Almanac: At the Capitol

The classic fight is on. It's the state versus local government. Minnesota counties are furious with state lawmakers and the governor and they're working the Capitol press room spreading the word. It's all about a provision slipped into a tax bill in the middle of the night (or really early morning after working all night).
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Now that the session is over, the campaign can begin. Gov. Pawlenty and Democratic legislative leaders are flying around the state listing their accomplishments. This year they all have something to brag about. Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher said "I believe we'll pick up seats." What they want is to pick up half a dozen seats so they have a veto-proof majority like the Senate majority.
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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.”
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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.
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Heading into Saturday night lawmakers and the governor are still trying to craft an end-of-session deal. Minority Leader Dave Senjem says they're "closing in, in the details stage." He hopes to have a deal in time for the 10pm news. Majority Leader Pogemiller said they're in a "wait and see mode" and sometime today they'll "process a bonding bill" which probably will just include Central Corridor unless a larger deal is reached with the governor. It seems doubtful now that lawmakers will be able to finish their work today.
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With 3 days left to pass bills, budget negotiations continue. Leaders and the governor have been meeting on and off all day saying they wanted bi-partisan healthcare reform. That is linked to an overall budget and won't be separated. I have been digging up another story that I will reveal tonight on Almanac dealing with Gov. Pawleny's vetoes.
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After talks broke down last night, Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders went back behind closed doors this morning. They all say the tone is focused. The big hang up, as always, is property tax caps. Once again they're doing "runs" on different numbers. They've been in and out of negotiations all day, but one leader said don't expect a deal today. House leaders are live on Almanac: At the Capitol tonight.
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