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May 2 - 6, 2005
[ Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday ]
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Monday, May 2, 2005 |
MinnesotaCare users say cuts are not worth the pain
As the legislative session moves into its final weeks, the debate over MinnesotaCare is coming to a head. The Senate is expected to vote on a bill Monday that would restore millions of dollars in funding that was cut from the state's subsidized health insurance program in 2003. The bill is in sharp contrast to proposals by Gov. Pawlenty and House Republicans that would make even deeper cuts in the program. Under those plans, as many as 30,000 more people would lose their coverage by this fall. Some lawmakers say the cuts are necessary to control escalating health care spending and help balance the state's budget. However, MinnesotaCare recipients past and present say the savings are not worth the suffering they cause. Minnesota Public Radio's Lorna Benson reports.
Budget is center stage at Minnesota Capitol this week
The budget is expected to take center stage at the Minnesota Capitol this week. Early indications from the DFL-controlled Senate and the Republican-controlled House show big differences in how to close a projected $466 million deficit. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Laura McCallum, Minnesota Public Radio's capitol bureau chief.
Pawlenty administration reviewing security of state-run websites
The Pawlenty administration is enlisting the help of the private sector to review the security of hundreds of state-run websites. The governor called for the review after the legislative auditor reported recently that the state's license tab renewal website had "serious security weaknesses" in protecting personal information. Calling on the private sector is just one part of the review. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Dana Badgerow, commissioner of the Department of Administration.
Minnesota has new Teacher of the Year
Glen Sorenson is Minnesota's new Teacher of the Year. Sorensen is a science instructor teaching anatomy at Procter High School just south of Duluth. Some of his more unusual techniques include taking his kids out in the field to examine roadkill or dissect dead farm animals. He's been teaching for 28 years. He was selected from over 140 candidates and will represent Minnesota in the national competition. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Glen Sorenson.
Monday Markets
Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the latest economic news.
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Tuesday, May 3, 2005 |
Gov. Pawlenty talks budget, minimum wage, stadium
With less than three weeks to go before the end of the legislative session, a number of spending bills are making their way through both the House and Senate. But the two chambers are far apart in how to balance the state budget in the face of a projected deficit. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Minimum wage passes in state House
Minnesotans who earn the minimum wage could get a little bit more in their paychecks, beginning in August. The Minnesota House has approved a minimum wage increase for the first time since 1997. A spokesman for Gov. Pawlenty says he supports the hike. Supporters say the measure would help low income workers pay for higher priced items like gasoline, food and electricity. Critics say the bill could cause financial ruin for small businesses. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Smoking ban not healthy for some bars
Some Minneapolis bar owners claim significant losses of income following the smoking ban that started March 31, but elected leaders say there is no momentum to change the law. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
Artist turns to urns to make a living
Business experts say you have to find a niche to succeed. Minnesota Public Radio's Marianne Combs recently met an artist who's found a niche, but is still looking for buyers.
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Wednesday, May 4, 2005 |
Senate leader talks budget and taxes
As the clock ticks down to the end of the legislative session on May 23, final budget negotiations at the State Capitol cannot begin until the State Senate passes its budget. The DFL controled chamber is proposing more spending than the House and Gov. Tim Pawlenty, but have not passed a bill saying how it will pay for the spending. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Sen. Majority Leader Dean Johnson, D-Willmar.
New LGA cuts proposed
Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth could lose millions of dollars in state aid under a proposal before the tax committee in the GOP-controlled House. Officials from those cities have mobilized against the plan -- but it's not the only controversial proposal in the tax bill. The package also cuts property tax credits for apartment dwellers and raises new revenues by extending certain taxes. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
Senate bill treads lighter on sex offenders than House
The Minnesota Senate has overwhelmingly passed a bill that would toughen penalties for sex offenders, murderers and meth makers. The penalties are part of a wide-ranging public safety bill that would fund state courts and prisons for the next two years. The bill must be reconciled with a House version that goes even further in penalizing sex offenders. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Hennepin Co. Board sends Twins stadium plan to state
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners has voted to send a Twins stadium proposal to the state legislature. The board voted 4 to 3 at a meeting last night. It is seeking approval from the legislature to impose a county wide sales tax increase to fund most of the cost of the stadium. The board made its decision after several hours of emotional public testimony and debate. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
How steriods help athletes
Minnesota Twins pitcher Juan Rincon says he is devastated by his suspension for violating a policy on performance-enhancing drugs. The Twins would not say which substance led to Rincon's suspension, but the suspension is mandatory for steroids and steroid pre-cursors. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Dr. Bill Roberts, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota, and president of the American College of Sports Medicine.
