May 9, 2001 - On his third day in Minnesota, the Dalai Lama addressed a joint meeting of the Minnesota Legislature, touching on his constant themes of human rights, faith and each person's responsibility to make personal change. He also met with Governor Ventura, and made his third public speech at the University of Minnesota.
April 26, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that prospects for a major state income tax cut appear dim. House Republicans, who previously championed the idea of across-the-board income tax cuts say they're now leaning towards substantial property tax reform and relief. Governor Jesse Ventura and Senate DFLers are also promoting property tax cuts, but some conservative groups say House leaders are compromising their principles.
April 17, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Jesse Ventura criticism of Senate Democrats for not passing a tax rebate bill this year, despite an April 15th deadline for taking action. Appearing on MPR's Midday program, Ventura said the failure to act means the Senate will have to accept his proposal, shared by the House, which returns the entire current year surplus. But Senate leaders say they plan to remain at the bargaining table.
April 5, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura says he isn't giving up the fight for campaign finance reform this session. In the previous month, a key House subcommittee dealt Ventura's reform bill a major setback by laying the plan over until the next year. But new legislation has emerged with many of the same provisions and supporters say it's not too late for action.
February 28, 2001 - Minnesota Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum and DFL Senate Assistant Majority Leader John Hottinger talk about their priorities, in light of new state revenue forecast. Program contains pledge drive segments.
January 30, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura's tax bill got its first committee hearing at the State Capitol. Ventura's ambitious series of tax cuts and reforms faces an uncertain future. Even the bill's chief House author doesn't completely support all of it.
January 24, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on reaction to Governor Ventura’s released budget plan which tightens the fiscal reins. When Governor Jesse Ventura took his first stab at the budgeting process two years ago, he acknowledged many of his proposals were based on former-Governor Arne Carlson's work, but Ventura is describing his latest effort as entirely his own. The plan calls for more than a billion dollars in tax relief and holds spending to about the level of inflation.
January 9, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that supporters of campaign finance reform say the 2001 session may be the best chance in years to pass significant changes. Governor Jesse Ventura and leaders in both parties say they want to reduce the amount of money flowing into politics.
November 16, 2000 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Governor Ventura's job with the XFL, a professional American football minor league, beginning in February 2001. XFL founder says Ventura was chosen because he is honest and opinionated. Legislators are not thrilled with the situation and are making their displeasure known.
January 5, 2000 - As Governor Ventura meets with legislative leaders about legislative priorities, MPR’s Gary Eichten asks for listener call-in commentary on what legislative priorities should be. Program includes an interview with Ventura from previous week, and a call from Steve Sviggum, Minnesota House majority leader. Program begins with news from MPR’s Greta Cunningham.