March 26, 2002 - The Senate has given preliminary approval to a budget balancing bill that erases the state's debt for the current biennium and tackles a portion of the debt in the next two-year budget. The bill uses accounting shifts and several tax increases to cover the projected $439 million remaining in the deficit. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
March 14, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Scheck report that a Senate committee chairman looking into the cost of Governor Ventura's executive protection has postponed hearings originally scheduled. Senator Dean Johnson says he still expects the Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee to take up the issue, but he hasn't decided on a date.
March 8, 2002 -
March 7, 2002 - Governor Ventura says the Legislature may have left the state ill-prepared to deal with a terrorist attack. Ventura told an emergency management conference today that a budget balancing bill passed last week over his objections has depleted the state's reserves and has made the state vulnerable. Lawmakers say the state's emergency officials are already adequately prepared. And House lawmakers today proposed legislation that would give law enforcement better investigatory and response training. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
February 27, 2002 - Senate DFLers are proposing a seven-and-a-half billion dollar package to improve the state's transportation infrastructure. The ten-year plan includes a gas tax increase to pay for roads and bridges and a plan to restructure license tab fees for newer cars and trucks. Senate DFLers say the plan addresses the state's long-term transportation needs but House Republicans say the package is too large. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
February 18, 2002 - A House Committee has defeated a bill that would have built a new football stadium for the Minnesota Vikings and University of Minnesota. Both teams have been seeking a new stadium because they say the Metrodome is outdated and they say they can't make enough money in it. However, lawmakers are cool to the idea of building a new stadium when the state is facing budget problems and the Vikings are under lease until 2011. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
February 14, 2002 - A key House Committee approved a measure today (thursday) that would forbid the state from issuing family planning grants to groups that are connected in any way to abortion services. Supporters of the measure say abortion providers can continue to do business but wouldn't be allowed to receive any state money. Opponents say the provision would impact low income women and say they'll challenge the bill's constitutionality if it becomes law. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
February 14, 2002 - Civil rights groups and privacy advocates will hold a rally at the state Capitol today to protest proposed anti-terrorism legislation moving through the House and Senate. Governor Ventura, House Republicans and Senate DFLers all have plans to give law enforcement more tools to monitor and prosecute alleged terrorists, but civil rights advocates say Minnesotans' civil liberties may be violated if the proposals become law. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
February 6, 2002 - A House committee today approved a bill that would prevent telemarketers from calling individuals who put their names on a state-sponsored "do not call" list. Supporters of the measure say telemarketers are inundating residents with too many calls and becoming a nuisance. Opponents argue the bill won't do anything to stop fraudulant telemarketers and will impede businesses that rely on telemarketing. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
February 5, 2002 - Nearly a year after the Minnesota House voted to prohibit local governments from limiting the operation of gun ranges, the Senate author may be close to a compromise. An amendment was offered in a Senate committee today (Tuesday) that would give local governments some control over shooting ranges. Some opponents, however, say the amendment is still overreaching. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...