The Daily Digest
A measure that would amend the state's constitution to define marriage as between a man and woman gets a hearing in a Minnesota Senate committee today. Groups opposed to the effort are trying to urge GOP leaders that making the change would make Minnesota less "businesss friendly." The state's two largest business groups haven't taken a stand on the issue.
Tidbit: Target Corporation says it's monitoring the gay marriage issue at the State Legislature but have not taken a position on it.
A House committee hears a measure that would amend the constitution to require people to present photo identification to vote. On Thursday, the Senate passed a bill that would put the requirement in statute.
Republicans are also proposing a constitutional amendment that would require the Legislature to get at least 3/5ths vote in the Legislature to raise taxes.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The House Public Safety Committee approved a gun rights bill.
Gov. Dayton tells the Rochester Post-Bulletin that he's "less optimistic" about reaching a budget deal by deadline.
Tidbit: GOP lawmakers are also privately saying it's unlikely a budget deal will be reached by May 23rd.
The Pi Press says Gov. Dayton's office is seeking state efficiency.
Dayton also attended a "worker's memorial" service in Mankato.
Cargill, Target, General Mills and Medtronic are planning a multimillion dollar investment in Minneapolis schools.
Funding for a Vikings stadium could come from a tax on ALL sports merchandise. MPR says the Twins aren't so happy about that.
Congress
President Obama will visit Alabama today to inspect the wreckage caused by this week's tornadoes.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she's hopeful that a measure to raise the federal debt ceiling will be tied to a bill that reduces the deficit.
GOP Rep. John Kline says he wants a "greatly reduced federal footprint" for education.
Race for President
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty will join Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Herman Cain for The Americans for Prosperity "Summit on Spending and Job Creation" event tonight.
Tim Pawlenty says via news release that he'll participate in next week's South Carolina debate.
The WMUR Granite State poll shows President Obama leading Tim Pawlenty in a head to head match-up in New Hampshire. Mitt Romney leads Obama in the same poll.
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-WI, says Pawlenty's plans to cut Medicare won't work. Ryan also praised Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Pawlenty urges a "fair minded use" of ethanol.
The Star Tribune says Pawlenty and Bachmann are fishing for voters in different pools (for now).