Court case may prompt changes to Minn. budget law

The law at the center of a Minnesota budget-cutting dispute could undergo changes in the upcoming legislative session.

House Majority Leader Tony Sertich says the Legislature should review and possibly update the state's unallotment statute to clean up ambiguity. That's the law that Pawlenty used to cut $2.7 billion from the budget without legislative input.

Pawlenty's cuts were thrown into question last week when a Minnesota judge determined the governor went too far. The judge ordered Pawlenty to restore money to a food program for low-income Minnesota residents.

The Republican governor plans to appeal the ruling. Pawlenty says the judge misread the law when making her ruling.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.