The Daily Digest
The 2010 legislative session begins today and the state's $1.2 billion deficit and plans to help jumpstart the economy are on the agenda. MPR and the Pi Press have stories.
On top of all the policy discussions, the session will be politically charged. MPR and AP have stories.
Lawmakers will release their bonding bill proposals today.
A fix to General Assistance Medical Care, a low-income program for the poor, is also on the agenda this session.
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There's also a GAMC rally scheduled for today.
Small hospitals and a physician group oppose the GAMC extension bill.
Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders will speak at the MN Chamber of Commerce's annual session priorities dinner tonight.
Gov. Pawlenty was on MPR's Midday on Wednesday. He said he'll try not to cut spending to schools.
The Star Tribune blows up Pawlenty's comments on the Vikings stadium (front page, really?). He suggested that lottery proceeds and users fees to pay for a new Vikings stadium.
The state prepares to borrow cash, just in case.
DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher used Pawlenty's own signature line against him because of the borrowing plan.
MPR might sue over Central Corridor.
DFL Rep. Cy Thao has to pay the state back $4700 for a several campaign finance violations.
DFL Sen. Keith Langseth says he'll run again.
The state's nurses union isn't happy with the Minnesota Board of Nursing's effort to clarify what an LPN can and cant do for patients.
Gov. Pawlenty will hold the deer hunting opener in Little Falls just three days after his successor is elected.
Congress
Questions about overtime pay for troops catches the Defense Secretary off guard.
GOP Rep. John Kline and DFL Rep. Tim Walz press for answers.
KSTP first reported this story on Tuesday night.
President Obama tells Senate Democrats they still have to lead.
Obama's budget faces a congressional minefield.
Congress looks at ways to dull the effects of the Citizen's United case.
Democrats try to tag Republicans like GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen to the AIG bonuses.
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum wants all budget options on the table.
There's more turnover in GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's office.
The National Prayer Breakfast is today. Bachmann is mentioned.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says he'll fight EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
New biofuels regulations could also face a fight from Capitol Hill.
A phone outage in northeast Minnesota reveals potential dangers. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
Oberstar also recommended ways to cut the budget.
2010 Race for Governor
The focus is now on the delegates.
GOP Rep. Marty Seifert discusses the future of his campaign and his straw poll win.
GOP Rep. Tom Emmer says he'll shine in the next phase of the governor's race.
Education Minnesota will meet on Monday to discuss a possible endorsement.
Pawlenty for Prez Fundraiser
Mitt Romney will hold a fundraiser for John Thune.
Frum Forum examines Pawlenty's fundraising surge.
Finally
This Californian web ad (known as demonsheep) is, shall we say, odd.