Capitol View®

The Daily Digest: 1-27-09

Gov. Pawlenty will announce his budget proposal today. It's clear that there will be blood on the floor. The questions are how much and who's blood? MPR and AP have stories.

The Pi Press says cuts to health and welfare are on the chopping block.

The Star Tribune says a giant battle is brewing over Medicaid funding.

Note - I'll be giving updates on Pawlenty's proposal on Twitter.

HCMC announced lay-offs and are blaming the governor.

Medical residency money is on the chopping block.

Meanwhile, some lawmakers are pushing for increased health coverage for children.

Local governments are looking to save money.

Education officials are also bracing for cuts.

A lawmaker proposes a freeze on charter schools.

Pawlenty taps a new head of the MPCA.

There's another push to require photo ids for voters.

Another state Senator wants runoff elections.

The MAC approves a new Delta deal.

2008 U.S. Senate Race

The trial in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race got underway yesterday. Republican Norm Coleman attended the trial and watched as the judges ordered his attorneys to resubmit significant evidence. MPR, the Pi Press, Forum Communications, the Star Tribune and AP have stories.

Congress

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will be on Midday at 11.

President Obama will meet with GOP lawmakers to urge the passage of the stimulus bill. The move comes one day after a massive amount of job cuts.

Obama's action gives clean car backers a boost.

The Senate approves Tim Geithner as Treasury Secretary.

The switch to Digital TV is put on a four month hold by the Senate.

Some regional mayors lobby DFL Rep. Tim Walz for high speed rail.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will speak in Illinois.

2010

Stu Rothenberg says Gov. Pawlenty has a "narrow advantage" to win reelection in Rothenberg's latest rankings.

Finally

Good-bye Olivia Dodge.