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The Daily Digest: Free college plan pared back

Good morning!

In Minnesota

After criticism that the initial cost was too high, Democrats in the Minnesota Senate have revised a plan to provide free education to students at the state's two-year community and technical colleges. (MPR News)

Two activists are challenging MNGOP Chair Keith Downey for his job. (Star Tribune)

Gov. Mark Dayton Tuesday proposed $842 million in public works construction that he said would create nearly 24,000 jobs. The plan, however, faces a tough climb in the Legislature. (MPR News)

Minnesota is near the bottom when it comes to children enrolled in public preschool programs. (Pioneer Press)

The Minnesota Hospital Association has launched a website and petition in protest of a proposed $1 billion cut to health care programs by House Republicans. (MPR News)

National Politics

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul launched his bid for the GOP presidential nomination and was immediately attacked with $1 million worth of ads from Republicans critical of his foreign policy positions. (USA Today)

For $15, Rand Paul supporters can buy an "NSA Spy Cam Blocker" from his campaign's website. (Politico)

A bipartisan Senate bill to overhaul the No Child Left Behind law and remove punitive federal sanctions on failing schools has been released. A House Republican bill authored by 2nd District U.S. Rep. John Kline has stalled. (New York Times)

As Tax Day gets nearer, IRS customer service is in bad shape due to budget cuts. (Washington Post)