May 20, 2003 - The Minnesota Legislature's regular session came to a close early this morning (TUESDAY) with a filibuster that blocked final action on expanding nuclear waste storage at Xcel Energy's Prairie Island plant. The power company is seeking to increase waste storage in order to keep the plant operating through the end of its current federal license in 2014. But a handful of Senate Democrats managed to stall action on a measure that they criticized as environmentally unsound. The issue is likely to return in a special session that begins today. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
May 19, 2003 - With less than 24 hours left in this year's regular legislative session, House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on only two of eight major budget bills. Late last night (SUNDAY), they also resolved several contentious issue surrounding pay and job security for state workers. Negotiators wrapped up their work on bills funding Higher Education and Environment, Agriculture, and Job Development. That leaves six more budget measures to conclude later this week in an expected special session. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
May 16, 2003 -
May 13, 2003 - The Minnesota Senate has approved a plan to increase nuclear waste storage at Xcel Energy's Prairie Island power plant. Early this morning (TUESDAY), the Senate voted 42-to-24 for a compromise plan that keeps the facility open for the next ten years, but preserves legislative oversight of any operation beyond that horizon. The plan also increases investments in renewable energy and codifies an agreement between Xcel and the Prairie Island Indian Community situated adjacent to the facility. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
May 13, 2003 -
May 9, 2003 -
May 8, 2003 -
May 2, 2003 - A new poll shows most Minnesotans favor the direction set by Governor Tim Pawlenty's no-new-taxes approach to budget-balancing. But the survey -- conducted for Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press -- also shows that when confronted with specific alternatives or tax proposals, significant majorities show a willingness to increase state revenues. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
May 1, 2003 -
May 1, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty has released new guidelines for distributing aid payments to cities across Minnesota. Administration officials say the new local government aid formula eliminates historical inequities in state assistance and focuses exclusively on a city's needs and resources. But city representatives say the formula isn't the point. While the distribution of aid may change, they argue the governor is also slashing the total amount of aid across the board, leaving municipal officials with few options. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.