Minnesota Independent

McCollum blasts GOP plan to defund women’s health services

By Andy Birkey | 02.24.11 | 2:46 pm

“Dumb.” That’s how Rep. Betty McCollum characterized proposed cuts to federal family planning funding and a Republican effort to defund Planned Parenthood. At a St. Paul Planned Parenthood clinic Thursday, she also noted that Republicans refused to cut Pentagon funding for NASCAR, but remain adamant about cuts she says could have devastating effects for Minnesota women and children.

Reaction to Pawlenty executive order swift

By Andy Birkey | 09.01.10 | 9:01 am

When Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed an executive order on Tuesday directing state agencies to refrain from applying for discretionary grants through “Obamacare,” the reaction from many quarters was swift and harsh. While most see the executive order as a crushing blow to Minnesota’s health care system and budget deficit, some say the impact will be minimal financially but could cause the legislature some headaches down the road.

With stakes high, DFL allies’ new PAC targets governor’s race

By Paul Demko | 10.23.09 | 6:00 am

Democrats haven’t won a gubernatorial contests in Minnesota in more than two decades. The formation of a new political action committee is more evidence that they’re serious about ending that drought in 2010.

Report: Many rural women in Minnesota lack access to basic health care

By Andy Birkey | 08.27.09 | 4:43 pm

Women living in rural Minnesota face poor health outcomes according to a report released by Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota on Wednesday. A lack of health insurance and clinics, along with factors like poverty, geographic isolation and even Minnesota’s extreme winters all impact the ability of rural women to access health care. The organization says that as Congress debates health care reform, the needs of rural women must be addressed.

More reactions to Franken’s Senate victory

By Paul Demko | 06.30.09 | 4:47 pm

Al Franken will become Minnesota’s junior senator — and everyone wants to weigh in on the development. Here’s a round-up of the latest statements about the end of the bruising U.S.…

Planned Parenthood of Minnesota to get U.S. Marshal protection

By Andy Birkey | 06.01.09 | 10:39 am

Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS) has been offered the protection of the U.S. Marshals Service in the wake of the murder of Dr. George Tiller. Tiller,…