Ground Level Blog

August 19, 2011 3:35 AM

New sales tax exemption for data centers could be used soon

A company already operating in Minnesota may be the first to take advantage of a new state law exempting equipment and electricity purchases for a large data center from the sales tax. A decision could come in six to eight months, says Bill Blazer of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

by Dave Peters

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August 18, 2011 3:19 AM

Divining how Minnesotans want to fix things

A Wilder Research poll shows Minnesotans think the state is heading in the wrong direction and want a multi-faceted approach to fixing budget problems. It also shows support for cutting the number of people who receive state services.

by Dave Peters

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August 12, 2011 7:16 AM

Market value credit disappearance: Property tax sleeper

When Minnesota last month replaced its Market Value Homestead Credit in an effort to save money, it raised the specter of property tax increases. But property tax changes will vary around the state, and local officials are grappling to understand the new law’s effect.

by Dave Peters

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August 12, 2011 5:05 AM

Pick your best idea to preserve water quality

The Minnesota Community Foundation’s Idea Open Water Challenge has selected 20 semifinalists and is asking people to vote on who gets $15,000.

by Dave Peters

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August 11, 2011 5:29 AM

Study points to increasing nitrate problem in the Mississippi

A new study suggests that efforts to curb nitrate levels in local rivers aren’t enough.

by Jennifer Vogel

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August 5, 2011 7:04 AM

Duluth collaborates to improve water quality

Duluth is working with an array of partners to slow and improve the quality of the the city’s storm water runoff.

by Jennifer Vogel

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July 29, 2011 5:31 AM

Changes farmers have made to clear the water

Farmers in MPR News’ Public Insight Network say they’ve installed buffers, put in new tile systems and taken other steps to help prevent deterioration of the water near them.

by Dave Peters

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July 28, 2011 4:47 AM

United Health Group points to rural care shortcomings, fixes

A new report from United Health Group says that rural health care tends to be worse than urban health care, though the Upper Midwest fares better than much of the rest of the country.

by Dave Peters

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July 27, 2011 5:43 AM

Livestock antibiotics for bronchitis? Check out rural health debate.

MPR News readers are debating at Insight Now whether paramedics and other midlevel practitioners should have expanded roles to improve the availability of rural health care and reduce costs.

by Dave Peters