Governor hands budget to lawmakers

Gov. Pawlenty
Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget proposal calls for a 2 percent reduction in spending compared to the current budget cycle as part of his solution for a $4.8 billion deficit.
MPR Photo/Tim Nelson

In his budget address, Governor Tim Pawlenty proposed $2.5 billion in state spending for areas such as subsidized health insurance, higher education, and aid to cities and counties.

The state faces a $4.8 billion deficit, and the governor plans a combination of one-time money in addition to accounting shifts, expected federal stimulus money, and borrowing against future tobacco revenue to balance the budget.

House Republican Minority Leader Marty Seifert and Senate Assistant DFL Majority Leader Tarryl Clark join Gary Eichten from the MPR State Capitol Bureau to respond to the Governor's proposals.

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