Former Minnesota governor discusses state deficit

Arne Carlson
Arne Carlson was the Republican governor of Minnesota from 1991-1999.
MPR Photo/Tim Pugmire

State finance officials say Minnesota is facing a $4.6 billion budget deficit in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Now that they have the number, Gov. Pawlenty and Minnesota lawmakers must figure out how to balance the budget.

Former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson joins Gary Eichten in studio to discuss the deficit and its impact on funding priorities.

Carlson served as the governor of Minnesota from 1991-1999. When he first took office, he faced a big budget deficit; by the time he left office, the state was running a healthy budget surplus.