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“Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

May 14, 2012 by Allison Herrera Economy/Jobs, Labor/Unions, Minnesota No Comments

Click Image to View Video

Members of the Welfare Rights Committee managed to interrupt the feel good bill signing moment at the Minnesota Capitol today by chanting such anthems as, “Kids Cannot Eat Footballs!” and “Shame on You Governor Dayton.”

Governor Mark Dayton was signing a bill authorizing public funding of a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings NFL football team.

Says Lena Buggs, “Why would you fund a losing franchise at the sake of poor and working families here who are struggling to make it. Last time I checked, kids cannot eat footballs.”

The Committee responded to Governor Dayton’s promise that this will create thousands of jobs by countering that most of those jobs will be lower paying and temporary. While construction jobs are temporary, stadium builders claim that there will be thousands of new hospitality positions available once it’s built. Those claims are still not enough to satisfy Welfare Rights Committee activists, who have been vocal all session long about helping poor and working families.

Video: protest and Governor Dayton signs stadium bill … Continue Reading

Vikings Stadium Bill Sent To Governor Dayton

May 7, 2012 by Michael McIntee MN House, MN House Live, MN Senate, MN Senate Live No Comments

Governor Dayton and Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf

Click on photo to hear Governor Dayton's comments on pro sports economics

The Minnesota House and Senate have passed a Vikings stadium bill that requires the NFL team to pay an additional $50 Million of the cost. It now goes to Governor Mark Dayton for his signature

On demand video replay of the debates in the Senate and the House. … Continue Reading

Dayton Tax Veto Imperils Vikings Stadium Says GOP

May 4, 2012 by Michael McIntee Minnesota No Comments

Governor Mark Dayton Vetos GOP Tax Bill

Principle at the peril of politics. Click photo to watch Gov. Dayton's Veto press conference

Principle or politics? Governor Mark Dayton has been trying to walk the fine line between the two as Minnesota’s legislative session winds down. But on Friday the Governor went heavily with principle and imperiled the politics of his top legislative priority — thousands of jobs from building a new Vikings football stadium.

Governor Mark Dayton vetoed a Republican backed tax bill because it would blow a hole in the state’s budget with tax cuts to businesses that weren’t offset someplace else. In his veto news conference the Governor chided Republicans for being fiscally irresponsible.

Republicans touted the tax relief in the bill as job creation. Democrats and the Governor pointed at the hard facts: the bill didn’t guarantee the creation of a single job. It broadly gave businesses property tax relief, including corporations such as McDonald’s restaurants, but had no incentives for the business to hire anyone. The tax relief would just go to the corporate bottom line.

Veto angers Republicans who say there will be “consequences” … Continue Reading

MN Tax bill deserves ‘smoking’ hot veto pen’ says DFL

May 3, 2012 by Michael McIntee Economy/Jobs, MN Senate No Comments

Joh Marty

Click photo to hear why Sen. Marty hopes Governor Dayton has a "Smokin' Hot Veto Pen."

A bill that would give business owners a property tax cut is hailed by Senator Geoff Michel (R-Edina) as the “best piece of legislation” to be considered his year.

Senator John Marty (DFL-Roseville ) counters it deserves a “smoking’ hot veto pen” because it isn’t paid for.

The bill passed the Senate 41-25. Governor Dayton has indicated he does not support the broad business property tax relief but has not said if he will veto or sign the bill.

MN Fireworks Veto Override Is A Dud

May 3, 2012 by Michael McIntee Minnesota No Comments

Click on photo of Sen Jungbauer to hear why accident prone people like himself should not use fireworks.

A Minnesota Senate attempt to override Governor Mark Dayton’s veto of a bill expanding the kinds of fireworks that can legally be sold in Minnesota fails to get the 2/3rds majority needed.

Senator Michael Jungbauer (R- East Bethel) argued that fireworks laws are difficult to enforce, so the state should legalize them and make money off the sales tax.

Senator John Harrington (DFL-St. Paul) countered that murder and drug laws are hard to enforce too, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have the laws.

MNGOP Stadium Plan Dead, Vote On “Vetted” Plan Monday

May 3, 2012 by Michael McIntee Minnesota No Comments

House Speaker Kurt Zellers

Click photo of House Speaker Zellers to hear why he doesn't support a Vikings stadium, but will allow a vote on it.

