Almanac: At the Capitol

So healthcare and budget deals are done, but tax issues remain according to legislative leaders. Minority Leader Marty Seifert says lawmakers will definitely be meeting in session on Sunday, but they will break for church and come back later in the day. The House tried to take up a ballot question that would allow them to call themselves back into special session, taking the power away from the governor. That effort didn't progress as it was "continued on the calendar" which means it could still come up at any time. Lawmakers plan to pass the healthcare reform bill early Sunday morning which is technically part of Saturday's legislative day.

Frustration is apparent as lawmakers and the governor continue to fail to close the entire global deal. Rank-and-file lawmakers are anxious and even angry. Many don't want to go on the record about this yet. But there is increasing talk about a need for leaders who can negotiate a deal. The calls are particularly loud in the Senate where Democrats and Republicans are wondering if they need new leaders. There is dissatisfaction with Sens. Pogemiller and Senjem and more and more lawmakers are letting their feelings be known.

The floodgates should have opened on an entire budget deal. Senate Health Chair Linda Berglin announced around 5pm that they have wrapped up a healthcare reform package and have agreement with the governor. That has been one of the most difficult details to nail down in end of session negotiations. It includes insurance for 12,000 more Minnesotans. Berglin says "I'm happy we will be taking steps towards reducing healthcare costs and taking steps towards insuring more Minnesotans, but there's more work to do in the future."

Not long before that Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem said "then end is in sight" and this is first sign we've seen in nearly a day towards real progress.