Apr 5, 2011
When people are looking for a reference point for a government shutdown, eyes turn to 2005, but there will be a dramatic difference between then and 2011. 2005 was a partial government shutdown, and because Governor Mark Dayton (DFL-MN) has called for an entire budget...
Apr 5, 2011
A federal government shutdown will affect Minnesota in many ways and highlight for everyone the daily attachments to Washington, DC. If the feds fail to reach a compromise on the budget then the potential for a government shutdown here in Minnesota is up in the air....
Mar 31, 2011
Right now the legislature is focused on budget issues, but we expect politics will start to break out after the Easter/Passover break. We have been asking about what a Congressional District Map will look like from the Republican Majorities. The best we have heard is...
Mar 31, 2011
Our story from last week entitled Seeking Sage Voices discussed former Management and Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson’s thoughts on current budget negotiations. He suggested the two houses meet in Conference Committees on the various bills and stated this as the best...
Mar 31, 2011
We continue to believe, in spite of all claims to the contrary, Minnesota is headed toward a government shutdown. It is our contention, the Republican legislative majorities are willing to stand firm on their position against any additional revenues for state...
Mar 29, 2011
The Special Election to fill the seat vacancy of Sen Ellen Anderson (DFL-66, St. Paul) after her appointment by Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) to Chair the Public Utilities Commission results in a return to the state legislature by former Rep Mary Jo McGuire (DFL-Falcon...
Mar 28, 2011
Anyone with the slightest amount of military background knows the United States Government’s procurement system, which seeks the lowest bidder for government contracts, is not one our nation should employ in every instance. Sometimes, our national security interests...
Mar 28, 2011
Today, Governor Mark Dayton (DFL-MN) sent the following letter to the legislative leadership. From this point forward we will refer to this letter as the March 28th Dayton Letter, which in our opinion spells out the rationale for potential vetoes. The main crux of the...
Mar 25, 2011
We are expecting a vote on Governor Mark Dayton’s (D-MN) budget on the floor of the Senate on Thursday. We have it on the authority of high-level Republican sources; the bill will be presented to the body for a vote. We are unclear if a similar vote is scheduled in...
Mar 25, 2011
We have noticed the popularity of former Minnesota Management & Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson. He taped a segment with David Gillette for Almanac last week, which we expect to see tonight. He has been in and out of the various press offices giving perspective on...
