Minn. Legislature enters the final act: The budget fix

Both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature are getting down to budget business. Separate plans for attacking the state's nearly $1 billion deficit are facing votes in the House and Senate. Both of the all-encompassing bills rely heavily on shifting dollars from state checking and savings accounts.

But they also trim spending for health programs, higher education, courts and many other government services. There are areas that get a boost, including a modest bump in both bills for the per-pupil school allowance.

Governor Tim Pawlenty said he's bothered that the bills go after programs he put in place. But he probably won't see either bill; a conference committee will work out a common proposal to send him in coming weeks.

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