Health care battle nears conclusion The U.S. Senate will soon debate health care reform and a version that will cost nearly $900 billion over 10 years, but may end up reducing the deficit, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Despite the attention to health care in the Senate, the House is also continuing to work on bills that cost more and offer a public option.Midmorning, October 12, 2009
Mandate might be key to reform, but not all can afford insurance Proposals have been floated ranging from a tax on medical device makers to one on high priced insurance plans, but economists say the key to paying for reform is requiring everyone to buy insurance.October 6, 2009
Health care debate and lobbyists A new poll shows that a majority of Americans feel shut out of the current effort to reform health care, yet are split on whether interest groups are a positive or negative influence on the debate. Midmorning looks at the role of lobbyists in health care overhaul, and how much they are impacting negotiations.Midmorning, October 1, 2009
Panel to recommend fixes for Minn.'s budget woes A new subcommittee will study Minnesota's
budget problems and make recommendations when the Legislature
convenes in February.September 28, 2009
DFL gubernatorial candidates candid about possible tax raises After more than a decade without a general state tax increase, most of the Democrats running for governor say they would consider raising taxes to help solve Minnesota's financial problems.September 23, 2009
Mayo says Medicare changes needed in Obama plan President Obama's speeches on reforming America's health care system frequently invoke Mayo Clinic as a model for the rest of the nation to emulate, but the Mayo Clinic doesn't support Obama's plan as it currently stands.September 22, 2009
Survey shows disparities in health care coverage for Minnesota kids Minnesota ranks third in the nation in the percentage of people who have health insurance, according to recent figures from the U.S. Census, but new survey data indicate some disparities around the state -- particularly for kids.September 22, 2009
Doctors, lawyers say malpractice laws work in Minnesota President Obama last week tried to extend an olive branch to the GOP, by signaling support for some type of limited medical malpractice reform, but here in Minnesota, doctors and lawyers say the state's malpractice laws are already working.September 17, 2009
Some Minnesota companies displeased with Senate health care bill A new proposal to reform health care is meeting with opposition among large Minnesota employers, medical device manufacturers and insurers. They're objecting to measures that are ether in, or missing from the bill.September 16, 2009
Senate's health care bill introduced: $856B over 10 years Sen. Max Baucus on Wednesday brought out the
much-awaited Finance Committee version of an American health-system
remake - a landmark $856 billion, 10-year measure that starts a
rough ride through Congress without visible Republican backing.September 16, 2009
Senate bonding panel visits southwestern Minn. A state Senate committee embarks Tuesday
on a three-day tour of potential public works projects across
southwestern Minnesota.September 15, 2009