The Daily Digest: 12-20-07
Holy Hand Grenades! A state lawmaker wants to move the Walleye fishing opener up a week and lower the slot limit.
The Legislature hires a law firm to help with its investigation into the I-35W bridge collapse. MPR, the Star Tribune, Forum Communications, KARE11, the Pi Press and the AP have stories.
Gov. Pawlenty presents awards to people who help troops when they return from combat.
A coalition of nonprofits, business leaders and others has pledged to raise $60 million to help homeless people. MPR, the Pi Press and Fox 9 have stories.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
A new study says health care is taking a large percentage of Minnesotans' income. DFL Rep. Betty McCollum says health care is costing too much for families.
Education Commissioner says funding for Red Lake Schools is her top priority in next session's bonding bill.
Speaking of Education Commissioners, Cheri Pierson Yecke is leaving her post in Florida.
The Pawlenty Administration takes the SEED show to Worthington.
Congress
The Star Tribune says GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad may be leaving open the possibility of another run. But he tells the AP he's finished. Roll Call says Ramstad will ponder his future over the Holidays (subscription required). That clears everything up. Oh wait. It's clear as mud.
CQ says the rumors aren't helping Erik Paulsen.
AP says there are 9,000 earmarks in the spending bill headed to President Bush. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
The Worthington Daily Globe writes about the Farm Bill.
House Democrats propose ethics changes. DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is mentioned.
The Hill says GOP Sen. Coleman thought about seeking a seat on the Finance Committee but says he would have a chairmanship if everything falls into place (like winning his reelection bid).
There's also talk that he could chair the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
The Rochester Post Bulletin says the spending bills have a regional impact. DFL Rep. Tim Walz and GOP Rep. John Kline are mentioned.
The Hill says the GOP is turning its focus on health care.
President Bush signs the pool safety bill. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will appear at a Minneapolis Hospital today with the parents of the girl who inspired the legislation.
DFL Reps. Keith Ellison and Tim Walz will be on Midday today. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann was invited but declined to participate.
Finally
The Washington Post ruins DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar's gift idea for her husband.
AP says a Muskie Moment isn't necessarily a bad thing anymore.