A Minnesota Republican plan to build a Vikings Stadium with general obligation bond money is dead says House Majority Leader Matt Dean. He says information he got from Minnesota’s Management and Budget office indicates the bonds could not be legally used to do the project.

House Speaker Kurt Zellers says he doesn’t support the Vikings Stadium plan that Governor Dayton wants, but he will allow a vote on the bill on Monday. Zellers says Governor Dayton has “disrespected” Republican priorities this legislative session, but he will stand by his word to have a vote and will not stand in the way of anyone voting for it.

Governor Dayton released a statement:
‘“I am very pleased that the Republican legislative leaders have agreed to my request for up-or-down votes in both bodies on a new “People’s Stadium” that would provide jobs for several thousand Minnesotans and keep the Vikings here. Now everyone will be able to hold legislators accountable for that momentous decision.

“I will continue to do all I can to convince them that this is a good deal for Minnesota, the best deal available, and much better than the alternative: losing thousands of jobs, losing the Vikings, and losing the “Can Do” spirit, which is Minnesota.

“I ask all Minnesotans, who care about the stadium, to contact their legislators and urge them to vote “Yes” next Monday.”

Watch video of the Republican leaders news conference … Continue Reading

Governor, GOP Pursuing Both Viking Stadium Plans

May 2, 2012 by Michael McIntee Minnesota Comments Off

Click photo to hear Governor Dayton and GOP leaders talk about their stadium meeting.

Minnesota Republican legislative leaders and Governor Mark Dayton strike a more conciliatory tone after meeting about a Vikings stadium plan.

Earlier today Governor Dayton blasted Republicans for a “hare-brained” last minute stadium proposal that Dayton says could doom the project.

Republican leaders say Governor Dayton is interested in pursuing a plan that includes bonding, but the other stadium options are still on the table.

Watch the videos … Continue Reading

Governor Dayton Blasts GOP For “Hare-Brained” Vikings Stadium Proposal

May 2, 2012 by Michael McIntee Minnesota Comments Off

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton says a Republican plan to build a roof-less Vikings stadium with bonding money is “cynical gamesmanship” and “playing poker with Minnesota jobs.” He said the proposal unveiled yesterday is “hare-brained” because not only does he oppose it but so does the city of Minneapolis and the Vikings.

DFL Legislative leaders joined Governor Dayton in calling for an up or down vote on the Vikings stadium proposal on the House and Senate floors.

GOP Roofless Vikings Stadium Called A “Punt”

May 2, 2012 by Michael McIntee Minnesota Comments Off

Click photo of Rep. Davnie to hear why he things the GOP stadium proposal is a "punt"

Grab your favorite sports analogy to describe the Vikings stadium battle at the Minnesota legislature. A just revealed Republican plan to have the state pay only for “infrastructure” in a new stadium has been described by Democrats as a “punt.” More importantly, the Vikings who would need to shoulder the rest of the costs said it was too late to start redesigning the stadium to make it roof less or “roof ready.”

The plan would not use gambling dollars, but bonding…which means it must have a super majority of the legislature for it to pass, which lessens the chances that it will have enough votes.

Click to watch videos of Republicans unveiling the plan, Democrats railing against it and the Vikings saying it won’t work. … Continue Reading

A Life Saved By MN’s Emergency Medical Assistance

May 1, 2012 by Allison Herrera Health Care, Minnesota Comments Off

Click Image to hear Luis Fuentes explain how MN's EMA program saved his life

This week Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill restoring $4.7 million to Emergency Medical Assistance after cuts made during last year’s special session. It guarantees the sickest, uninsured Minnesotans will be given dialysis and chemotherapy regardless of their citizenship status.

That was the case for Luis Fuentes of Minneapolis. Nearly three years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, he qualified for Emergency Medical Assistance even though he was not a US citizen yet. He’s now fully recovered and is insured through another program.

Fuentes says if he didn’t qualify for EMA, he would have died.

In July of last year, the legislature passed and Governor Dayton signed a law barring immigrants like Fuentes from the EMA program. The bill signed on Monday reverses that for dialysis and chemotherapy, but not other medical treatments.

