AFSCME union member Jenny Croucher, from Inver Grove Heights, left, casts a symbolic ballot outside the Governor's Office, Wed., Mar. 1, as Pam Lofquist, also from Inver Grove Heights, looks on. Claiming their jobs are in jeopardy, dozens of members of the state employee union voiced their concerns over a governor's proposal to privatize certain public services.
Photo by Shelley Hawes

James Bono, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, left, urges members of the Judiciary Committee, Thurs., Mar. 2, to pass a bill restricting protests during funerals. Prompted by the recent protest by Westboro Baptist Church members during the funeral for Cpl. Andrew Kemple in Anoka, Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), right, introduced the legislation.
Photo by David J. Oakes

Senators Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka), left, and Ann Rest (DFL - New Hope) converse on the floor of the Senate during the opening day of the 2006 session.
Photo by David J. Oakes

Commissioner of Finance Peggy Ingison presents the latest state budget forecast, Tues., Feb. 28, as State Economist Tom Stinson looks on.
Photo by David J. Oakes

Sen. Tarryl Clark (DFL-St. Cloud), left, consults with Sen. Dennis Frederickson (R-New Ulm) during a Senate floor session, Thurs., Mar. 2.
Photo by David J. Oakes

Senators David Hann (R-Eden Prairie) and Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista) look over a list of committee assignments on the first day of the session, Wed., Mar. 1.
Photo by David J. Oakes

Sen. Amy Koch (R-Buffalo), right, converses with Sen. Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville) in the Senate Chamber, Wed., Mar. 1.
Photo by David J. Oakes

One of the soldiers to have placed the first U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during World War II, Charles W. Lindberg of Richfield sits in front of historic photos during a reception at the Capitol, Thurs., Mar. 2. Earlier, a resolution to rename the Rochester Veterans Clinic in his honor was passed.
Photo by David J. Oakes