Jim Spencer

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Jim Spencer

Washington Correspondent

Phone: 202-383-6123

Jim Spencer works in the Star Tribune’s Washington, D.C., bureau. He covers the intersection of Minnesota businesses and industry with national politics, legislation and regulation. Spencer has more than three decades’ experience as a news reporter, columnist, feature writer and sports writer.
Follow @SpencerStrib

Insurers say reform will flop without a mandate

As Supreme Court arguments near, industry takes an all-or-none stance on the Affordable Care Act.

Updated: March 17, 2012, - 02:35 PM

Farmers slam MF Global bonus plan

A bankruptcy trustee wants to reward the company's executives if they help locate $1.6 billion, some of it owed to Minnesota farmers.

Updated: March 12, 2012, - 09:27 PM

Beet farmers lobby to keep U.S. protections

Growers emphasize the program has no cost to taxpayers, but critics say limits on foreign sugar hurt consumers.

Updated: March 12, 2012, - 10:25 AM

FDA survey uncovers concerns over influence

Some agency workers said political and corporate interests carry too much weight in the decisionmaking process for medical devices.

Updated: March 07, 2012, - 09:30 PM

A lifestyle shrinks with wages

Those touched by the Great Recession adjust to a life where wages don't always go up and change never ends.

Updated: March 05, 2012, - 11:53 AM

Are you in the middle class?

Demographers say the description "middle class" is as much perception as science. We classify ourselves based on aspirations as well...

Updated: March 03, 2012, - 08:42 PM

Farmers hail value of conservation programs

Minnesota farm owner was among those telling Senate panel how grants build a better future.

Updated: February 28, 2012, - 09:52 PM

Medical device makers gain political momentum

Consumer safety proponents press for tougher standards while firms want faster approvals.

Updated: February 27, 2012, - 03:33 PM

In Minnesota, health care, farmers may feel budget squeeze

President Obama's 2013 budget aims to shrink the deficit by $4 trillion during the next 10 years in ways that will be felt by Minnesotans in all walks of life.

Updated: February 13, 2012, - 10:14 PM