The Daily Digest: 12-19-07
The Legislature has hired the firm of Gray Plant Mooty to help with a joint legislative committee looking into the collapse. The cost if $500 thousand. The news was released this morning during a Senate Rules Committee. The Pi Press had a story in this morning's paper.
This is now the fourth investigation into the 35W bridge collapse. The National Transportation Safety Board is working with a private firm hired by MnDOT. The Legislative Auditor is also looking into the collapse. Here's a question for digest readers - What happens if each outfit comes to a different conclusion?
The state's unemployment rate falls below the national average. MPR and the Pi Press have stories.
The Pi Press says there are icy forecasts for the economy.
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AP interviews Health Commissioner Sanne Magnan.
A panel by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency approves new water rules.
Congress
The victim of a pool drain accident receives an organ transplant. The procedure comes at a when Congress passes pool safety legislation in her honor. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.
The Omnibus spending bill would provide funding for Bemidji, Duluth and Camp Ripley.
The House is planning a vote to stave off the Alternative Minimum Tax. The Mankato Free Press says the vote has DFL Rep. Tim Walz uneasy because it adds to the deficit.
The Energy bill is headed to President Bush. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
2008
Former GOP Rep. Ray Cox wins the GOP primary in Senate District 25. The special election is scheduled for January 3rd.
Former GOP Rep. Greg Davids will seek his old seat.
Finally
Russia's Vladimir Putin is named Time's Person of the Year.