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Both versions of the wide ranging finance bill would cut spending in most areas of state government. The bills also tap into budget reserves. 

Governor Tim Pawlenty said he's concerned that the bills cut several of his priority programs. Pawlenty also said the DFL Legislature isn't going far enough to address the deficit in the way he would like. 

"The Legislature is putting together bills that they know are not acceptable to me," Pawlenty said. "And the question will be whether they're willing to compromise and put them into acceptable form in conference committee. But it doesn't appear like they're going to do that coming off the House floor."

DFL leaders in the Minnesota House describe their finance bill as responsible and balanced. 

Both versions of the bill include a funding increase for K-12 education.

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Politics and Government News

2025 Minnesota legislative session

Tim Pugmire

Author

The Minnesota House and Senate are tackling bills today that would fix the state's nearly $1 billion budget deficit.

Governor: Finance bills are not acceptable

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