DFL leaders want Pawlenty to speak on budget crisis

The DFL leader of the Minnesota Senate wants Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty to appear before the Legislature to map out a direction on the budget before the legislative session begins next month.

The state faces a $1.2 billion deficit, and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller says lawmakers need to find a fix both DFLers and Republicans can agree on.

The governor isn't running for re-election, and Pogemiller said on MPR's Midday program today that Pawlenty can provide leadership on the budget.

"In his last year in office he could really serve the state well by stepping up, making some tough choices and trying to lead us to a balanced budget," said Pogemiller.

A Pawlenty spokesman says there is currently no plan to give a special budget address to lawmakers. Pogemiller says he and the DFL House leader are expecting to meet with Pawlenty sometime this week.

Pogemiller and Kelliher also said it's unlikely the Legislature will return to the Capitol early to vote on Pawlenty's plan for delaying school aid.

Pawlenty last week offered to call a special session to ratify his previously announced $1.7 billion school payment deferral. The regular session begins Feb. 4.

Pawlenty ordered that schools be paid late as part of a budget-balancing move. But some are concerned because nothing in law requires repayment.

Pawlenty is asking the Democratic-controlled Legislature to ratify the delay so there would also be a repayment mechanism in place.

The leaders say Pawlenty hasn't identified where money for the IOUs would come from.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)