The Daily Digest: 2-3-09
DFL legislative leaders are not speculating as to whether they'll raise taxes or revenue to plug the state's nearly $5 billion budget deficit. Since they won't, MPR takes a look at what options are available.
Gov. Pawlenty says he expects the DFL to propose tax hikes.
A report by the Legislative Auditor says there is not sufficient evidence to determine the impact of Gov. Pawlenty's teacher merit pay program (Q-Comp). The report also says the Minnesota Department of Education does not provide regular oversight of all Q-Comp participants. You can read the recently released report here. AP says a Minnesota Department of Education review of Q-Comp says the program is having a positive impact on schools.
GOP Rep. Steve Drazkowski says the state should get out of the farming business. He says he'll propose a bill to sell state land.
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A Senate committee gets info on a plastics chemical.
Minnesota Republicans want transit aid for school buses.
The Met Council chair is suggesting that federal stimulus money should be used to pay for bus service.
He made the suggestion because Metro Transit is short on dough.
A study by the U of M says corn ethanol is no better than gas.
A bill would seal I-35W bridge victim fund records.
Math GRAD changes are in the works.
Economy
Consumer spending drops for the 6th straight month.
Macy's announces it will cut 7,000 jobs.
Congress
The Senate begins debate on the stimulus bill.
President Obama will use the bully pulpit to sell the package.
The Star Tribune says the stimulus bill could hinge on the Minnesota recount.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says he's anxious for the stimulus dollars.
Eric Holder is confirmed as the nation's first African American Attorney General. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar voted to confirm him.
Klobuchar wants President Obama to speed up his FDA choice in light of the peanut butter scare.
GOP New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg accepts a position at Commerce. He'll be replaced by a Republican.
Lawmakers have seen their portfolios shrink in the recession.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz wants to make it illegal for members of Congress to engage in insider trading.
The DCCC targets GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.
A bond analyst says DFL Rep. Collin Peterson's bill to ban speculation in certain credit default swaps would destroy the swaps market.
The departing USDA Secretary says Congress gets in the way of change. Peterson is mentioned.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will speak at the University of St. Thomas later this month.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will be an entertainer at the Washington Press Club Foundation dinner.
2008 Race for the U.S. Senate
The trial begins its second week.
The Star Tribune says Coleman's campaign blocked the counting of some absentee ballots during the recount.
The Pi Press says an elections expert addresses double counting claims.
MPR takes a look at the candidate's fundraising figures.
Franken's deputy campaign manager is headed to the DSCC.
2010
DFL Sen. Tom Bakk raises more money in 2008 than the other DFL candidates for governor. DFL Rep. Paul Thissen brings in a bunch in the final two months of the year.
Finally
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