2002 Video Archive
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
LEADERS LIVE
With just days left in the session Speaker Sviggum and Senator
Moe join Mary live at the Capitol to talk about the budget,
bonding, transportation, stadium and an unprecedented Sunday
session.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Lawmakers work towards a deal, see how it all came together.
HEADLINES
The House and the Senate pass the budget fix with a fight.
Capital Improvement Chairs meet with the governor on the slow
down on commuter rail. Ventura sounds off on transportation.
CAPITOL CAPSULE
Ventura works up a sweat with state workers on the capitol
lawn.
SHOW AND TELL
The Department of Trade and Economic Development tells us
why the state should fund its bonding request.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
HEADLINES
Video
The clock is ticking and legislative leaders are returning
to the bargaining table to strike an end of session deal.
Some senators come up with a plan to keep the governor's residence
open. Anger erupts on the House floor as two normally friendly
lawmakers get into a scrap over unicameral. A conference committee
debates a pledge of allegiance bill. And learn how to pick
fertilizers now that lawmakers have made some illegal.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
A DFL unity rally lacks complete unity, legislators pass a
campaign finance reform bill, transportation conference committee
members meet again and 3/16 of 1% of the sales tax could go
to natural resources.
CAPITOL CANVAS
Video
The State Office Building takes center stage, you'll see the
old building in a whole new way.
STATEWIDE POLITICAL REPORTERS
Video
Don Davis from Forum Communications and Laura McCallum from
MPR join Mary live in the house gallery to talk about the
session end game from a statewide perspective.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
HEADLINES
Video
Lawmakers vote to make the governor's moonlighting income
public, Hatch v. MPAAT round 3, and getting young people to
vote is a blast.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
The governor's residence closes for the first time in decades
and some fireworks are now legal in Minnesota.
CONVENTION PREVIEW
Video
We'll give you a behind the scenes look at the upcoming political
conventions with communications directors from both parties.
SHOW & TELL
Video
A project to aid communities of color makes its bonding pitch.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
GAS TAX LOOKS GOOD
Video
The Speaker of the House says he'll accept a 3-4 cent gas
tax increase with some conditions.
MINORITY LEADERS
Video
The straight-shooting Sen. Day and Rep. Pugh talk legislative
logjam and chow down on some White Castle burgers.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
The legislature passes a fireworks bill allowing novelty items
like sparklers, MPAAT and Hatch square off, Vice President
Mondale endorses Moe for governor.
HEADLINES
Video
Gov. Ventura pays a surprise visit to a conference committee
to try to keep his official residence open, an anti-terrorism
bill is debated and the GOP is a cut-up with a cut-out of
Sen. Wellstone.
SHOW AND TELL
Video
The Blaine sports arena is looking to expand with state bonding
money.
CAPITOL CAPSULE
Video
It's the anniversary of the annual potluck gathering. We take
a look back.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17
HEADLINES
Video
Fireworks bill almost fizzles and has to be reworked, a gas
tax looks more possible, budget negotiations break down and
the governor honors a productive senior.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
A look back at fireworks being rejected and conference committees
quarreling.
PAWLENTY-RUKAVINA FLOOR FIGHTS
Video
Some of our favorite feuds from two sharp-tongued lawmakers.
NEW FARMERS UNION PRESIDENT
Video
State Rep. Doug Peterson will talk about his priorities for
rural Minnesota.
SHOW AND TELL
Video
We'll take you inside several of the state's prisons to see
their bonding requests.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
HOUSE SPEAKER BOUND & GAGGED
Video
DFLers accused "right wing radicals" of holding
House Speaker Steve Sviggum hostage on a budget deal. Sviggum
responds by having his Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty untie
his arms and tear duct tape off his face. See the dramatic
video of legislative theatrics as an impasse continues.
MORE HEADLINES
Video
How do you follow up a Speaker dressed up as a hostage? Some
tough lawmakers grill Governor Ventura's revenue commissioner
about whether the governor will accept tax increases. And
senior citizens urge legislators to keep their campaign promises
and reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
BATAAN MARCHERS HONORED
Video
Survivors of the death march gather on the Capitol lawn to
see a plaque unveiling to honor their struggles.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
Gov. Ventura says consider him a candidate for governor since
he hasn't had a better private sector offer, lawmakers complete
the 9th override of a Ventura veto this one for digital conversion
funding for public TV, the Senate passes a bill that would
require the governor to keep his official residence open,
transportation supporters pack a conference committee and
more budget stalemate.
POLITICAL REPORTERS
Video
Kerri Miller from KARE-11 News and Jim Ragsdale from the Pioneer
Press join Mary live to dish the dirt on an unusual day of
theatrics at the capitol.
SHOW AND TELL
Video
The DNR makes its pitch for a state trail initiative.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
HEADLINES
Video
The Senate passes its Emergency Health Powers Act and that
triggered a debate about overuse of antibiotics. We'll talk
to a man who wants state law changed after he was abused by
a priest and had his case thrown out of court because of time
limits. The famous Minnesota photograph "Grace"
becomes the official state photo.
