The Daily Digest (MNsure update, Christie’s bridge troubles)
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In Minnesota
Despite ongoing efforts to fix the state's new health insurance website, only a handful of problems have been fixed, MNsure's top official said Wednesday. Scott Leitz said he doesn't think the site will work as intended in the near future. Instead, some people seeking insurance will be enrolled manually. He also said the transfer of accurate enrollment information from MNsure and insurance companies is still unreliable. (MPR News)
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Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman has assured lawmakers that a controversial device that tracks cell phone users does not have the ability to monitor specific data like voice calls, text messages or e-mails. (Star Tribune)
State revenue officials have released additional details about how a controversial new warehousing sales tax will work when it's set to take effect on April 1. But the clarifying guidelines also appear to be adding more fuel to the campaign to try to repeal the tax during the 2014 legislative session. (MPR News)
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is suing a Plymouth debt collection firm, alleging it illegally charged high interest on the debts of people whose overdrawn bank accounts had been closed. (MPR News)
In Congress/National Politics
Emails and text messages reveal that top aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate, ordered the closing of lanes on the George Washington Bridge to punish a local mayor for failing to endorse Christie during his re-election campaign. Christie says he was unaware of the orders will punish those responsible. (New York Times)
A longstanding dispute over dairy policy is holding up an agreement between U.S. House and Senate lawmakers on a new farm bill. (Bloomberg News)
On the 50th anniversary of President Johnson's "War on Poverty," both political parties are trying to link their policies to poverty reduction. (New York Times)
6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann called the effort a failure and blamed its policies for increasing children born out of wedlock. (Politico)
Speaking of Bachmann...just so everyone is clear, the Republican congresswoman was NOT arrested in Colorado for driving while stoned, contrary to claims by one online news outlet that briefly went viral. (St. Cloud Times)