Polinaut: January 9, 2007 Archive

The Daily Digest 1-9-07

Posted at 8:46 AM on January 9, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

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Lawmakers, lobbyists and the public are now waiting for Governor Pawlenty's budget proposal on January 22nd. That will set the stage for the session. House DFLers released their top initiatives but didn't disclose a price tag. MPR, Forum Communications, the Star Tribune, WCCO and the Pi Press have stories.

Pawlenty released part of his budget. He wants tuition assistance and tax breaks for military personnel and veterans. The AP, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

The House and Senate are moving quickly to conform with the federal tax changes that occurred late last year.

GOP House Minority Leader is not happy about the U of M's coaching moves. No, he wasn't a Glen Mason fan. He doesn't like the price-tag of the buyouts. He'll hold a news conference today but gives the Star Tribune the story.

DFL Rep. Mike Jaros reintroduces his hang up and drive bill.

The Marshall Independent says roads are attracting attention early this year.

Pawlenty is mentioned in this Stateline story on states pushing for more federal money for children's health insurance.

The Star Tribune writes about legislation that would provide tax breaks to people who care for their elderly family members.

MPR interviews Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.

Boston Scientific is cutting 600 jobs.

A Star Tribune op-ed says Pawlenty is right to think about reforming high school.

Congress

Amy Klobuchar stands with those who introduce an ethics plan. The AP, the NY Times, Congressional Quarterly and the Star Tribune have stories.

You can watch the news conference on this blog.

Klobuchar is also mentioned in this NY Times story on how Democrats are split over Iraq.

The Star Tribune outlines where the Minnesota delegation stands on a troop surge (Kline, who didn't talk with MPR, says he backs the surge).

DFL Congressman Collin Peterson says the Farm Bill "will be the same but different."

The Worthington Daily Globe also writes about Peterson's comments. He made the comments in Salt Lake City.

He's also headed to Austin (that's Texas not Minnesota) in February.

And it looks like there will be a showdown with the Bush Administration. This story says the Ag Secretary and Peterson disagree.

RNC Convention

St. Paul city officials say they won't be left holding the price-tag bag. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press, AP and MPR all have stories.

2008

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) calls GOP Sen. Norm Coleman vulnerable. Real Clear Politics and the New York Daily News have stories.

The Hill says GOP Sen. Norm Coleman cuts back on his travel. He took 1 trip last year after taking 46 between 2003 and 2005.

Stop the presses! The Minnesota press corps and the state's Political wonks are shocked that someone writes a story suggesting someone else may be John McCain's running mate. Sacre bleu!

Blog Watch

The Star Tribune's "The Big Question" says Pawlenty's tax breaks for vets proposal is an offer they can't refuse.

But Minnesota Politics calls it "a pander too far."

Smart Politics wonders if the RNC convention will impact Minnesota's presidential vote in 2008.