Almanac: At the Capitol

Legislative leaders went in to a meeting with the governor about 8:15am. They came back out at 9:00am. Not much progress to report. House Majority Leader Tony Sertich said they're "trying to get on the same page" which means they have some distance to go. To continue his walzing analogies, he said they are in the "middle of the dance." They are still trying to find out what cuts they have in common and see if they can tackle property tax reform.

Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark said they are still looking for the "sweet spot" on property taxes that combines the Senate's desire for more local government aid, the House's plan for direct relief based on ability to pay and the governor's request to cap property tax increases through levy limits. When asked if today is the day for a deal, both DFL leaders said they hope so, but with the governor leaving for fishing opener soon time is limited. Sen. Clark mentioned that there still may be some ice on the lakes up north and "we're trying to break some ice around here and get a deal." Clark though the governor will likely be going fishing with his cell phone.

Leaders and the governor return to negotiations at 11am after the Gov. Pawlenty signs the 35W victims compensation bill at 10am. Last night on Almanac: At the Capitol Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem said it just may not be worth the governor compromising when I asked him if unalloting is really so bad for Republicans. Pawlenty just said his office has run unallotment exercises and took a look at special session dates in the spring and maybe fall.

Face to face meetings are now done until probably Monday afternoon when the governor gets back from fishing opener and statehood celebrations. If there's progress over the phone they could always get together late Saturday or sometime Sunday, but it's Mother's Day!