Almanac: At the Capitol

It wasn't always pretty, but this group of leaders proved they can lead. It may have been a deal cut behind closed doors, but they all walk away winning. The public and the press had a hard time getting access and information along the way, but this session will have delivered on all the biggest issues: education, healthcare, property taxes, transportation and the environment. That's quite a list for what's supposed to be a short bonding session. Gov. Pawlenty said “this process yielded common results.”

There were some sights many thought they’d never see. Pogemiller and Pawlenty sharing a hearty handshake (along with a few humorous jabs too) and the Senate Majority Leader and Gov. Pawlenty heaping praise on the House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Pogemiller said "the speaker of the House made this happen." Pogemiller even complimented Pawlenty acknowledging "the governor and I have had a challenging relationship over the years, but he was dignified, rational and tough."

Education and nursing homes get an increase. Property taxes should be reduced or at least not increased dramatically. There's the first new state park in decades on Lake Vermillion and a new mass transit line on the Central Corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Veterans get a new nursing home and tax relief. A billion dollar budget shortfall is solved. But the next budget still faces problems and next year lawmakers and the governor will have to face that.