Budget talks on hold
Budget talks between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Legislature are on hold, because the governor is in Pequot Lakes for the annual fishing opener.
Legislators and the governor are working to reach an agreement on erasing a $935 million projected budget deficit.
DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said the House and Senate are working on an alternative plan, in case they can't reach a budget deal with the governor. She said lawmakers will start passing their own budget bills on Monday or Tuesday if they can't resolve their differences.
"We've sort of taken on the boy scout model to always be prepared and we are prepared," Kelliher said. "We are prepared for an orderly end of session. One that balances the budget. One that sends the governor top priorities like the Central Corridor. We are all ready to go on that. We of course, first and foremost, prefer that to be a negotiated agreement with the governor."
Some of the main sticking points in budget negotiations are which programs will be cut, the use of a health fund to balance the budget, and the best way to provide property tax relief.
Lawmakers have ten days until the constitutional deadline to adjourn the session.
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