Live updates from opening day 

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Politics and Election News

Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Friday announced spending cuts to resolve the state's $356 million deficit through June, after legislators failed to reach an agreement. Exercising a rarely used executive privilege, Pawlenty cancelled more than $281 million state spending. He also deferred $50 million in sales tax reimbursements for capital equipment purchases, and took $24 million in the state's reserves. The largest share of the spending cuts came in higher education funding: $50.3 million. K-12 education funding was cut $26.9 million; social services $23 million; and spending on environmental programs cut by $39.7 million.

Pawlenty announces unallotment

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox