Posts by Jon Collins

Jon worked as a senior projects reporter for the Minnesota Daily and interned at KFAI News while earning a degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota. After graduating, he reported on politics and the State Capitol for a number of online and print publications, including an extended stint covering Minnesota’s Iron Range. Before coming to the Minnesota Independent, he launched and served as editor for Southwest Minneapolis Patch. He also completed an extensive oral history of Minnesota journalists, which was funded by the Minnesota Historical Society. Email: jcollins [at] minnesotaindependent [dot] com. Twitter: @Rhubarbarism

Franken signs on to constitutional amendment to limit money in politics

By Jon Collins | 11.16.11 | 12:10 pm

The move comes as a slew of new Super PACs have raised millions of dollars in anticipation of next year’s presidential and congressional races.

Bachmann chairman in S.C. introduced bill to consider creation of state currency

By Jon Collins | 11.15.11 | 10:42 am

Last year, Bright spearheaded a contentious non-binding resolution affirming South Carolina’s constitutional sovereignty, telling a reporter, “If at first you don’t secede, try again.”

Wisconsin Democrats begin Gov. Scott Walker recall effort

By Jon Collins | 11.14.11 | 12:08 pm

Democrats need to gather more than 550,000 signatures; Republicans vow to document “foul play by Wisconsin Democrats or big government union bosses.”

Digital rights groups target Klobuchar on Commercial Felony Streaming Act

By Jon Collins | 11.14.11 | 10:39 am

On its website, Demand Progress, a progressive group, says they have one goal for the ad: “We need to embarrass a key lawmaker to set an example for others, and make it clear that it’s not okay to shill for the entertainment industry.”

North Dakota set to open first state health care exchange, Minnesota moving forward

By Jon Collins | 11.14.11 | 9:54 am

Gov. Mark Dayton created two committees charged with forging and implementing the state’s health exchange plan, but Republicans are questioning whether he has the authority to move without the legislature.

Poll: Fifty-five percent of Minnesotans see state on wrong track

By Jon Collins | 11.11.11 | 1:09 pm

Minnesotans see jobs and the economy as the state’s biggest problem. The survey also found that U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann was the most unpopular public figure of 11 surveyed.

(Video) Pawlenty says he won’t consider VP run with Romney

By Jon Collins | 11.11.11 | 11:06 am

Pawlenty said the “bench strength of the Republican Party and conservative movement is incredible,” citing vice presidential prospects for politicians like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

(Video) Texas and Minnesota reporters give perspective on Bachmann and Perry

By Jon Collins | 11.11.11 | 9:07 am

Minnesota Independent reporter Andy Birkey and Texas Independent editor Patrick Michels discussed how their home-state candidate is viewed back home, how religion plays a big part in both candidates’ politics and the “outsider” personas they have cultivated on their way to the national stage.

(Document) NLRB complaint on Jimmy John’s labor violations in Minneapolis

By Jon Collins | 11.10.11 | 12:48 pm

The following is a complaint from the National Labor Relations Board against Jimmy John’s shops in Minneapolis for illegally firing and threatening workers who supported a union.
The complaint was filed on Nov. 9, and will be followed by a…

Report: Auditor finds lax accounting safeguards for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

By Jon Collins | 11.10.11 | 12:02 pm

The Office of the Legislative auditor found that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency had an accounts receivable balance of $8.2 million in the final quarter of 2010, with errors of $6.2 million.

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