The Daily Digest: 12-14-06

South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson's health leads the digest. The story is still developing to check here for updates.

Governor and Legislature

A new report says businesses participating in JOBZ are hiring more people at higher wages than originally promised. The Pi Press and Forum Communications have stories.

Goveror Pawlenty's health care panel heads to Utah to study their system.

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WCCO-TV reality checks Pawlenty's energy plan.

Some legislative leaders say the want to replenish the 21st Century Minerals Fund.

State lawmakers from Bemidji hear from their constituents.

Marty Seifert says he’s optimistic.

States spent more in fy ’06.

The St. Cloud Times says as many as 600,000 poor people in 17 states, including Minnesota, could lose health coverage because a federal state program is running out of money.

Dean Johnson is a candidate to become a U of M regent.

MPR reports that despite the raid, there’s no slowdown in illegal document trade.

The Worthington Daily Globe writes about the fallout from the raid.

Congress

Congresswoman Betty McCollum is named to the House Appropriations Committee. The Star Tribune and the AP have stories.

The Star Tribune picks up yesterday's Palm Beach Post story that says Coleman is headed to Iraq.

Pulse of the Twin Cities writes about the war in Iraq and mentions Coleman.

U.S. Senators say no beef, no trade pact.

Norm Coleman named to Senate Ag Committee.

Change in Congress could help farmers says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The Pi Press says Rural America is in the energy spotlight

Forum Communications says DFL Congressman Collin Peterson is promising more farm research.

KTTC interviews Tim Walz.

The Detroit News says the new Congress will see many new religious firsts (mentions Ellison).

Union and community leaders condemn raids in Worthington. They urge those upset to call Coleman and Dayton. Worthington city leaders also want immigration reform.

The Rothenberg Political Report writes about the weird political year

Other

Finally, the Downtown Journal says some folks in Minneapolis don’t want a dog park because they're worried about the squirrels.