July 9, 2005 - Minnesota state workers are back on the job this morning after Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders have reached an agreement that ends the state's first ever partial government shutdown. Earlier this morning, Pawlenty and legislative leaders agreed on an overall budget. Pawlenty also signed a temporary "lights on bill" into law after the House and Senate quickly passed the measure. The law allows furloughed state workers to go back to work while lawmakers iron out the final details in the tax and spending bills. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
June 2, 2005 - DFL State Senator Steve Kelley says he's in the race for governor next year. The Hopkins resident says his campaign will focus on his bread and butter issue, education. He says the state is drifting toward mediocrity under Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty and needs a change. But Republicans says he's not the one to bring that change. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 25, 2005 - Health care providers and other supporters of those on state health programs say they want all of the money from a proposed tobacco tax increase to state health programs. Governor Pawlenty wants to charge cigarette wholesalers an additional 75 cents on every pack of cigarettes sold in Minnesota. Pawlenty's calling the charge a "Health Impact Fee." But critics say they're not happy that the so-called "health fee" wouldn't be spent entirely on health care programs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 12, 2005 - Despite pressure from party leaders, a handful of House Republicans who broke party ranks on the gas tax late last night held firm today (Thu) when the plan came up for final approval. The gas tax would go up ten cents a gallon under the transportation bill the Minnesota House passed on a 72 to 61 vote. The move is in open defiance of Governor Pawlenty's "no new taxes pledge." Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
March 11, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty is proposing an increase in education funding as a part of his revised budget plan. Pawlenty wants to spend 108 million dollars more than he originally proposed on K thru 12 education. The increase in funding is possible because the revenue forecast released last week showed the state's budget outlook improving. Critics say the funding for education still isn't enough. And others point out that Minnesota is still facing a budget deficit of 466 million dollars in the next two-year budget cycle without including inflation. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
February 16, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty today encouraged Congress to permit national expansion of a state program that allows Minnesota citizens and state employees to import drugs from Canadian mail order pharmacies at a discount. Testifying before a Senate subcommittee in Washington, Pawlenty said Minnesota's program has been safe and successful. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports on how many people are using the website and what Pawlenty would do if the federal government would shut such sites down.
January 26, 2005 - In the weeks leading up to his budget announcement, Governor Pawlenty spoke often of his desire to rein in spending on health care programs. And in doing so, he started referring to the state's subsidized health insurance programs as "welfare health care." In the plan released yesterday (tues), Pawlenty recommended limiting eligibility for MinnesotaCare, a state subsidized health insurance program for the working poor. Those who are on the program and advocate on behalf of people with low incomes call Pawlenty's "welfare" characterization unfortunate and wrong. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 15, 2005 - {The Minnesota Vikings are getting ready to face the Philadelphia Eagles in tomorrow's {sun} divisional playoff game. Last week on Weekend America you may recall we spoke to Vikings fan and Midday host Gary Eichten and Green Bay Packer Backer and web editor Melanie Sommer. They talked about their friendly rivalry. This weekend we go back to the Minnesota Public Radio newsroom for an even more intense rivalry. Producer Colleen Scheck is a Vikings fan and her husband--Reporter Tom Scheck is an Eagles fan. The two are SUCH devoted football fans that they even included a line in their wedding vows about team loyalty. }
December 31, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is looking to protect the supply of cheap Canadian prescription drugs. He's has written to Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin urging him to continue allowing re-importation of prescription drugs. Recent news reports suggest that Martin's health cabinet wants to block the current system. But Canadian pharmacies and others who support reimportation say they'll pursue other measures to keep the business going. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 23, 2004 - There's something of a building boom going on with health care facilities around the Twin Cities. HealthPartners, Allina and HealthEast all recently announced major expansion plans. The groups say the construction will help improve care and patient satisfaction. But others worry it will increase health care costs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...