Mar 25, 2001
Rep Doug Peterson (DFL–13B, Madison) has had more time on his hands since the DFL fell into the minority. The results have been a number of beautiful renderings of salmon and trout shown in brilliant colors. We at Checks & Balances have dubbed the work...
Mar 25, 2001
Here is an interesting idea. What if the spending decisions the legislature makes this year are not actually the final decision. Since it appears the legislature will be returning in 2002 for a bonding bill, why couldn’t they revisit the various areas where there...
Mar 25, 2001
The Minnesota Vikings brought forward their own proposal for a study rather than an actual project, in their quest for a new stadium. The retractable roof facility will cost between $450 and $550 million. Sen Dave Johnson (DFL–40, Bloomington), himself a former...
Mar 25, 2001
Here is something that has failed to make the newspapers. At Thursday’s session of the State House, the DFL scored an empiric victory. It is true many of the Democrats have not completely understood the reality of their being in the minority and being unable to pass...
Mar 21, 2001
The Iron Range delegation will be holding their traditional Iron Range Party at the Capitol Complex Armory on April 4th. Hibbing native Paul Metsa will provide the entertainment…. This content is for Monthly General Subscription, Monthly Premium Subscription,...
Mar 21, 2001
The Iron Range situation created with the closing of the LTV plant in Hoyt Lakes will result in an omnibus bill on Range Relief. The compromise and conference will include the extension of unemployment benefits, job retraining and House Majority Leader Tim...
Mar 21, 2001
The MNSCU system has not been currying much favor with House DFLers this session, especially in the light of the perceived treatment of fellow former colleague Steve Trimble. Various members have commented on the lack of support by MNSCU for Trimble, the member of the...
Mar 21, 2001
The recent scrutiny of the activities by Rep. Jim Abeler (R–49A, Anoka) and his involvement in the charter school movement may create an uncomfortable situation for other members of the legislature. The issues involving Abeler hasn’t escalated to the point where...
Mar 21, 2001
On Monday, the Senate Redistricting Committee set forward their position on the redistricting principles in both a joint resolution and as a Senate File. This is somewhat of a unique approach. During the redistricting process held in 1991, the principles were solely...
Mar 21, 2001
The goal to prevent the mandatory collection of data of the race of a person during traffic stops appears to be succeeding. Sen Randy Kelly (DFL–67, St. Paul) and candidate for mayor of the Capitol city cast the deciding vote in committee last week. His critics have...