03-25-2009

Pawlenty talks budget

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he has invited top legislative Democrats to his office on Thursday to discuss the state's ailing budget. The Republican governor talked to The Associated Press on Tuesday on a flight from Fort Lewis, Wash., to Minneapolis. He says DFL proposals to raise taxes are "a dead end".

Democrats who control the Legislature, have said they plan to raise $1.5 billion to $2 billion in taxes over the next two years. Details are pending.

The DFL can't enact tax increases without Pawlenty's approval or the support of at least three House Republicans to overrule a veto. The governor says he feels confident the Legislature won't override him this year.

KMHL News
AP/ML