The Daily Digest: 3-3-09
Gov. Pawlenty and state lawmakers may not be so sure but red is definitely their color today. The budget forecast is released this morning and the red ink could rise to $7 billion.
The update will be announced at 9:45. Gov. Pawlenty will deliver his address at 11:00. You can listen to Pawlenty live on MPR's Midday.
AP says the Minnesota deficit update is complicated by the federal stimulus.
The GOP slams the DFL for not producing a budget plan yet.
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Meanwhile, some cities are warning of budget cuts as they sit on large rainy day funds.
The League of Minnesota Cities also wants legislation that would let mayors keep their budgets secret until they release them.
The Arts and Outdoors funds is the only place where money is flowing this year.
Pawlenty is also scheduled to be the guest host of WCCO Radio for the second straight day.
DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher says the Legislature can finish on time.
Kelliher discussed the budget at a U of M forum.
A bill would increase sex trafficking penalties.
St. Paul's City Council could slow down the Central Corridor line.
St. Paul wants a downtown ice-rink.
MinnPost says there's some controversy over Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's proposal to shift civil rights probes to the state.
Economy
The Dow finishes below 7,000.
A survey says there's a bleak outlook for the Midwest economy.
D.C.
President Obama makes the Bush terror memos public.
Obama names two to lead his health care efforts.
He also courts the key committee chairs.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is working to release a U.S. journalist working in Iran. Here's her letter to the United Nations.
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum announces funding for the Red Rock corridor.
AP says a study paints a rare portrait of Muslim Americans. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned.
Banks take aim at Obama for planning to end the mortgage deduction for couples making over $250k/year. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann said the plan would create further uncertainty in the markets.
TCF plans to returns its federal TARP money.
Minnesota farmers meet with DFL Rep. Collin Peterson.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the subsidy debate pits farmers vs. hungry children. Peterson is mentioned.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar promises vigorous oversight of stimulus funding.
The Hill says Obama's cabinet picks are throwing a wrench into the message. Oberstar is mentioned.
Obama's trade rep pick owes back taxes.
2008 Race for U.S. Senate
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman rests his case but not before suggesting that the election be set aside and a new election be held. Democrat Al Franken starts his case today. Meanwhile, the court is making the Coleman campaign pay for court delays caused by his side. The Star Tribune, AP, CQ, MinnPost, Forum Communications and the Pi Press have stories.
Franken says he expects to join the senate soon.
Here's a recap of the trial.
Coleman closes his campaign offices. Another staffer also leaves.
2010
MNProgressiveproject interviews John Marty.
2012
Gov. Pawlenty says the GOP must modernize.