs and the company's spending on executive perks. Hatch also claimed the non-profit was delaying the release of important documents. Both sides say the new agreement should expedite the review. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
March 29, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that the move to build a new Twins stadium with partial state funding cleared a crucial legislative committee. The favorable vote comes just one day before the first deadline for committee action, but the legislation still faces significant obstacles. A number of lawmakers and citizens' groups remain staunchly opposed to public funding for a new ballpark.
March 28, 2001 - (NOTE: HOST BACK ANNOUNCE) (NOTE: DATE REFERENCE IN FIRST PARAGRAPH -- COULD STILL RUN IN A.M.) Minnesota's Census data arrived today (WEDNESDAY) -- and already political consultants are sharpening their map-drawing pencils with an eye towards the once-in-a-decade redistricting battle. Sharp growth in the Twin Cities' suburban ring will require lawmakers to redefine legislative and Congressional boundaries to match shifting populations. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
March 27, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo gives a summary report on Governor Jesse Ventura’s appearance on Midday. The governor staked out positions on a host of proposals now under consideration at the state Legislature. Ventura commented on loosening restrictions on carrying a handgun, alcohol sales in grocery stores, and legal sports betting.
March 26, 2001 - An experiment in welfare reform is going to reach a milestone next year. Families who started in the experiment is to convert from welfare to employment.
March 22, 2001 -