Budget fights — and fixes — blunted by federal money
would start in earnest in session 2010. The state was facing $1.2 billion in near-term deficits, a sum that even Gov. Tim Pawlenty — whose entire career has been predicated on promises of no new taxes — was unable, or politically unwilling, to solve through cuts alone. His fight with the DFL-controlled Legislature promised to be nasty, brutish and long, and if it held any silver lining at all, it was that the state would finally begin to whittle away at the $6 billion - $8 billion fiscal cluster-bomb awaiting it in 2012-13.
Budget battles take center stage
When Gov. Tim Pawlenty included $387 million in anticipated federal FMAP (Medicaid) funding in his proposal to solve the state’s budget deficit, Democrats gleefully attacked the move as budget gimmickry. They pointed out — repeatedly — that the money had not yet even been appropriated by legislators in Washington.
State unemployment rate holds steady at 7.3%
Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 7.3 percent in February -- the same percentage recorded in January, according to figures released this afternoon by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Cops brawl over forfeiture law
There is a price to pay for crossing law enforcement's blue line of silence. Rochester Police Chief Roger Peterson is finding that out in no uncertain terms.
House and Senate are divided on cuts to local governments
House and Senate DFLers have agreed to cut $105 million in aids and credits to local governments. But the two chambers are split on how to make the cuts.
Washington Post on Franken: "Irascible...nasty"
The Washington Post has a lengthy profile of U.S. Sen. Al Franken this morning. The premise of the story is that by initially suppressing his funny side in the Senate, he's erupted in myriad ways.
GOP race to replace Dille could go to primary
A candidate who lost Saturday's District 18 endorsement contest said he won't rule out a primary challenge against the endorsed candidate, former Rep. Scott Newman.
Seifert's proposal to roll back renewable energy standards rebuffed
Rep. Marty Seifert wasn't exactly anticipating success for his proposal to roll back the state's renewable energy goals. The Marshall Republican, who is running for governor, knew his bill was unlikely to gain much support before the House's Energy Finance and Policy Division.
Emmer campaign names financial consultant
Jan Unstad has been named finance director for the gubernatorial campaign of state Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano.
Premium news for political insiders
- Vol. 5, Issue 36 - 3/12/2010
In this issue: Session Check: The 'Creature' is in control; The enigma that is the DFL guber race; MarkKennedy.com; Education Minnesota endorsement in question; AFSCME after Anderson ... and what about Swanson?; Seifert lands Senjem and staffs up; Public Affairs Company pushing its stars; Bits & Pieces.
THEPOLITICSPORTAL
METRO EAST
- St. Thomas’ ThreeSixty program instills a passion for the basics in students
- New sheriff in Dakota County wants anti-gang unit
- St. Paul police chief prepares to retire, and he’s leaving some angry cops behind
- Affordable housing units converted to Section 8
- Doing business with Vietnam
BUDGET / TAXES
- House and Senate are divided on cuts to local governments
- House, Senate tax chairs aim for $105 million in LGA cuts
- Racino bill stalls in first Senate hearing
BUSINESS / ECONOMY
EDUCATION
- Proposal to allow alternative licensing for teachers splits DFL caucus
- Lanning under pressure in bonding bill debate
- Scandal-rocked charter movement looks to future
ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT
- Lawmaker wants to limit lake access due to invasive species concerns
- Bill to end nuke ban stumbles in committee
- The Paper Trail: Legislative Auditor says DNR lacks land management budget planning
HEALTH CARE
- GOP pols step up attacks on federal health care bill
- Overheard at the Capitol: GAMC fix is a quarter of a loaf, but...
- Governor, legislators reach health care compromise
