The Daily Digest
Gov. Mark Dayton will release his plan for $1 billion bonding bill later this morning.
Republicans haven't embraced the idea but also say they may try to get funding from projects that haven't started yet.
Dayton will also speak at an "Ending Homelessness" event today.
The Senate is expected to vote this week on a bill that cuts $1 billion in spending.
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The House could also vote on a bill that allows additional ways for Alternative Teacher Licensure this week. DFL Rep. Paul Thissen says it could be an area of agreement.
Gov. Dayton also told education officials on Friday that he would propose education changes in early February.
The Education Department will review online schools that get state aid.
Dayton will speak at the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce on March 3rd.
A hearing on the environmental permitting process draws a crowd on the Iron Range.
Another Vikings stadium bill appears to be on its way.
Ted Mondale, the chair of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, makes his case for a new Vikings stadium.
Inmate health care is becoming a budget buster.
The top concern for Minnesota's Commerce Commissioner is implementing the federal health care reform.
Congress
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Egypt must transition to a Democracy.
The announcement came as thousands began their sixth day of protesting in that country.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is supporting the protesters.
He says the U.S. has to get on the right side of the Democracy wave that's gripping the Middle East.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz will hold a meet and greet in Worthington on Tuesday.
Republicans could be divided over raising the federal debt limit.
Special Election
Democrats endorsed Carly Melin in House District 5B. The primary will be held tomorrow. Five candidates are running in the DFL Primary.
Pawlenty for Prez Watch
The Wall St. Journal says Tim Pawlenty has signed up fewer bundlers than Mitt Romney.
Pawlenty finishes up his two day trip to Iowa today. He signs books in West Des Moines today. He signed books in Ankeny on Sunday and discussed entitlement reform. His ideas include means testing and partial privatization for Social Security.
One problem for Pawlenty is that he'll be constantly questioned about Michele Bachmann's candidacy. He said in Iowa that she would be a strong candidate.
Ohio Sen. Rob Portman says he hopes Pawlenty runs. Pawlenty was in Ohio on Friday.
Pawlenty said in Ohio that he did what Ronald Reagan couldn't do: Win in Minnesota. What he failed to mention is that Minnesota didn't have a Democrat in the governor's office between 1990 and 2011.
Pawlenty released his PAC report on Friday.
Pawlenty's team is also touting his efforts to convince Essar Steel to drop business ties with Iran in order to start work on an Iron Range project.
Bachmann for Prez Watch
Saturday Night Live spoofed GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's SOTU rebuttal.
Veterans groups are criticizing Bachmann's call to cut VA health benefits.
The Des Moines Register says Pawlenty and Bachmann differ in styles.
Bachmann will be the first speaker at CPAC. Pawlenty speaks at 3pm on Friday.