May 30, 2003 - The 2003 special legislative session has gavelled to a close after the House and Senate completed work on $4.2 billion deficit reduction package. The last major budget item to pass was a tax bill that funds aids to local governments. The aid cuts proposed by Governor Tim Pawlenty and House Republicans, however, shook Senate DFLers and may have opened a rift in that caucus. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
May 30, 2003 - A bill that authorizes borrowing of 237 million dollars for capital investments is on its way to Governor Pawlenty. The bill provides funding for statewide projects in the arts, flood relief and higher education. The bill was a top priority of Senate DFLers who said it would stimulate the economy. Opponents say the bill is inappropriate during a budget crisis. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
May 30, 2003 - A nearly 12-billion dollar spending bill for Minnesota schools is awaiting Governor Pawlenty's signature. Kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms were largely spared from the deep cuts needed to balance the state's budget deficit. But spending was reduced significantly for several education programs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
May 30, 2003 -
May 30, 2003 - Larry Jacobs is a professor of political science at the University of Minnesota.
June 2, 2003 - Leaders of Minnesota's two public higher education systems are feeling better about the outcome of the Legislative session. Lawmakers had cut the systems' appropriations 15 percent earlier in the session. But they also just approved 108 million dollars for building improvements at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Governor Tim Pawlenty is expected to sign the bill. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 2, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders will be travelling around the state today. Lawmakers adjourned late last week, after fixing a projected 4.2 billion dollar shortfall without raising taxes. Democrats were critical of the budget plan, while Republican got nearly everything they wanted this session. Joining us now is Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief, Laura McCallum.
June 2, 2003 -
June 2, 2003 -
June 3, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders took their differing opinions of the legislative session across the state yesterday . The Legislature adjourned a ten-day special session on Thursday night by finalizing a budget that erases a four-point-two billion dollar deficit without raising state taxes. Both Pawlenty and Senate DFLers are using their separate tours to differentiate their ideas. Meanwhile, Minnesotans are already forming opinions about the budget. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.