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Thursday, May 5, 2005 |
Senate committee passes tax increase
Minnesota's wealthiest citizens could see a big jump in their income taxes under a plan adopted last night by the Senate Taxes Committee. On a 7-to-5 party line vote, DFL members of the committee voted to raise nearly $1 billion in new taxes by creating an 11 percent income tax bracket for thousands of households with six-figure incomes. The plan was immediately condemned by House Republicans and Gov. Tim Pawlenty's administration. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
Senate approves health bill expanding MinnesotaCare
The Minnesota Senate has passed an $8.7 billion omnibus health and human services budget. The measure would fund everything from nursing homes to health insurance programs to funding for drug treatment. The measure is dramatically different from the budgets proposed by House Republicans and Gov. Tim Pawlenty, which would cut at least 27,000 people from state subsidized health insurance. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
House passes education funding increase
A spending plan that would pump $622 million of new money into public schools has cleared the Minnesota House. After six hours of debate, lawmakers passed the K-12 education finance bill last night on a 70 to 63 vote. Schools have not seen a funding increase in three years, but critics say the bill falls far short of the actual need. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
HCMC reacts to Blue Cross plan on cutting costs
Many of the state's best-known hospitals did not make the grade as preferred providers according to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. The Star Tribune reports that hospitals like the Mayo Clinic, Abbott Northwestern, and the Hennepin County Medical Center are in the second tier of facilities and Blue Cross members will have to pay more to use them. Joining us on the line is Mike Harristhal, associate administrator at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Clean Water bill in trouble at the Capitol
Disagreements over how to pay for a clean water bill at the state Capitol has put the proposal at risk. The Clean Water Legacy bill has the backing of the governor, business groups, and environmentalists. But the cost is an estimated $80 million a year for the next decade. Suporters have proposed an annual fee on most residential sewer bills, with businesses also paying into the system. But the House Agriculture, Environment and Natual Resources Finance Committee rejected that idea. Joining us on the line is Dennis Ozment, R-Rosemount, the chairman of that committee.
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Friday, May 6, 2005 |
St. Paul officer killed in shooting outside bar
A massive manhunt is underway for two men suspected of killing a St. Paul Police officer early this morning in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood of St. Paul. 41-year-old Sgt. Jerry Vick was working undercover when he was shot and killed. St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington briefed reporters on the shooting at St. Paul Police headquarters earlier this morning. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams joins us now with the latest.
St. Paul council member reacts to officer shooting
A St. Paul police officer died today after being shot multiple times while working undercover with a vice unit on the city's east side. Sgt. Jerry Vick, 41, was pronounced dead at Regions Hospital, where he was taken after the 2:20 a.m. shooting outside Eric's Bar, Police Chief John Harrington said. Vick had been on the police force since 1989. St. Paul city council member and former police officer Dan Bostrom says the entire city feels the loss.
Senate hikes education spending with unanimous K-12 vote
The Minnesota Senate has unanimously approved legislation to increase state spending on schools by $761 million. The K-12 education finance bill lawmakers passed Thursday night provides significantly more money for schools than Gov. Pawlenty's budget or the House education bill. The Senate plan also stands apart by requiring a statewide tax increase to cover the cost. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
Jamming with the SPCO
When acclaimed tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano plays in the Twin Cities this weekend, he won't be found in any of the local jazz clubs. Instead he'll be on stage at the Ordway improvising with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Karl Gehrke has more.
When Dad goes to war
Some 400 men and women from in and around Duluth are heading overseas, in support of the war in Iraq. Close to half of the Minnesota Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing will be stationed up to six months in several locations. Most are expected at an airbase in the Iraq arena. Among the Guardsmen is Bob Wolfe. He lives in the small town of Alborn, near Duluth, with his wife, Paula, and three boys. The Wolfe family is trying to come to terms with his departure. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
Weather with Mark Seeley
University of Minnesota Meteorologist Mark Seeley discusses Minnesota weather history and looks ahead to the weekend forecast.
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