SHOW AND TELL
Video
The Children's Theater uses some real characters to show and
tell us why the state should fund its bonding request.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
Governor Ventura plays a big April Fool's joke on the press
corps, he also criticizes lawmakers for not working towards
ending the session. The Senate runs into some trouble on the
next stage of a stadium bill and a group of influential Minnesotans
urges the Star Tribune to use the word "terrorist"
when referring to Palestinian suicide bombers.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Video
Mary Kiffmeyer joins us live to talk about a shortage of election
judges and the newest state symbol. We'll test your knowledge
of state symbols (bird, butterfly, drink, fish, gemstone,
grain, muffin and more!).
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27
HEADLINES
Video
Lawmakers were originally planning to be done today for the
Passover and Easter holidays that's not happening, get the
latest on negotiations. Also, the senate passed its budget
bill, the legislature has overridden Ventura again and several
more lawmakers call it quits.
RETIREMENTS
Video
Some of the more interesting and outspoken lawmakers join
us to reflect on their careers, Rep. Mike Osskopp and Rep.
Andy Dawkins.
SHOW AND TELL
Video
Minnesota Veteran's Homes want millions in bonding money,
they show and tell us why.
WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 20
HEADLINES
The House debates its anti-terrorism bill, a Senate committee
puts the final touches on a budget plan that includes tax increases,
House Republicans slam the DFL budget bill, a House committee
makes big changes to its stadium bill dropping taxes for newspapers
and adopting the Ventura plan to build a ballpark by selling
state bonds.
SHOW AND TELL
The St. Paul farmers market makes its pitch for $4million
in bonding money from the state to expand its services and help
rural Minnesota.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Monday Sen. Doug Johnson calls it quits and the House passes
a bonding bill without commuter rail. Tuesday redistricting
maps are released that move political clout to the suburbs.
REDISTRICTING
Representatives from the DFL and GOP party join Mary live
in the House Gallery to detail what the state's new political
maps mean for you.
WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 13
SENATE PASSES STADIUM BILL
Video
After more than 7 hours of bruising debate the senate has
voted for a stadium bill that includes every other legislative
priority except the kitchen sink: affordable housing, airport
noise mitigation, pledge of allegiance, and more. We'll have
highlights of the long, tense and even strange debate. Diverse
interest groups also voice their opposition to taxpayer money
for a stadium.
EMOTIONAL EXCHANGE IN PHASE II
Video
Debate over budget cuts brought lawmakers to tears, profanity
and uproarious laughter. We'll tell you why health care funding
became so emotional.
ORPHANAGE FOR MARY JO
Video
Supporters of an orphanage in Eagan rallied at the Capitol
against a moratorium on group homes.
SHOW AND TELL
Video
The CAAP Board shows and tells us why the state should fund
its $5 million bonding request for improvements to the State
Capitol.
STATEWIDE POLITICAL REPORTERS
Video
MPR's Laura McCallum and Forum Communication's Don Davis dish
the dirt from a statewide perspective.
WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 6
PHASE II
Video
House Speaker Steve Sviggum and Senate Majority Leader
Roger Moe join Mary live to talk about their plans for "phase
two" of the budget plan. Lawmakers still have to find
about $400 million dollars to balance the 02-03 budget. What's
on the chopping block and could tax increases be part of a
long-term solution?
HEADLINES
Video
A handful of stadium bills for the Twins, Vikings and Gophers
are heard in committee. Educators beg for no cuts for K-12.
Nursing home workers also want to be spared from the budget
cutting. Minnesota steel workers aren't impressed with President
Bush's tariff plan. Brian Sullivan bests Tim Pawlenty in precinct
caucuses.
SHOW & TELL
Video
The Minneapolis Planetarium takes us to the stars to show
and tell us why the state should fund its bonding project.
CAPITOL CAPSULE
Video
A look back at a Ventura State of the State speech.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27
ROUND 2: VENTURA VS. LAWMAKERS
Video
The House succeeded today in overriding Ventura's budget bill
veto, in a 99-33 vote. We'll also take you back through the
week to the governor's fiery veto message and the House's
unsuccessful effort to overturn the veto the first time around.
HEADLINES
Video
The House takes up a bill requiring students to recite the
pledge of allegiance, Senate DFLers announce an ambitious
transportation plan, a committee debates the high cost and
collusion of auto glass companies and insurance companies,
AARP members rally in the rotunda.
NO NEW CASINOS
Video
We'll talk with a representative from the Bois Forte Reservation
who helped a House committee defeat half-a-dozen different
casino bills. Find out why this northern Minnesota tribe is
opposing other nearby tribes in a state-tribal casino.
SHOW & TELL
Video
The transportation commissioner gives his pitch for the Northstar
commuter rail line running from St. Cloud to the Twin Cities.
