Polinaut: June 10, 2009 Archive

The Daily Digest: 6-10-09

Posted at 7:09 AM on June 10, 2009 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

A state homeowner tax credit known as the Market Value Homestead Credit is supposed to be reimbursed to cities. But the Pi Press says the fund is being raided by the state leaving cities with a shortfall.

The Legislative Auditor releases a report today on federal background checks.

The New York Times examines Gov. Pawlenty's decision to not seek a third term and analyzes the impact on a possible presidential run.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pawlenty said he'll announce his spending cuts in the next two weeks. He also said his budget cuts will spur layoffs.

Officials with East Grand Forks say they're concerned about bigger budget cuts coming in the future.

The draft U of M budget has a 3 percent tuition increase.

Target Corp. and Marvin Windows are honored for helping vets.

A Gang Strike Force officer is facing a stalking probe.

D.C.

MPR says schools are still waiting for the stimulus money to arrive.

Stimulus cash fails to pave the way for new jobs in Minnesota.

President Obama promises to make PAYGO the law.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz and other Blue Dog Democrats praise Obama's decision.

Hearings for Obama's Supreme Court pick, Sonia Sotomayor, will begin on July 13th.

A House panel orders cuts to the military budget.

The House approved a "cash for clunkers" plan.

The GOP hits back on health care.

The Supreme Court clears the Chrysler sale to Fiat.

Walser Buick gets a reprieve from GM. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

Congress is coming to the aid of car dealers. GOP Rep. John Kline, DFLer Betty McCollum and GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen are mentioned.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar pushes legislation that would try to reduce injuries and death from carbon monoxide.

The Hill says Democrats are gripping with GOP intel disclosures. Kline is mentioned.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann targets comments by DFL Rep. Tim Walz on possibly housing Gitmo detainees in Minnesota.

Bachmann also defended derivatives at a subcommittee hearing.

The highway bill faces a tight deadline. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2010

The Rochester Post-Bulletin says Tim Penny, former DFL Congressman and I-P candidate for governor, will not run for governor.

GOP state Sen. David Hann resigned his leadership position and says he's pondering a run for governor. Raise your hand if you can name Hann's leadership position. Hey, no peeking!

GOP state Rep. Laura Brod also said she's "very seriously considering" a run for gov.

Former GOP state Sen. Bill Haas will officially announce his candidacy for governor today.

2012

Pawlenty sat down with WCCO's Pat Kessler. Here's the interview.

Gov. Pawlenty appeared on Fox to discuss his political future. He said he isn't sure what he's going to do in the future.

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Auditor: Local government spent $8.5m on lobbying in 2008

Posted at 1:09 PM on June 10, 2009 by Tom Scheck

State Auditor Rebecca Otto released a report today that looks at how much money local governments spent on lobbying in 2008. Local governments spent a total of $8,550,018 on lobbying activities in 2008. The city of Minneapolis spent the most money of any local government unit, $401,551. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities spent the most of any association, $1,028,634.

MPR did a story examining government lobbying government earlier this year. You can find that story and other data here.

Court: Coleman owes Franken $94k

Posted at 3:51 PM on June 10, 2009 by Tom Scheck

A Ramsey County Administrator issued a ruling today that said Republican Norm Coleman owes Democrat Al Franken $94,783.15 for court costs, etc. The judgment said "Costs and interest will accrue on any money judgment amounts from the date of judgment until the judgment is satisfied in full."

Franken made a motion to the court last month asking for $94k in court costs.

For those wondering, a spokesman for the court added this in his e-mail:

"We are still waiting for an opinion from the Supreme Court, which I will send you when it is released."

That vague note prompted some on Twitter to speculate that the MN Supremes opinion was coming soon. Not the case, says the court spokester:

"To clarify, this judgment has nothing to do with the Supreme Court opinion and it does not indicate anything about its release.

However, John Kostouros, Director of Communications for the Judicial Branch, has just received word from the Supreme Court that the opinion will be released during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday). We do not know what day it will be released, but you will receive it as soon as it is. No more information is available at this time."

More legislative caucus fundraisers scheduled

Posted at 4:28 PM on June 10, 2009 by Tom Scheck

I reported earlier this week that House DFLers and Senate Republicans have scheduled their caucus fundraisers for this month.

House Republicans have a fundraiser scheduled for Wednesday June 24th at the Town and Country Club in St. Paul. Gov. Pawlenty will be making an appearance at the luncheon. The caucus will also elect a new leader that week to replace GOP Rep. Marty Seifert.

Senate DFLers have a fundraiser scheduled for the same day at the Ramada Plaza in Minneapolis. Senate Majority Leader, Larry Pogemiller, Assistant Majority Leader, Tarryl Clark and Senate President, James Metzen are billed on the fundraising letter.