February 4, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty has appointed the CEO of the Mercy Hospital and Health Care Center in Moose Lake as his health commissioner. Pawlenty says Dianne Mandernach will lead the Health Department in safeguarding the public health, preparing the state for a possible bioterrorist attack and addressing the rising cost of health care. Mandernach says her experience at a rural medical center will help her address the state's health care needs. Her appointment, however, comes with some controversy. Supporters of legalized abortion worry about Mandernach's opposition to abortion. They say she may support restrictions on the state's family planning grants. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 31, 2003 - House Republicans say they intend to move quickly on Governor Pawlenty's proposed changes to the state's welfare program. Pawlenty yesterday (Thurs) proposed stricter work requirments and tougher sanctions for welfare recipients. He says the plan would help welfare recipients end their cycle of dependency. Others say Pawlenty's proposal is mean-spirited which could cause headaches for Minnesota's larger counties. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 31, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty has proposed stricter work requirements for welfare recipients. Pawlenty released a plan yesterday that would require welfare recipients to look for a job before they're eligbile for cash assistance. He says his goal is to make welfare recipients more self sufficient. Pawlenty says the program will also drop recipients from the program if they don't follow the rules. Critics say the plan would get people off of welfare rolls but not out of poverty. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 30, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty today (Thurs) proposed stricter work requirements for welfare recipients. Pawlenty's proposal would require welfare recipients to look for a job before they're eligbile for cash assistance. He says that would force recipients to become more self-sufficient. Critics say the plan would get people off of welfare rolls but not out of poverty. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 23, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty has appointed a Republican House member and inspector for the Minneapolis Police Department as his Public Safety commissioner. Pawlenty says Representative Rich Stanek has the credentials to handle the job. Stanek has been instrumental in passing tougher crime sentences and getting money for equipment for local police and fire fighters. However, Stanek's critics say he has an abrasive personality and they worry about his track record on civil liberties. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 9, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty assured a group of business leaders last night that he won't raise taxes to fix the state's four and a half billion dollar deficit. Speaking at a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce dinner, Pawlenty said business owners can't afford another tax increase. He said it's important for lawmakers to hold the line on taxes, lower the cost of health care and introduce tort reform. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports
December 20, 2002 - Governor Ventura has denied Governor-elect Tim Pawlenty's request to stop the state's aid payment to local governments. Cities and counties are scheduled to receive half of their annual aid payment on December twenty-sixth. Pawlenty asked Governor Ventura yesterday (THURS) to delay that payment so he would have more options when it comes to balancing the state's budget. Local government officials say they're relieved but also know they won't be held harmless in the upcoming session. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 6, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on the expensive Minnesota's U.S. Senate race.
November 11, 2002 - Veterans and the public gathered across the state today (MONDAY) to honor the men and women who served in the nation's armed forces. Two of Minnesota's incoming state political leaders say they'll make veteran's issues a priority in office. Senator-elect Norm Coleman and Governor-elect Tim Pawlenty spoke at a Veterans Day observance at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. They said the nation will continue to honor those who sacrificed themselves on behalf of the nation. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
November 7, 2002 - Minnesota Senator-elect Norm Coleman says he hopes to persuade interim Senator Dean Barkley to step down before the newly elected members of Congress are sworn in. On November 4th, 2002, Governor Ventura appointed Barkley to replace the late Senator Paul Wellstone who died in a plane crash two weeks ago. Coleman will follow Barkley after defeating former Vice President Walter Mondale in Tuesday's election.