Over the years, many items in the state budget have been scrutinized with a fine-tooth comb. Even relatively small expenditures and contracts are reviewed to see if there is a way to save money or perform the task more efficiently. Sometimes, however, there are big-ticket items that get nowhere near the scrutiny they deserve.

The state of Minnesota is proceeding with plans to establish a $600 million line of credit to get through the cash-poor months ahead. And while Minnesota Management and Budget Department Commissioner Tom Hanson said on Tuesday that he doesn't want to call on the state's banker to get a short-term loan, he also conceded that his department might need to tap into the state's line of credit with U.S. Bank before the end of 2010.

Three Minnesota residents who depend on the state’s General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) program to pay for their health care filed suit Thursday in Ramsey County District Court in an effort to keep the program running, despite Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s plan to eliminate it.

$292 million? $221 million? Neither? Why it's hard to pin down a number on DFL legislators' GAMC plan.

Qualified applicants are being sought to serve on the statewide Minnesota Parent Leadership Team, which will work to improve policies, programs and practices in child welfare.

Issues facing Minnesotans who are aging or have disabilities and their caregivers will be the main focus of the annual Age and Disabilities Odyssey conference today through Wednesday in Rochester.

The widespread legislative dissatisfaction with the health and human services fiscal notes prepared by the state Department of Human Services that we reported last week ...