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Government

• U of M makes case for bonding request
  University of Minnesota officials urged lawmakers Tuesday to fully fund the U's $156 million bonding request. Gov. Pawlenty has recommended borrowing about half that amount for university construction projects. An impassioned university president took members of the House Finance committee on a campus tour to make the point that the governor's proposal isn't enough to maintain the university, let alone move it forward.February 3, 2004
• Counties want help battling meth
  Minnesota counties are looking for help in fighting methamphetamine use. County officials say meth addicts are filling jails and straining budgets. Counties are also dealing with the cost of cleaning up toxic waste created by meth labs.February 3, 2004
• State's portal to Canadian pharmacies now open
  Gov. Pawlenty is promoting a new state Web site designed to help Minnesotans buy prescription medications from Canada. The site went live Friday afternoon, at a news conference by Gov. Pawlenty and Human Services Commissioner Kevin Goodno. Goodno says the site will offer savings on average of 35 percent versus prices available in the United States -- mostly because the Canadian government imposes price controls.January 30, 2004
• State lawmakers prepare for health care discussion
  With health care costs and the number of uninsured people both rising, state lawmakers say health care will be a big issue in the upcoming legislative session. Senate DFLers and House Republicans are offering dramatically different proposals to lower the rising cost of health care. Meanwhile, a task force appointed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty is scheduled to release its ideas for reforming Minnesota's health care system by the end of the week.January 26, 2004
• Conservatives criticize Bush on the deficit
  The size of the federal budget deficit worries some conservatives in President George W. Bush's own party. They're not encouraged by the latest budget plan and say the Administration is moving away from traditional Republican principles of fiscal restraint and reducing the size of government.January 26, 2004
• Youth smoking shows troubling increase
  A Health Department report says more young adults in Minnesota are smoking than originally thought. The report says 39 percent of 18 to 24 year olds have smoked cigarettes at least once in the last 30 days. That's a much higher rate than adults in general. The report comes just months after the governor and Legislature used money to help balance the budget that had been set aside for youth anti-smoking programs.January 22, 2004
• Stadium financing: More of the same
  As policymakers and state officials pore over the details of 26 stadium ideas submitted Thursday, one thread emerges bright and clear -- aside from the plans that call for new gambling revenues, all the major proposals rely heavily on increased tax dollars to build new homes for the Twins and Vikings. And, as in past years, convincing lawmakers, citizens, and businesses to accept new taxes won't be an easy sell.January 16, 2004
• McManus confirmed as Minneapolis police chief
  William McManus won approval Friday as the next Minneapolis police chief. Four weeks after Mayor R.T. Rybak announced he would nominate McManus, the city council voted 9-4 in favor of the nomination. The confirmation was closely watched because the deciding votes were not confirmed until hours before they were cast. The vote total doesn't reflect the disappointment several council members feel in not hiring one of two internal candidates for the job.January 16, 2004
• Pawlenty splits with some Republicans on Northstar project
  Gov. Pawlenty Tuesday reversed years of opposition to a northwest metro commuter rail line linking Minneapolis to Big Lake. Pawlenty is now offering nearly $40 million in state funds to jumpstart the Northstar Commuter Rail line. The governor says a new cost-benefit analysis helped convince him that the project deserves support. But the change of heart has left many of Pawlenty's former legislative colleagues upset and disappointed.January 13, 2004
• Durenberger forum likely to advocate health care for all
  Minnesotans have a strong appetite for major changes in the health care system that would both lower costs and lead to universal access to care. That's the conclusion of a state forum being led by former U.S. Sen. David Durenberger.January 12, 2004
• Pawlenty proposes ag, environment, and zoo bonding
  Gov. Tim Pawlenty released another round of bonding proposals Monday, including $147 million to fund environmental initiatives and $18 million to boost agricultural loan programs. Pawlenty is also proposing $25 million for the Minnesota Zoo, for maintenance, construction and debt relief.January 12, 2004
• What should be in the new Bush budget?
  President Bush is working on a new federal budget his advisors say will gradually reduce the burgeoning budget deficit, but without cutting defense, Homeland Security or Medicare. A key advisor to President Clinton and former House Budget Committee chair says Bush should do more.January 7, 2004
• Pawlenty announces new education initiatives
  Gov. Pawlenty's education agenda for the 2004 Legislative session keeps getting bigger. The Republican governor unveiled proposals Monday that would expand charter schools, restructure low performing school districts and encourage districts to share certain services. He also wants to lower Internet access cost for rural schools and recognize students for high test scores.January 5, 2004
• A change in the Duluth mayor's office
  Duluth Mayor Gary Doty is stepping down after 12 years on the job. On Monday, Herb Bergson will take the oath of office. Bergson promises a different style. But the city still faces some of the same problems it's been struggling with for years.January 2, 2004
• AARP director on Medicare
  The national head of AARP, the country's largest advocacy group, talks about the Medicare prescription drug bill and the benefits for seniors.December 23, 2003

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