Recent Articles from Paul Demko
Kaye Rakow, key voice for NAIOP, to retire
In 2008, the Legislature took up a proposal to provide a $200 million subsidy to expand the Mall of America in Bloomington. The primary mechanism to pay for the project was to dip into the “fiscal disparities” pool, a revenue-sharing program that benefits parts of the state with less lucrative commercial property tax bases.
Business filings suggest economy struggling
Preston Luman’s fledgling Sports Clip franchise was among 4,661 new business filings in September, according to statistics compiled by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office. That’s an 11 percent increase over August and the highest level of business creation since May.
Border battle: Officials spar over tax policies
Minnesota and Wisconsin are on divergent paths when it comes to fiscal policy. Under Republican Gov. Scott Walker and a GOP-controlled assembly, Wisconsin cut taxes by nearly $1 billion this year, including a $650 million reduction in income taxes. The avowed goal was to make the state more attractive to businesses and bolster job growth.
Federal shutdown brings heat on Paulsen
Tea Party activists are reacting with alarm to Rep. Erik Paulsen’s comments suggesting that he would be willing to break with GOP House leadership in order to end the federal government shutdown.
Conservative activists occupy Paulsen’s office over shutdown remarks
A dozen conservative activists, including state Rep. Cindy Pugh, showed up at U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen's Eden Prairie office Thursday morning in an effort to speak with the third-term GOP congressman about Obamacare and the federal government shutdown.
Bumps and all, MNsure opens for business
More than three years after passage of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Minnesota’s health insurance exchange opened for business on Tuesday. The MNsure website had more than 100,000 visitors on opening day, and more than 500 people created accounts in just the first hour of operation.
MNsure opens Tuesday, but not all operations will be functional
The state's health insurance exchange, known as MNsure, is expected to open for business on Tuesday afternoon. But some key parts of the infrastructure designed to sign people up for coverage will not yet be functional.
Congressional candidate Tom Emmer appears in ad touting remodeling firm
**UPDATED** Former state Rep. Tom Emmer, who is seeking the GOP nomination in the 6th Congressional District, has filmed an advertisement for Integrity Exteriors and Remodelers. In the ad, Emmer touts his congressional candidacy and endorses the construction firm.
GOP House members raise concerns over proposed transfer of sex offenders
**UPDATED** GOP Reps. Brian Johnson and Nick Zerwas are raising concerns about plans to transfer six civilly committed sex offenders to a facility in Cambridge. In a letter to Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson, the legislators questioned whether the plan will endanger the public.
Chris Dahlberg officially joins field of GOP U.S. Senate candidates
St. Louis County Commissioner Chris Dahlberg has joined the field of GOP contenders seeking to oust U.S. Sen. Al Franken in 2014. There are now six candidates looking to secure the Republican nomination.
MNsure officials roll back expectations for Oct. 1 opening
At Tuesday's gathering of the MNsure Oversight Committee, Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, had a simple question for health exchange officials: "Is it ready?
DHS selects Milliman to serve as actuary for Medicaid program
Milliman-Milwaukee is now the actuary for Minnesota's Medicaid managed care program. The firm has replaced Milliman-Minneapolis as the agency responsible for making sure Minnesota's rate-setting methodology is sound.
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