The Daily Digest (Mayo's reach; 'tool' is free speech?)

Posted at 6:45 AM on January 31, 2013 by Paul Tosto (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Lawmakers in several committees will dive into education policy today, from school finance and college grants to student mental health, part of a busy legislative day at the Capitol.

State

Mayo Clinic seeks state help for major Rochester expansion (MPR News)
Clinic leaders propose $5 billion investment in Rochester to build a "destination medical center" and add up to 45,000 jobs statewide. They'll seek $585 million in public spending to pay for public parking, transportation, other infrastructure.

State working on adding 145,000 to Medicaid rolls (Star Tribune)
"Dayton's budget would expand the Medical Assistance program -- Minnesota's version of Medicaid saving the state $143 million, as the federal government picks up the tab for health care that the state, or local emergency rooms, now provide."

State Supreme Court says post calling doctor 'a tool' is protected speech (Associated Press)
Court dismisses claims of Duluth neurologist who took offense when a patient's son posted critical remarks about him on rate-your-doctor websites, reversing a state Appeals Court decision that would have allowed the suit to go to trial.

President to push gun plan during Minneapolis visit (Star Tribune)
"President Obama will meet with local leaders and law enforcement in Minneapolis on Monday to discuss his plans to reduce gun violence, a White House spokeswoman says."

Ex-GOP Rep. Mark Kennedy criticizes tea party, Occupy movements (St. Cloud Times)
Kennedy, who served in Congress from 2001 to 2007, wouldn't "judge the objectives of the tea party but said its tactics have not been effective. He also said the tea party and the Occupy movement have contributed to congressional paralysis."

Nation

Some families to be priced out of health overhaul (Associated Press)

Senate hearing on guns suggests an uphill fight on new limits (New York Times)

Is Hillary Clinton closing the door on politics? (CBS News)

For Hagel, a rocky - but probable - path to defense secretary (CBS News)

Gun supporters expect to pack legislative hearings
Gun rights backers are putting out the word to pack hearings next week at the Capitol.

The House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee on Tuesday starts three days of hearings focus on universal background checks, restrictions on high capacity ammunition magazine and other sensitive gun topics.

The NRA Institute for Legislative Action, worried Minnesota may put new restrictions on firearms, is spreading the word to members to show up in force next week at the hearings. A bigger hearing room may be required.

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