Fuentes emigrated from Peru six years ago. He worked for the Peruvian Air Force and ran his own recording studio. He is a writer and loves music. Especially the music of his country. … Continue Reading

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DC

Click on photo to watch Senator Al Franken's news conference on college financial aid reform

Sen. Franken Announces “True Cost Of College” Act

Senator Al Franken announces the “Understanding The True Cost Of College Act” that would require colleges to use easier to understand language in their financial aid package offers to students.

Click this picture to play video.

First Somali Delegate Headed to Democratic National Convention

Hindia Ali, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator at Somali Action Alliance is a delegate the the 2012 National Democratic Convention, the first Somali-American to be a delegate.

Click photo to watch President Obama's speech

Obama Rips GOP’s “Radical Vision” For US

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, President Obama ripped into Republicans for their lack of compromising and for the first time mentioned his likely Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, by name.

Click on Photo to View Women's Discussion About Health Care and the Affordable Care Act

“Being a Woman Shouldn’t be a Pre-existing Condition”

Minnesota women in healthcare predicaments met with with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Sen. Al Franken, Rep. Betty McCollum and Governor Mark Dayton on Friday — the two year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.

Click photo to watch President Obama's weekly address

Obama:Fraud, Middle East Conflict, Driving Up Gas Prices

President Obama says many of the factors that are driving up gas prices are out of our control such as unrest in the Middle East. However, he points out there are some things that are in our control such as fraud and manipulation that can cause prices to spike even further.

Click photo to hear President Obama speak about alternative energy

Obama Makes Case For Alternative Energy

President Obama talks about an all-of-the-above American energy strategy at a Daimler manufacturing plant in North Carolina that’s making trucks that run on natural gas.

No recount this time. Click photo to watch the MN Congressional Cookoff

Another Close One For Sen. Al Franken- Ties In Hotdish Cookoff

Senator Al Franken is used to close elections. This time he didn’t beat his opponents, but had to settle for a tie with Representative Chip Cravaack in the second annual Minnesota Congressional delegation hotdish cookoff.

Click photo to watch President Obama address business roundtable in Washington, DC

Obama:Tax Reform Like “Pulling Teeth”

President Obama would like to reform taxes so we reward companies that invest in the US, not ones that send jobs overseas. But there are some barriers, such as Congress.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama

Israel-US United Against Iran Says Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu uses his photo op with President Obama today to talk up how the US and Israel are united against Iran, which is suspected of trying to create a nuclear bomb.

President Obama speaks to the American-Israel Lobby

Obama:Military Force Against Iran Possible To Thwart Nuclear Program

President Obama warns that “loose talk” of war was only helping Iran, while pushing back against charges from GOP presidential contenders that he has been less than a loyal ally to Israel.

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MN

Click on Photo to Hear Interview with Northside Resident Anthony Strong

Lack of Liquor Store Reduces Crime in North Minneapolis Neighborhood

One year after the tornado that ravaged North Minneapolis, things are looking up for Anthony and Shemeika Strong. The absence of the Broadway Liquor Outlet has also been a blessing for their neighborhood.

99 pct Mall

Boisterous Protests At Local Banks Stay Non-Violent

Occupy coalesced activists from many neighborhood and civic groups to protest bank actions: Home foreclosures, refusing Somali funds transfer, voter photo ID, anti-immigrant actions.

Click Image to View Video

“Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Members of the Welfare Rights Committee disrupt the signing of the Vikings Stadium Bill. They claim, “Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Click on this photo to see video of conference.

Minnesota Somali Women And Men Discuss Infertility Issues

Somali women and men gather to discuss the many aspects of female infertility with medical and social experts.

3M Demo

MN Activists Call on 3M to Remove Corporate Funds From Politics

3M shareholders at annual meeting were asked to stop all corporate contributions to political campaigns and to disclose corporate political lobbying efforts. As expected, the resolutions were voted down, but the activists pledged to continue efforts.

Click on Image to View Video

Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Wins Loan Modification, Keeps House

Occupy backed homeowner successfully re-negotiated her loan with MN based US Bank.

Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

Healing Minnesota’s Darkest Period: Pardoning a Dakota Indian

After the six-week US-Dakota War of 1862, 38 Dakota men were hung in one of the largest mass executions in US History. Many argue that the trials were a sham, that is was the largest injustice in the nation’s history. Today, Representative Dean Urdahl, Chair of the Legacy Committee in Minnesota and the Civil War Task Force, seeks to, “rub a little salve in the wound,” by seeking a pardon for one of those warriors who was hung on that fateful December day. His name is Chaska.