TRANSPORTATION DEBATE
Video
Transportation chairs from the House and Senate join Mary
live in the Gallery to debate commuter rail, light rail, gas
tax, license tabs, road congestion--all things transportation
that can make your life more easy or more difficult.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20
A SPEEDY SHORTFALL SOLUTION
Video
Lawmakers are moving at lightning speed to close the state's
$2 Billion shortfall. A conference committee is finalizing
a bill that should be voted on Thursday. What does the governor
think of the deal? We'll have reaction from Ventura in a TPT
interview.
OTHER HEADLINES
Video
A move to remove mandates from the classroom and move to more
local control, the MN Council of Nonprofits react to the budget
deal, and accusations against Norm Coleman's senate campaign.
SHOW & TELL
Video
The Minnesota Historical Society shows and tells us why the
state should give them money for their bonding project at
the Hill House.
ANTI-TERRORISM DEBATE
Video
Bill authors Rep. Rich Stanek and Sen. Jane Ranum join us
live to debate their two different plans for security after
Sept. 11.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13
ANOTHER HAT IN THE RING
Video
Judi Dutcher made it official--she's running for governor.
The newcomer to the DFL surprised some by pledging to abide
by the DFL's endorsement. Also today Republican candidate
Brian Sullivan launched his TV ads. We'll take a look at who's
in so far in the race to replace Gov. Jesse Ventura...Pawlenty,
Hatch?, Moe?...
HEADLINES
Video
A House committee debates a new state worker contract including
domestic partner benefits. What will happen to thousands of
employees if their contract is rejected? Sen. Dick Day and
slot machines, what else can we say? College students rally
to stave off double-digit tuition increases as lawmakers start
cutting higher education funding.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
The Senate passes it's budget plan while the House rejects
it. Norm Coleman starts his campaign for U.S. Senate. The
Governor sounds off on budget fixes and transportation priorities.
One bill seeks to require students to say the pledge of allegiance
and another would give firetruck and ambulance drivers the
power to ticket drivers for not pulling over.
SHOW & TELL
Video
The IRRRB shows and tells you why the state should give The
Iron Range millions of dollars for Ironworld and Giants Ridge.
See the commissioner show his sense of humor!
POLITICAL REPORTERS
Video
KARE-11's Kerri Miller and the Pioneer Press' Jim Ragsdale
join Mary at the Capitol to dish the dirt on all things political.
Where else to you get to hear reporters say what they really
think?
WEDNESDAY,
FEB. 6
HEADLINES
Video
Gov. Ventura announces his recommendations for the merger
of two state agencies. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota
Cities reveals its plan to balance the budget. The Independence
Party has a press conference, do they have a U.S. Senate candidate?
Plus, whatever else happens on this very busy day at the Capitol.
STATE-TRIBAL CASINO?
Video
Mary talks one-on-one with Red Lake Chairman Bobby Whitefeather
about the possibility of the state becoming partners with
some Minnesota tribes for a new casino. Also, a Red Lake school
was one of the only local projects to make it in Ventura's
bonding bill.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
Sen. Mee Moua becomes the nation's first Hmong lawmaker, the
House debates the refusal of domestic partner benefits, legislation
aimed at helping kids, the funeral of Rep. Darlene Luther,
soybeans for bio diesel fuel and corn for highway deicers.
SHOW & TELL
Video
The Minnesota Zoo shows and tells us why the state should
fund its capital bonding project including a new Asia trail.
MINORITY LEADERS
Video
Sen. Dick Day and Rep. Matt Entenza talk about their priorities
for the session. With these two there's bound to be sparks!
We'll talk about the budget shortfall, party in-fighting,
bonding projects, and much, much more.
WEDNESDAY,
JAN. 30
HEADLINES
Video
Gov. Ventura meets with officials from Fingerhut to try to
save nearly 5,000 jobs in Minnesota. Meanwhile House and Senate
Committees heard emotional testimony about state programs
that help laid-off workers that are running out of money.
As the governor promised, "Unicameral will be back,"
and today it was as lawmakers supporting a single house legislature
revived the issue.
VENTURA PART 1
Video
Ventura goes one-on-one with Mary Lahammer about his session
priorities: the budget shortfall, capital bonding projects
and redistricting. He also blasts the House for separating
a transportation bill to look good to the voters.
LEGISLATIVE LEADERS SPAR
Video
Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe and House Majority Leader
Tim Pawlenty play nice, but point out plenty of differences
on deficit solutions and many other important issues.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Video
A quick look back at Monday and Tuesday's action: nonprofits
urge lawmakers to think twice before they cut, a stadium report
is approved, the session starts with the House calling for
a hiring freeze for state workers.
VENTURA PART 2
Video
How important is a long-term budget fix to the governor? Why
does he say Minnesota is like the USSR? Is it okay for the
state to break one kind of contract and not another? The answers
are never boring!
at 7PM
at 10PM 
