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Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

House and Senate leaders want more budget information

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Democrats say they need more details from Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget proposal, as well as public input from a series of meetings they plan to hold throughout Minnesota next month. Republicans say they want DFL leaders need to share their budget alternatives.

Another budget unknown is the amount of money coming from a federal economic stimulus package.

Budget talk dominated the regular Friday briefing sessions held by legislative leaders. The Republican governor unveiled his budget plan Tuesday. But the Senate Assistant Majority Leader, Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, wasn't satisfied with that lengthy power point presentation.

"I think we needs some bills," Clark said. "So hopefully we'll get the bills soon, so we can actually take a good look at it."

Several committees have hearings planned next week to dig deeper into the governor's budget and better understand its implications. Lawmakers are also planning to fan out across the state next month to get public feedback. Meetings are scheduled Feb. 19 in Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud and Willmar. On Feb. 20, meetings are planned in Albert Lea, Alexandria, Bemidji, Duluth, Little Falls, Marshall, Virginia, Winona and Worthington. A second series will be scheduled in the Twin Cities metro area.

The House Majority Leader, Rep. Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, says lawmakers want to hear about the potential impact of the governor's budget proposal on communities, schools, families and health care institutions.

"This deficit is very significant and severe," Sertich said. "And the answers don't lie within these four walls of the Capitol building."

Republicans say they weren't consulted about the series of meetings, but they still plan to participate. Sen. David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, says he thinks Democrats intend to use the meetings to criticize the governor's budget. Hann says that approach is fair, but he also wants DFL leaders to present an alternative budget and any tax increases they're considering.

"Take that to the people," Hann said. "Here's our plan, here's the governor's plan and let's have some discussion on that. I don't think that's part of the plan, and so to that extent, I'm not sure how productive that exercise will be."

Hann says DFL leaders need to show their cards early to prevent an end of session meltdown and a special session.