The Daily Digest
The Senate is expected to approve a bill that extends the Bush era tax cuts. DFL Sen. Al Franken called it the hardest vote he's ever taken. Franken, who voted for the bill, says President Obama "punted on first down."
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will address GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's constitution class for members of Congress.
Bachmann also suggested she'll face a "grudge match" with Democrat Tarryl Clark in 2012.
The House honored DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar. GOP Rep.-elect Chip Cravaack defeated him in November.
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Census
The American Community Survey says Minnesota is more diverse, well educated and graying.
The Survey also finds Minnesota will continue growing population wise but at an uneven rate.
Nearly one in three Somalis live in Minnesota.
The Star Tribune takes a look at some of the numbers.
Under the Dome
Democrat Mark Dayton will meet with several members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation today. He will also attend a DC fundraiser for his campaign and the White House Christmas party.
On Tuesday, an official with DHS says it could take until October before the MA expansion is fully implemented. Democrat Mark Dayton says he'll sign the paperwork to enroll in MA once he's in office. His spokeswoman had no comment on the announcement by Medicaid Director Brian Osberg.
The Vikings will play Monday night's game at TCF Bank Stadium since the Metrodome won't be ready.
Minneapolis and St. Paul will reopen schools today. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman disagreed over the decision to cancel school in his city on Tuesday.
Incoming Minnesota Senate President Michelle Fishbach will be on GOPAC's leadership committee.
Pawlenty for Prez Watch
Gov. Pawlenty will continue his farewell tour today. On Tuesday, he was in Rochester and St. Cloud saying he held state spending in check. Today he's speaking in Moorhead.
He called the federal tax bill a "mixed bag."
The state's public employee unions shoot back at Pawlenty.
Prosecutors added a dozen felony charges to a Minnesota Sex offender who was pardoned by Pawlenty, former Chief Justice Eric Magnuson and Attorney General Lori Swanson.