Capitol View: February 18, 2011 Archive

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:28 AM on February 18, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

A big question on the minds of many in the public is whether the union protests in Wisconsin will occur in Minnesota.

On Thursday, Wisconsin Democrats fled the State Capitol in Madison to prevent a vote on an anti-union bill. Thousands of protesters gathered there.

The AP says Republicans are challenging unions across the country.

Unions have been vocal in committee hearings about some GOP bills that cut workforce or make Minnesota a "Right to Work" state.

MPR compares the benefits for public employees in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Minnesota workers already pay what WI Gov. Scott Walker is asking Wisconsin workers to kick in.

The Minnesota House voted in favor of a bill that moves the state toward more nuclear power. The bill will now head to conference committee where Gov. Dayton could play a factor in whether it becomes law or not. Many folks were watching the vote to see if it would receive a veto proof majority. It fell nine votes short so GOP lawmakers have to cut a deal with Gov. Dayton in order to get the bill into law.

GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch complains about a lobbyist's actions. It centers around LGA.

Koch and GOP House Majority Leader Matt Dean will be on MPR's Midday at 11am.

MPR profiles Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. She's tasked with implementing the federal heath care law.

The federal government approved Minnesota's MA expansion.

On Thursday, Governor Dayton met with U.S. Commerce officials to talk exports.

Dayton isn't banking on the reciprocity payment from Wisconsin in his budget plan.

A GOP freshman wants to ease the potential loss of LGA by ending the state sales tax on local government purchases.

The PoliGraph says Dayton's accuracy on job growth claim depends on the data set.

Dayton criticizes a teacher licensure bill.

The Higher Ed Committees recommended their picks for the U of M regent picks. They are former House Speaker Steve Sviggum, former state Rep. Laura Brod, David McMillan, an executive at a Duluth-based power company, and current regent David Larson. Current Regent Steven Hunter, the AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer, lost his at large bid to Brod.

Target revises its political giving.

Congress

House Speaker John Boehner increased the prospects for a government shutdown.

The House is continuing to debate a bill that cuts spending.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum got a death threat over her plans to cut federal funding for NASCAR sponsorships.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz is one of the House Democrats wearing a "So Be It" button on the House floor. Here's the reason for the buttons.

Planned Parenthood is caught in the budget feud.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack applauds a move to cut funding for the U.S. Peace Institute.

The House starts taking action on defunding the health care law.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen will hold a Congress on your Corner event on February 22nd in Bloomington City Hall.

2012 Race for Congress

Democrat Tarryl Clark is eyeing another run for Congress.

2012 Race for President

Tim Pawlenty will speak at a Tea Party Summit in Arizona next week.

The Hill takes a look at some of the lobbyists backing Pawlenty.

Bachmann's Chief of Staff says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will make more visits to New Hampshire.

Here is Bachmann's Thursday appearance on Good Morning America.

Sarah Palin is making a lot of money from her speaking engagements.

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