The Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where Dayton offers a supplemental jobs bill, a state Senate panel approves a right-to-work law, and we're watching two Southern primaries.

Around Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton wants a $60 million supplemental budget.

Included in the proposal is a plan to exchange tax break for overseas businesses for one that awards companies that hire veterans, students or the currently unemployed.

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A Minnesota Senate panel approved a proposed a constitutional amendment to make union membership and the payment of union dues voluntary for all workers.

A separate panel heard testimony on legislation targeting health plans that do business with the state.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Erik Paulsen highlighted the Minneapolis Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam as a barrier to stop the Asian silver carp's advance.

The PolyMet mining project in northeast Minnesota is on track to have a draft environmental review released to the public this October.

The Twin Cities housing market shows signs of improvement.

First Lady Michele Obama will visit Minnesota this Friday to meet with military families.

As part of MPR's "Outsiders" series: An English-only measure still divides Lino Lakes.

The Vikings Stadium

The stadium bill will get a hearing in the Senate tomorrow.

The state Legislature routinely overrides the Minneapolis City Charter.

In Washington

The Obama administration has blocked a new voter ID law in Texas, the Washington Post reports.

The nation's five largest mortgage lenders will settle with the government for $25 billion, but won't admit wrong doing.

The Obama administration is weighing whether to further reduce American forces in Afghanistan, the New York Times reports. Doing so would reflect "a growing belief within the White House that the mission there has now reached the point of diminishing returns."

An Afghan government delegation came under attack Tuesday, the Washington Post writes.

On the Minnesota Campaign Trail

Sen. Chris Gerlach, R-Apple Valley, announced he won't be running for reelection.

State Rep. Lyle Koenen, DFL-Clara City, is running in a special election to fill DFL Sen. Gary Kubly's seat. Koenen said Kubly's wife, Pat, encouraged him to run for the seat. Koenen has already announced that he will challenge GOP Sen. Joe Gimse in November. The two were paired into the same district as a result of redistricting.

Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon will endorse Rick Nolan, who is looking to unseat Rep. Chip Cravaack in the 8th Congressional District.

The National Review profiles possible Klobuchar opponent Pete Hegseth.

On the Presidential Campaign Trail

A new poll shows that President Barack Obama is battling declining approval ratings.

Though voters are fast to blame Obama for rising gas prices, economists disagree, the Washington Post reports.

Alabama and Mississippi have primaries today.

The contest's outcome could help determine whether Mitt Romney has a singular rivalry in the electing contest, the New York Times reports.

Romney and his rivals have been campaigning in the South.

Believe it or not, this nominating contest is the cheapest nominating contest in years, the Washington Post reports.