Lawmakers put next phase of budget fix on hold

State lawmakers have solved about one-third of the budget deficit, but House and Senate leaders now say the next phase of their budget fix is on hold.

DFL leaders say they're delaying action on proposed spending cuts in human services until they learn more about Minnesota's share of federal health care money. Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller said he would be open to a recess until those budget calculations are figured out.

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said there are still too many questions about the impact of the federal law.

"We'd rather measure twice and cut once and have the bill be in very good shape here," Kelliher said. "So, I think we'd rather have it be a really good bill and make sure that we're addressing the needs that people have."

But Republican Minority Leader David Senjem said he would rather spend the time working on a solution to next year's projected budget deficit, which will likely top $5 billion.

"I would far rather see us, if we have some down time, to stay around here and to begin talking about that issue than perhaps going home and doing nothing," Senjem said. "If not the entire Legislature, at least the leadership."

Legislators were already planning two shorter weeks later this month to accommodate the DFL and Republican state political conventions.