Polinaut: February 20, 2007 Archive

The Daily Digest: 2-20-07

Posted at 8:39 AM on February 20, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Happy Fat Tuesday.

The Minnesota House overwhelmingly backs a renewable energy standard. The measure now goes to Governor Pawlenty who is expected to sign it. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press, Forum Communications and AP have stories.

A committee in the Minnesota Senate puts an exemption on the smoking ban proposal. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press, Forum Communications, MPR and AP have stories.

The Senate votes to keep kids up to 8 in booster seats and also votes to allow ticket scalping.

There's a proposal to tax face lifts. AP and the Pi Press have stories.

The Star Tribune says there could be a change in the way judges are selected in Minnesota.

There's a push for pay equity between men and women.

The Star Tribune says food stamps are going unused.

The Pi Press takes a look at a mileage tax proposal. DFL Congressman Jim Oberstar, who chairs the U.S. House Transportation Committee, will also testify before state lawmakers today.

The Pi Press has a story on how baby boomers want to be independent and there are lawmakers and companies who want to help them.

The Star Tribune says the Neighborhood Revitalization Program in Minneapolis is set for renewal but is also facing some resistance from Gov. Pawlenty and some lawmakers.

The Pi Press writes about the need for early ed but lawmakers aren't sure the state can afford all of it.

Forum Communications also takes a look at all day K.

Forum and the St. Cloud Times also say there is a push for a new state GI bill.

The Winona Daily News says there is a push to pass some farm bills this session.

KARE-11 has a story on the push to allow wine in grocery stores.

Congress

AP says GOP Senator Norm Coleman tries to remove a provision that labels Hmong refugees who fought in Vietnam as terrorists.

Coleman also went to Crookston to discuss his health care proposal.

Coleman also joins Illinois Senate (and presidential candidate) Barack Obama in reducing offshore tax havens. The Washington Post has the story.

AP says Coleman voted in support of a bill that would criticize President Bush's troop surge plan but it still doesn't pass.

There's a push to get Congressional approval of the DM&E line.

WCCO says DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to help elderly caregivers. She made an appearance in West St. Paul.

Klobuchar will also speak at an Emily's List gathering in March.

She also wants tougher restrictions on the internet to keep children safe.

DFL Congressman Tim Walz criticizes President Bush for not doing enough for the nation's veterans.

Politico says conservatives are targeting war critics in Congress like GOP Congressman Jim Ramstad.

Ramstad also wants all kids to have health coverage.

DFL Congressman Keith Ellison was in Detroit for a state of the race convention.

GOP Congresswoman Michele Bachmann defends her vote on the Iraq war resolution on WCCO.

Citizens for against Government Waste name DFL Congressman Collin Peterson porker of the month.

The Star Tribune says Peterson is also upset he can't fly his plane because of Congressional restrictions.

2008

The Star Tribune, Forum Communications and the Pi Press have stories on Al Franken and his trip to the Iron Range over the weekend. KTTC also says Franken was in Rochester.

Minnesota Monitor has an interview with Franken.

MNCampaign Report says Coleman's campaign website put up some White House talking points on their website.

DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez tells Beltrami DFLers that an earlier
primary is necessary and will probably be moved to June. Forum Communications has the story.

U of M President Bob Bruininks says former VP Al Gore may get an honorary doctorate at the U of M for his work on climatology.