The Daily Digest: 2-15-08
The Digest is sad this morning. Sad that we let Valentine's Day go by without wishing a Happy Valentine's Day to our dear readers.
Smooches!
Now to the Digest...
A legislative commission passes a bill that would toughen emissions standards. The measure would make Minnesota's emissions standards comparable to the California law. It's heavily opposed by the Car Dealers who created Don'tTakeMyTruck.com to rip it. MPR has the story.
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The voters now get to decide whether they want to increase the state sales tax and direct the money to outdoors and cultural programs. The House and Senate passed the ballot initiative yesterday. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press, AP, Forum Communications, ECM, KARE and the St. Cloud Times have stories.
Forum Communications outlines how the money will be allocated.
A bill that would set up a victim's compensation fund for the victims of the 35W bridge collapse clears its first legislative hurdle. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
The transportation bill is making its way through committees in both chambers.
Speaking of transportation and bridges, the Hastings Bridge is "functionally obsolete." The Hastings Star Gazette, KARE, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
The Pi Press says the U of M is seeking funding for building projects.
Vegas Baby! Gov. Pawlenty is headed there next week.
Congress
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar has the highest number of earmarks in Minnesota. You can download the entire earmark database here.
The GAO may reopen an investigation regarding data tapes. DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is mentioned.
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar offered an amendment that would delay proposed rules that would reduce federal reimbursement for targeted case management services.
Coleman is also mentioned in this CQ story on a committee admonishing Idaho Sen. Larry Craig.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison comments on the possibility of a second Muslim member of Congress.
A MinnPost contributor (and Michele Bachmann critic) writes about GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's tele-townhalls.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is trying to find a final number on the Farm Bill.
2008 U.S. Senate Race
The Star Tribune writes about the Survey USA poll that has Coleman and Democrat Al Franken running neck and neck.
2008 U.S. Race for President
GOP Sen. John McCain will campaign in La Crosse, WI today.
Former President Bill Clinton and GOP candidate Mike Huckabee made stops there yesterday.
Minnesota Brown says Democrat Barack Obama could have problems getting votes on the Iron Range.
Have a nice weekend!