Don Davis
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Don Davis has been the Forum Communications Minnesota Capitol Bureau chief since 2001, covering state government and politics for two dozen newspapers in the state. Don also blogs at Capital Chatter on Areavoices.
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ST. PAUL - Federal money may have saved Minnesota's budget this year, and will help the next two-year spending cycle, but state leaders warn that economic problems are far from over. Economic stimulus funds approved last month by Congress and President Barack Obama lowered Minnesota's projected 2010-2011 budget deficit from $4.8 billion to $4.6 billion. But 2012-2013 deficit is expected to be even larger. On the other hand, federal funds mean no deficit is expected in the current budget, with four months remaining.
ST. PAUL - Minnesota budget writers are thanking Washington today as finance officials announce the state deficit actually dropped from what was expected - thanks to an economic stimulus package. The deficit now is expected to be $4.57 billion in the two years beginning July 1 - out of a $33 billion budget - instead of the previously predicted $4.85 billion. Without the federally approved economic recovery money, however, the deficit would be $6.4 billion, according to budget documents leaked to reporters before this morning's official announcement. Gov.
ST. PAUL -- Cities across Minnesota launched a public relations campaign to save state aid they receive, saying proposed budget cuts would cost police, fire and library jobs. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who wants to reduce those payments, said that cities could save some of those jobs by firing their lobbyists, such as those who organized the Web site. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and St.
ST. PAUL - Federal funds meant to spur the economy will help make this one of Minnesota's busiest road construction years. Federal economic stimulus money will provide $180 million for 60 Minnesota transportation projects outside the Twin Cities, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced Wednesday. By the time all money is received, Minnesota officials expect to receive $596 million for state and local highway and transit projects in the coming two years. But that is just a start.
ST. PAUL -- The Pawlenty administration plans to spend all federal economic stimulus money that it can get its hands on -- estimated at $4 billion. That announcement on Monday came weeks after Gov. Tim Pawlenty criticized the package and hinted he would reject federal funds. "We are going to do our best to accept every penny or every dime," said Tom Hanson, commissioner of the office of management and budget.
ST. PAUL - Nine dead, three in Minnesota, with 654 sick in 44 states. It almost sounds like terrorists spreading a deadly disease.
ST. PAUL -- Nine dead, three in Minnesota, with 654 sick in 44 states. It almost sounds like terrorists spreading a deadly disease.
ST. PAUL - Minnesota's ethanol industry could help produce jobs in a time they are most needed, agriculture supporters say. "We can help Minnesota recover from this recession," Brad Nelson told a state Senate agriculture committee Thursday. Nelson, a south-central Minnesota farmer and Minnesota Ethanol Producers Association president, said, however, that federal government rules limit how much ethanol can be used in gasoline, which stifles the state's industry. He said the rules need to be changed before ethanol can reach its potential.
ST. PAUL - Minnesota college students delivered a simple message to legislators: Don't forget us. But their delivery was a bit more colorful than many people who lobby lawmakers. "This sucks," recent Bemidji State University graduate Cody Nelson told a Wednesday Capitol rally. "We are sucking away the future of this state." About 250 students crisscrossed the Capitol complex Wednesday, attempting to convince lawmakers as they try to fill a massive budget deficit that they should keep any higher education cuts to a minimum.