Oustate News 6/15/05

06/15/2005

Dill: State government shutdown could slow plant permits (Duluth News Tribune)
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/11898366.htm

Welti Column: Welti to decline per diems (Rochester Post Bulletin)

When the Legislature began its work in January, I was optimistic that it would be a productive session, and it has been. Many times we worked in a bipartisan way to pass important legislation, such as the bonding bill, tougher penalties for sex offenders and methamphetamine users, policy changes addressing the needs of returning soldiers, and increases in ethanol and the minimum wage. Significant differences in funding plans remain. Adequate education funding, access to affordable health care, securing jobs and promoting agriculture are top priorities*

http://news.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/?a=223997&z=0

Pawlenty/Kleis/D. Johnson: Forum focuses on budget headache (St. Cloud Times)
http://miva.sctimes.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?Web/page.mv+1+local+33545

Conservative group changes tune on Pawlenty (Grand Forks AP)
http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/state/11900691.htm

Ad attacks Pawlenty cigarette revenue increase (Star Tribune)
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5457362.html?SID=1oejit3u4bdvgfbdcpj0ci1ti1

Republican candidates for the 6th Congressional District (Brainerd AP)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20050614/3098277.shtml

Former state transportation chief jumps into race for Congress (Brainerd AP)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20050614/3098154.shtml

Dayton at least 10 times richer than Coleman (Brainerd AP)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20050614/3098417.shtml

Pollution concerns surface (Duluth News Tribune)
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/11898367.htm

State workers make public case for a raise (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
http://www.brainerddispatch.com/stories/061505/new_0615050037.shtml

Report: Tribes Shared More than $900 Million in Casino Profits (KARE 11)
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=99761

School funding remains one of life’s mysteries (Star Tribune)
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5455452.html?SID=4lmunedr51i8v5sie5jpa0sef7

Report: MN Biomass Mandate Fails to Meet Original Intent (http://www.newrules.org)
http://www.newrules.org/de/archives/000065.html

Ron Schara Column: Is bait affecting habitat?
http://www.startribune.com/stories/534/5457343.html

Letter threatening Pawlenty investigated (Star Tribune)
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5457764.html

Letter: DFL follows destructive path (Rochester Post Bulletin)

The DFLers are intent on shutting down the government. They see it as their way back to power. That is the only explanation for their behavior. When Gov. Pawlenty made a huge compromise by offering to raise the cigarette tax, thus breaking his “no new taxes” pledge, the DFL response was to mock him and beat him over the head with it. When Republicans were making constructive proposals, DFLers were busy denouncing and condemning, without offering alternatives. When, after as much delay as possible, the DFL proposed something of their own, their “compromise” was their discredited make Minnesota the highest taxed state in the nation” proposal. They knew that would lead nowhere*

http://news.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/?a=223998&z=0

Letter: Look up ‘compromise’ (Star Tribune)

Once again, House Speaker Steve Sviggum trots out another commentary about how the two sides of the budget debate need to compromise, yet it is the other side that needs to change all of its positions. Sviggum must not realize how he satirizes himself by this obvious contradiction. You’re right, Mr. Speaker, the people of Minnesota are tired of the status quo. Maybe we’ll throw 13 more of your cohorts out of office in the next election.
Theo Kozel, Minneapolis.

Letter: A Pawlenty job interview (Star Tribune)

Problem: Find the money to finance Minnesota’s education, transportation, health care and other needs. Solution: Increase income taxes on Minnesota’s richest citizens.

Seems simple. What’s the problem? Gov. Roadblock.

Gov. Roadblock won’t compromise to save Minnesota. He has to maintain favor with the national Republicans who can tap him for that next big job.
Jean Herzberg, Minneapolis.

Letter: We need leaders who look for whats best for the state (Bemidji Pioneer)
http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/Main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=94&ArticleID=19998