The Daily Digest: 5-12-07

Smoking in bars and restaurants will be forbidden beginning on October 1st. The bill is now headed to Gov. Pawlenty, who says he'll sign it. The House passed it earlier this morning. The Senate passed it on Friday. MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune and AP have stories.

The governor is also going to get and veto a tax for tax bill. The Pi Press, the Star Tribune and MPR have stories.

A Minnesota Public Radio News poll says a majority of voters support a nickel a gallon gas tax increase but not a dime. Here's the story. Here are the poll results.

Get ready for a transportation bill vote early next week on a nickel a gallon gas tax increase.

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The Senate passes the Outdoors Legacy Act. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press and AP have stories.

3M and the MPCA agree on a waste cleanup plan.

Pawlenty is looking into Imation situation.

Pawlenty speaks at an American Legion dedication.

He's also getting ready for the fishing opener. MPR says low water levels could make for a few surprises.

Former Attorney General Mike Hatch will hold a fundraiser for Attorney General Lori Swanson.

Congress

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman wants to let police ask about immigration status.

The VA says it will improve suicide prevention efforts.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz has a listening session in Rochester.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says he's ready to question U.S. Attorney Rachel Paulose.

The House Ag Committee is ready to move on the Farm Bill later this month. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Peterson says he won't support plans to eliminate farm subsidies.

Blog Watch

A manufacturers blog rips Gov. Pawlenty on his reimportation plan.