The Daily Digest: 4-24-09
Democrats move ahead with spending bills despite Governor Pawlenty's veto threats.
In a meeting with reporters, Pawlenty hinted at flexibility on the budget except on taxes.
Meanwhile, the House overwhelmingly rejected Pawlenty's borrowing plan.
The amendment was a part of a State Government Finance bill that passed after a marathon debate.
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The Senate takes up its tax bill today. The House will likely vote on the tax bill on Saturday. The Winona Daily News says DFL Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes is hedging on whether she'll support the Senate Tax bill. DFL Rep. Gene Pelowski ripped his party's tax package calling it "Dead on Arrival."
The House passed the K12 bill that holds school funding flat. The Pi Press, AP and MPR have stories.
The House also passed an early childhood education bill.
Forest Lake's teachers opt out of Gov. Pawlenty's Q-Comp program.
The Senate passed a Transportation bill that includes a measure that allows policy to pull drivers over for not wearing a seat belt.
The transportation bill also includes a property tax increase to pay for Metro Transit.
The Senate also passed a bill that slashes funding for the environment and natural resources. Lawmakers consider fees, however, to offset budget cuts to the outdoors.
Gov. Pawlenty praised the tentative agreement with the state employee unions.
Illinois tickets are sent to the wrong Minnesota drivers. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is mentioned.
Legislators debate whether a public official's outside income should be made public.
KSTP wonders whether gay marriage will be legalized in Minnesota.
Elko New Market reinstates police.
D.C.
The Associated Press says a secret tally has 87,000 dead Iraqis.
President Obama will hold his third prime-time news conference next week.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison got invited to a White House reception.
Bank of America's CEO said he was pressured into Merrill rescue.
The U.S. tells Chrysler to prepare for bankruptcy.
The Eden Prairie News writes about GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen's Savings Recovery Act.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison takes issue with an analysis that suggested he's fundraising in states with high Muslim populations.
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum co-sponsored an amendment to a national water policy bill to include a probe to see if there are high levels of pharmaceuticals in the nation's drinking water.
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann calls on Homeland Security Director Janet Napolitano to resign. The Hill and AP have stories.
Reuters says the financial industry is facing a regulatory hornet's nest. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
Food safety bills may heat up this summer. Peterson is mentioned.
DFL Rep, Jim Oberstar misses a news conference because he was stuck in traffic. Oberstar is the House Transportation Commissioner.
2008 Race for U.S. Senate
Five justices will hear Republican Norm Coleman's appeal.
The DFL files a complaint with the FEC about Coleman not seeking an opinion on using campaign money for legal fees. Update: Coleman's spokesman Tom Erickson sent along this note regarding the FEC complaint: "The DFL's charges are bogus in that the campaign hasn't spent one cent on said legal fees."
The DSCC will also announce a new website called "It's over Norm."
2010
Matt Entenza jumps in the race. MPR, Forum Communications, AP, the Rochester Post-Bulletin and the Star Tribune have stories.
You can listen to Entenza's speech and an interview here.
Minnesota Brown interviews former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton.
St. Paul city officials go to court today to ban 10 reputed gang members from Cinco de Mayo festivities. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman introduced the proposal.