February 14, 1979 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland speaking before a Farm Forum in Minneapolis. Bergland commented on the domestic farm situation. Speech was followed by a question and answer with audience members.
February 28, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Willis Anthony, University of Minnesota agricultural economist, who discusses farming, its future, problems and solutions. MPR’s John Ydstie talks about planting. Program also includes report from MPR’s Jennifer O'Neil on set-aside program.
March 2, 1979 - The Minnesota House of Representatives is considering a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to pass an amendment to the Constitution requiring a balanced federal budget. MPR’s Capitol reporter Bob Potter reports on subcommittee hearings on the amendment. Kenneth MacDonald, state representative who authored the bill; and Walter Heller, economist and opponent of the amendment, share their differing views. Supporters claim federal deficits are responsible for inflation and other economic problems. Opponents argue that a rigid requirement of a balanced budget would cripple the federal government's ability to cope with economic recessions or depressions.
March 16, 1979 - The Minnesota House Tax Committee hears tax proposals to help finance a downtown Minneapolis domed stadium, including a 2% liquor tax. The committee votes to repeal the liquor tax. After vote, MPR’s John Merli interviews various committee members.
March 17, 1979 - John Boland, former chairman and executive director of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, speaking on challenges and accomplishments during his tenure. Boland also discusses issues still before the body.
April 5, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Wes Skjegstad, tax examiner for Minnesota Revenue Department; and Esme Evans, member of publication office at Minnesota Revenue Department discuss state taxes and tax reporting. Skiegstad and Esme also answer listener questions.
April 14, 1979 - Stephen Keating, vice-chairman of Honeywell Incorporated; Angus Wurtele, chairman of Valspar; Don Larson, editor of "Corporate Report" business magazine; and Bill Drake, counsel for Medtronic Incorporated, discuss democracy in governance of corporations, social responsibility and shareholder relations.
April 14, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Bill Angell, extension housing specialist for the University of Minnesota; Win Peterson, past president of the Minneapolis Board of Realty; Mike Harris of the St. Paul Board of Realty; and Judith Owen, assistant vice-president at the First National Bank of St. Paul, who discuss the housing market in the Twin Cities.
April 24, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage of Minnesota House Energy and Utilities Committee hearing on fuel supplies in Minnesota. Program includes various speeches and commentary, including that of Dick Wiggly, chairman of the Minnesota House Energy and Utilities Committee, and Al Johnson, director of Minnesota Energy Agency.
May 7, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson presents a live profile of the Commodities Futures Exchange and the Cash Grain Market from the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. Grain traders, elevator operators, grain inspectors and farmers explain why the Minneapolis Grain Exchange is important to them. Interviews include Merlin Mills, president of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange.