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Maybe they’re breaking to listen to Jesse

Budget negotiators are taking a break for about an hour. AP has the latest:

No deal yet on property tax relief or spending cuts

By MARTIGA LOHN and BRIAN BAKST Associated Press Writer

ST. PAUL (AP) - Budget talks between the Democrats who control the Legislature and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty resumed Thursday morning at the state Capitol.

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher went into the meeting saying she is maintaining an open mind and a feeling of optimism about reaching a deal.

The legislative leaders and the governor are trying to close a $935 million budget gap and give homeowners relief from rising property taxes.

The Legislature faces a mandatory Monday deadline to finish its business.

The main sticking points are how to structure a limit on local property tax increases and how much money to put into municipal aid and homeowner property tax assistance programs.

Senate Minority Leader David Senjem says Republicans see four or five "poison pills" in the DFL's plans but everyone knows the pressure is on to reach a deal.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-05-15-08 1231EDT

I think they're breaking to listen to Jesse on Midday.

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