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February 24 - 28, 2003
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Monday, Feb. 24, 2003 |
Poll respondents supports cuts and foresees pain
A new poll shows most Minnesotans are ready to accept the level of spending reductions outlined in Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget plan. Last week, Pawlenty released a deficit-reduction package that pruned back planned spending by almost $3 billion and offered no new tax increases. But the survey, conducted for Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press, also shows that majorities of respondents expect the cutbacks to fall hard on some Minnesotans. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
Budget dominates week ahead at the State Capitol
Minnesota lawmakers will be back at the Capitol today to look more closely at Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget proposal. Lawmakers are considering how a wide variety of programs would be affected by the plan, which erases a projected $4.2 billion deficit without raising taxes. Joining us now is Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum.
Effect of budget cuts on Duluth
Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed budget would cut more than $14 million in Local Government Aid to Duluth over the next two years. What's left is intended to provide for essential services. Duluth residents worry about the impact of budget cuts on local institutions like art museums and the zoo. They says cuts can hurt the city's ability to attract both tourists and new businesses. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Kelleher report.
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Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003 |
Listings not yet available.
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Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003 |
Poll: Pawlenty has mixed approval ratings
A new Minnesota Public Radio-St. Paul Pioneer Press poll finds nearly half of those polled think Gov. Pawlenty is doing a good or excellent job. It's the first poll to ask about the governor's job performance since he was elected in November. Pawlenty supporters say the numbers are surprisingly high, coming after the governor released a budget that makes major spending cuts in a number of areas. Political observers say his approval rating could drop after the full impact of those cuts is known. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Tutu credits Americans with helping end apartheid
Archbishop Desmond Tutu says his native South Africa has made great strides since the end of apartheid. But he says his country still has many challenges to face including AIDS, poverty, and crime. He says the international community can play a role in making his country, and the world, a more peaceful place. Tutu spoke in Minneapolis last night as part of the University of Minnesota's Great Conversations series. About 3,000 people attended. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Proposed tire burning plant in Preston closer to reality
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency won't require an Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed tire burning plant in Preston. The decision removes what is probably the largest obstacle for the proposal. If completed, it would be one of the largest tire burning plants in the world. In another development, MPCA Commissioner Sheryl Corrigan stepped down from the citizen's board after discovering she was in violation of a conflict of interest regulation. Minnesota Public Radio's Rob Schmitz reports.
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Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003 |
Gov. Pawlenty sells budget plan in northern Minnesota
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is working hard to convince the people of Minnesota that his budget proposal is a good one. Pawlenty toured four northern Minnesota communities yesterday, promoting his plan to fix the state's $4.2 billion projected budget deficit. At a community forum in International Falls last night, Pawlenty got a favorable response for his plan to create tax free zones to promote business. But he also heard concerns over cuts to social programs and state aid to cities and counties. Main Street Radio's Tom Robertson has the story.
DFLers hear from public on state budget
DFL lawmakers are also soliciting public comments on the governor's budget proposal from people around the state. Democrats say they want to generate public discussion before offering alternatives to the governor's plan. Republicans are critical of the campaign, calling it an attempt to scare Minnesotans into accepting tax hikes. But at a hearing last night in White Bear Lake, DFLers heard from both sides of the fiscal spectrum. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
Poll: education funding on the right track
Results of a new survey show a majority of state voters think public education in Minnesota is on the right track, but less than half think money for schools is well spent. The Minnesota Public Radio-St. Paul Pioneer Press poll also found most respondents favor plans to replace the Profile of Learning graduation standards. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
Gopher women basketball team a phenomenon
Two years ago, the University Minnesota women's basketball team managed only one Big Ten Conference victory and home games rarely attracted more than a few hundred spectators. Things have changed. For the first time in more than twenty years, the Gophers can finish a season undefeated at home if they beat the University of Wisconsin in tonight's home court finale. Another big crowd at Williams Arena would also pad Minnesota's average attendance of more than 7,000 fans per game, which is tops in the conference. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports on a team that has become a phenomenon.
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Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 |
Budget forecast worses slightly
State finance officials say Minnesota's deficit is projected to grow slightly, by an additional $25 million over the next two years. A new revenue forecast released yesterday bumps up the size of the deficit to $4.23 billion through June of 2005. Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the new numbers don't change his commitment to balance the budget without raising taxes. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Poll: Abortion waiting period has strong support
A new Minnesota Public Radio-St. Paul Pioneer Press poll finds finds strong support for a law that would require a woman to wait 24 hours before receiving an abortion. The Minnesota Legislature has debated the waiting period for several years. Supporters say the bill would give women time to fully understand the procedure. Opponents say the bill does little except create restrictions for women who seek out the procedure. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Gov. Orville Freeman memorialized at service
Former Minnesota Gov. Orville Freeman was remembered last night at a memorial at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Freeman died last week from Alzheimer's disease. He was 84 years old. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Powerful magnet arrives at Mayo
One of the most powerful magnets in the world has arrived in Rochester. The Mayo Clinic will use it for cell protein and DNA research. The magnet will allow researchers to examine all components of a cell at once, something that's never been possible before. Mayo says it will help in its search for cures to many diseases. Minnesota Public Radio's Rob Schmitz reports.
Meteorologist Mark Seeley's weather commentary
University of Minnesota meteorologist Mark Seeley has some celebrity weather trivia, and wraps up the month of February.
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