We traveled up to the Iron Range to cover the hearing on the Health Department's delay of releasing data on the spike in cancer deaths in miners. The atmosphere was charged. It was standing room only. Miners were mad. They testified for about 90 minutes. Then Commissioner Mandernach came to the table where people sit and face lawmakers to testify. Instead she stood up, turned her back to lawmakers and faced the crowd to apologize to them. It was a gutsy move. One man shouted back that her apology was not accepted. The big news (as in the new development that a lot of MSM missed) was the fact the University of Minnesota is going to take the lead on the study now because of the lack of trust of the Health Department. I questioned Mandernach afterwards and she said she was willing to let the U take the lead if that means they can get to the bottom of what's killing miners. Channel 9 was the only other metro media to show up — that's a disappointment to me; this is an issue that should matter to every Minnesotan. People are dying. Public information you pay for was kept private.
Mary's Page
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11/20/09/4:49 pm Franken's Cooking & Healthcare
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11/18/09/5:48 pm Health Care Concerns
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11/16/09/4:47 pm Unallot Lawsuit
06/2007
Miners Sound Off
Friday, June 29, 2007 - 1:54 pm
We traveled up to the Iron Range to cover the hearing on the Health Department's delay of releasing data on the spike in cancer deaths in miners. The atmosphere was charged. It was standing room only. Miners were mad.
Remembering Lady Bird (06/27/07)
Back in 1964, she accompanied her husband as he campaigned for President in Minnesota. During a speech, Lady Bird Johnson went out of her way to thank the DFL women, especially the wives of Minnesota's leading DFL officials: Jane Freeman, Muriel Humphrey and Abigail McCarthy. It's a charming clip.
Sviggum Gets Gov Job
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 11:58 am
We've long been waiting for the news. The former House Speaker and close friend and ally to the governor finally got a job from the governor. Dems are excited because they think they have a shot at taking Sviggum's seat in a special election. Here's the official news from Pawlenty's office:
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY APPOINTS SVIGGUM LABOR AND INDUSTRY COMMISSIONER
15 term House member and former Speaker will lead department beginning July 17 Saint Paul
St. Paul – Governor Pawlenty announced today the appointment of Rep. Steve Sviggum as the new commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), effective July 17, 2007.
"Minnesota's workers and businesses rely on the Department of Labor and Industry as a trusted resource and regulator," Governor Pawlenty said. "Steve is known for his ability to work with and listen to people on all sides of an issue. His philosophy has always revolved around balance and I know he'll bring that to DLI."
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry performs a variety of functions: overseeing the workers' compensation system for the state; preventing workplace accidents and illness through OSHA consultation and compliance efforts; certifying and monitoring the state registered apprenticeship program; monitoring compliance with labor laws; and regulating the state's construction codes and licensing activities. The department employs approximately 500 workers throughout the state.
Sviggum was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1978 and is currently in his 15th term. He served four terms as Speaker of the House and three terms as House Minority Leader. In 1985-86, he chaired the Unemployment Insurance and Workers Compensation Division of the House Labor-Management Relations Committee. Sviggum has been honored by many business organizations, advocacy groups for the mentally disabled and taxpayer watchdog groups.
Sviggum has been a Sunday school teacher and board member of River View Manor, Goodhue County Historical Society, the Kenyon Sunset Home long-term care board and the Northern Chapter of the American Red Cross. Sviggum and his family are beef and grain farmers in the Kenyon area and he is also a senior fellow in the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He and his wife, Debra, have three children.
"I'm looking forward to this next challenge in my public service career," Sviggum said. "Enhancing jobs and furthering the health, safety and protection of Minnesota's workers and employers is an important task and I'll tackle it with energy and fairness."
We've long been waiting for the news. The former House Speaker and close friend and ally to the governor finally got a job from the governor. Dems are excited because they think they have a shot at taking Sviggum's seat in a special election.
The Wrapup (06/22/07)
Did you know who the dream golf date was for the 1972 KTCA Action Auction? We give you your weekly dose of Minnesota history and end with a vintage music clip by Cap'n Jack Duff.
Political Science Panel (06/22/07)
Can the presidential race already be in full swing? And what does it mean that most Americans aren't paying attention? We gather a group of Minnesota poli-sci types for their take on the race of '08. Our guests are Steve Schier from Carleton College, Larry Jacobs from the U of M and U Law School Dean Guy Charles.
Life (Part 2) (06/22/07)
This new PBS series about aging begins this week. Watch a preview clip of the tpt production.
Asbestos on the Range (06/22/07)
The State Health Department decided to wait to make public dozens of incidents of cancer deaths of Northern Minnesota miners. A legislative committee will meet next week to find out why there was a delay. State Health Commissioner Dianne Mandernach and State Senator John Marty debate face to face.
tpt 50th Treasures (06/22/07)
Jeff Strate stops by to talk with Cathy about the freewheeling days of Twin Cities TV back in the '70s. And he's brought along some clips of work he somehow managed to convince KTCA officials to put on the air.
Open the Hatch (06/22/07)
Former Attorney General Mike Hatch has a new job in the private sector. He'll tell us why he's excited about that.
Vikes Make Moves (06/22/07)
Off the field, not on. We hear plans about a possible new ballpark from team official Lester Bagley and Bill Lester with the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.
