Pawlenty makes budget offer, DFL counters

by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio
May 16, 2009

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and DFL Legislative leaders resumed negotiations today to try to erase a $4.6 billion deficit.

They met for about an hour in the governor's office at the State Capitol.

DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said Pawlenty was preparing an offer that hinges on another $1.2 billion in budget cuts.

St. Paul, Minn. — They said the Republican governor also agreed to a $1.8 billion shift in education payments and had backed off his $1 billion appropriation bond plan. Pawlenty also restated his opposition to any tax increases.

Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said the governor remains poised to use line-item vetoes and his unallotment authority to end the session on time, but he's willing to keep talking to the Democrats.

"The governor's preference is to work out a negotiated compromise with the Legisalture," McClung said. "But, that will take the Democrats in the Legislature showing a willingness to compromise as the governor has shown a willingness to compromise throughout this process."

Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis said any agreement must serve the best interests of the state.

"Our emphasis today and for the next two days will be on getting a negotiated settlement that is balanced, fair and shared sacrifice," Pogemiller said. "We are absolutely not interested in the governor flexing his muscles to show how powerful he is."

Details of the governor's offer won't be available until later in the day. The Legislature must adjourn by midnight Monday.