The Daily Digest: 2-11-09

As House and Senate negotiators continue to debate the merits of the federal stimulus bill, MPR examines whether past promises of job creation delivered on the state's transportation bill.

The West Metro has an edge in stimulus spending.

MinnPost says Pawlenty isn't lobbying for the stimulus package.

The Wall Street Journal says some states are proposing their own stimulus packages to help small business. Minnesota is mentioned.

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Meanwhile, a monthly revenue outlook shows Minnesota's tax revenue continues to fall short.

Minnesota's Supreme Court Justice hit the road to speak out against proposed budget cuts.

A bill allowing marijuana use for medicinal purposes gets a hearing today. The Star Tribune says advocates will bring forward HIV/AIDS victims to tout the bill.

A bill calling for single payer health care was approved by a Senate committee.

Gov. Pawlenty's proposed cuts to dental care could mean more E-R visits.

Lawmakers try to cut off inattentive driving.

A committee approves a bill that would ban sex offenders from visiting certain website.

Gov, Pawlenty and several DFL leaders attended Duluth Days in St. Paul.

This isn't a huge surprise but it's interesting. The Mesabi Daily News says lobbyists outnumber lawmakers by a four to one ratio.

A House education funding bill would boost costs by 32 percent.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools announce cuts, lay-offs and potential school closings to deal with budget problems.

St. Paul Schools could also cut 265 jobs.

Meanwhile, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf gives a stadium update to builders.

The Swamp

The feds, the White House and the Senate all try to tackle the economic downturn.

Negotiations intensify on the federal stimulus bill.

Minnesota's House Democrats are unhappy with the Senate version of the economic stimulus package.

MSNBC takes a look at six points of contention in the negotiations.

House Democrats give up pay raises.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar admitted some tax errors. She overpaid some taxes.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar writes an op-ed in support of the stimulus bill.

The U.S. Country of Origin Label rules have been dropped for a bit. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

The nation's trade deficit drops.

2008 U.S. Senate race

DFLer Al Franken and Republican Norm Coleman are making the rounds today in Washington D.C. Franken is meeting with staffers. Coleman has a fundraiser.

The three judge panel order the counting of 23 ballots (and the opening of another - it will be counted if it has a voter registration card inside). The ballots will reportedly help Franken. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

MinnPost says the judges move to narrow the scope of the trial.

2012

The Fix interprets Pawlenty's recent travel as a possible precursor for a 2012 run.

Finally

Minnesota's Red Bulls get a big sendoff.