The Daily Digest
Republican negotiators in the House and Senate have reached agreement on a bill that cuts nearly $1 billion in spending. The key change from bills that passed the House and Senate is a reduction in unspecified cuts. The total is now $100 million that State Finance officials have to find.
The goal is to send it to Governor Dayton by the end of the week. Dayton has yet to say whether he'll veto the measure but he has criticized lawmakers for taking a "piecemeal approach" to the budget.
Former Human Services Commissioner Cal Ludeman heavily edited a report on sex offenders to reflect the views of his boss, Tim Pawlenty.
Surly Brewing Company wants to build a new brewery/restaurant/beer garden in Minnesota. The problem is their plan needs a law change and things could get ugly as the promise of new jobs conflicts with concerns over the livelihoods of bar and restaurant owners.
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Food stamp use jumped 17% in Minnesota.
Background checks are the new gun rights battleground.
Sen. Ellen Anderson says she was dumped from the LCCMR.
The Met Council has published a list of its finalists.
There are five bidders for Gov. Dayton's radio show. Dayton isn't giving up editorial control of the show.
Congress
President Obama urges CEOs of the nation's businesses to work with him.
The Congressional Budget Office says the federal government's share of taxes this year will be the lowest since 1950.
The level of federal judicial vacancies is reaching a crisis point.
Several lawmakers, including Sens. Kobuchar and Franken, are pushing for a new border patrol facility in Hallock.
Biobusiness booms in Minnesota. Franken is mentioned.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz held a town hall in Winona.
GOP Rep. John Kline returned from a trip to the Middle East.
Several House Democrats, including DFL Rep. Keith Ellison, are pushing for a resolution on Egypt.
Pawlenty for Prez Watch
MPR takes a look at Tim Pawlenty's health care claims and find that his claims on savings are slim.
Tim Pawlenty has opened a conservative series in Iowa. He tried to showcase his conservative values during his appearances.
President Obama appointed Pawlenty's pastor to his council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Pawlenty and Bachmann will face off in a CPAC straw poll this weekend.
Bachmann for Prez Watch
The Federal Elections Commission is asking questions about GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's fall campaign fundraising report.
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will take part in a Tea Party town hall tonight.
Bachmann is inviting a budget expert to a Tea Party Caucus meeting.