Rep. Ryan Winkler on the House Floor before 2011 Special Session

Stadium Opponent Rep. Winkler Decides To Vote For Stadium.

Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL) decides to support the Vikings stadium because of the jobs it will create.

Governor Dayton and Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf

Vikings Stadium Bill Sent To Governor Dayton

The Minnesota House and Senate have each approved different versions of a Vikings stadium proposal. So now it is up to a conference committee to reconcile the differences.

Governor Mark Dayton Vetos GOP Tax Bill

Dayton Tax Veto Imperils Vikings Stadium Says GOP

Principle or politics? On Friday, Governor Mark Dayton went heavily with principle and imperiled the politics of his top legislative priority — thousands of jobs from building a new Vikings football stadium.

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Sustaining Solutions

Click on Photo to Hear Interview with Northside Resident Anthony Strong

Lack of Liquor Store Reduces Crime in North Minneapolis Neighborhood

One year after the tornado that ravaged North Minneapolis, things are looking up for Anthony and Shemeika Strong. The absence of the Broadway Liquor Outlet has also been a blessing for their neighborhood.

Click on Image to View Video

Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Wins Loan Modification, Keeps House

Occupy backed homeowner successfully re-negotiated her loan with MN based US Bank.

Click Photo to Hear Opinions on How the City Should Help North Minneapolis

Does North Minneapolis Need Pie in the Sky Ideas or Roofs Overhead?

Nearly a year after the tornado that ripped through North Minneapolis, opinions vary greatly on what the poverty-stricken community needs most from local and state government. Should the City introduce “pie in the sky” ideas or focus on more immediate problems?

Click photo of Rep. Bobby Jo Champion  to View Video Interview

Rep. Bobby Jo Champion Touts Legislation to Rebuild North Minneapolis

Representative Bobby Jo Champion talks about the challenges facing some of his constituents in North Minneapolis almost a year after a devastating tornado.

Click photo to watch video about how tornado damaged North Minneapolis is being rebuilt right.

Rebuild It Right in North Minneapolis: Quality Design Isn’t Just For Rich People

Rebuild It Right, an organization made up of architects and designers from Minneapolis, is helping homeowners advocate for quality design in the wake of the May 22nd Tornado.

Don Samuels Talks Jobs

New Stadium Deal Promises Jobs for North Minneapolis Residents

The Vikings stadium deal got the support of Minneapolis City Council members. Council member Don Samuels says that this is a good deal for his constituents. It will provide jobs to a part of the city that has the highest rate of unemployment.

Click photo to watch how Urban Homeworks is helping homeowners in north Minneapolis

Urban Homeworks: Fighting Foreclosures in North Minneapolis

Local, Minneapolis non-profit Urban Homeworks works with banks and other community organizations to fight foreclosures.

Monique White celebrates a delay on evicting her from her home. Click photo to watch video.

Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Seeks Jury Trial

Embattled homeowner Monique White took one more step Friday toward what could become an improbable victory that would let her stay in her North Minneapolis home. Judge Mark Labine will decide on Monday whether White will get a jury trial in District Court.

Click on Photo to View Video of Northside Economic Opportunity Network

Northside Economic Opportunity Network Boosts Business in North Minneapolis

The Northside Economic Opportunity Network works with small businesses and micro-businesses in North Minneapolis to help them achieve success.

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  • Sunday, May 20, 09:00 AM
    Through negotiations and persistence and the good will of all, Phil Freshman and Jim Roth have worked with Beth El Synagogue and obtained a weekend (5/18-20)in residence of a Torah Scholar, Rabbi Kahn-Troster, on the issue of human rights and torture. The issues will be addressed from religious, legal, medical, ethical and practical perspectives. Open to the […]
  • Saturday, Jun 02, 09:00 AM
    DFL State Convention-Day 1- Rochester, MN Saturday, June 2 – Sunday June 3, 2012 Mayo Civic Center (30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904) […]
  • Sunday, Jun 03, 09:00 AM
    DFL State Convention-Day 2- Rochester, MN Sunday June 3, 2012 Mayo Civic Center (30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904) […]

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