Despite the fact that many Republican legislators long have been critical of "big-spending DFLers," most Republicans likely will oppose spending cuts proposed by DFLers to erase the state's $1.2 billion budget deficit. The theory: "It's the majority's job to govern."

Sometimes, legislators break away from the interest groups that so often bind them. In this case, despite opposition from the teachers union, a bill that would change license procedures is advancing with some DFL support. Politically, this is as against the grain as it gets.

Tom Dooher, head of the teachers union, today announced proposed legislation he said would help address the achievement gap in the state's lowest-performing schools and help position Minnesota to win funding in a second round of grants to be announced in June.

In the never-ending train wreck at the state Capitol, signals between the governor's office and the DFL-controlled Legislature continue to be missed. This time, it was over the bonding bill, which was stripped of $319 million in line-item vetoes.

As the Federal Communications Commission issues its 10-year broadband plan today, Minnesota is competing for a share of billions of federal stimulus dollars in broadband loans and grants. Critics say Minnesota, once a broadband leader, now lacks leadership and ranks in about the middle of states in terms of broadband speeds and connectivity.

Minnov8: FCC's eagerly awaited Broadband Plan unveiled today — here's why it matters

Many of the items in the bill have been ridiculed as the package made its way through the process. No item was belittled as much as a Minneapolis park project seeking $1 million. But, as is often the case in political rhetoric, the ridicule doesn't match the reality of the proposal.

Hennepin County officials and HCMC assess potential effects and get used to a new set of acronyms. To name a few: CCO, DSH and UCP.

In 2006, the DFL took control of the House, electing 29 new members. Now, two of the newcomers are bailing for what they say are personal reasons. State Republicans, though, believe that DFLers are running scared and that the GOP is poised to retake control of the House.

The close race for endorsement between Reps. Marty Seifert and Tom Emmer is prompting strong words from them and their campaigns. Some of the exchanges may challenge Reagan's "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican." Update: Information from this morning's news conference.

State Sen. Linda Higgins seeks the exclusion of state and federal inmates from population counts used for state and local redistricting.

Related: Census issue: when, where — and for what purpose — to count inmates