Almanac: At the Capitol

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. Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller said "if the speaker and majority leader of the House have a successful campaign this year that will make all of the difference next year as to whether we can address the fiscal problems in the state and make the necessary investments in a sound, united, prosperous Minnesota." That could be code for more overrides or at least the threat of overrides to the governor and investments usually mean tax increases.

Pogemiller said the transportation override changed the dynamics of the session and forced Pawlenty to work with them. Speaker Kelliher got credit again for the deal, Pogemiller said "there's no way to analyze the last several years emerging from gridlock and inaction and lack of leadership, there's no way not to conclude that the strength of the House leadership is what has made the difference." The speaker officially checked off the accomplishments she promised she'd be "focused on like a laser beam" of education healthcare and property taxes.

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.

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.

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher had hoped to wrap things up today and not hold a Sunday session. There's only one time in memory that lawmakers have met on Sunday. It may be difficult to avoid a Sunday session at this point. Even though lawmakers can meet on Monday they can't pass bills. Democrats have already scheduled a fly-around the state to "discuss the legislative session" on Monday. We'll see if that tour turns into a victory parade for what they accomplished or a bash-Pawlenty tour for a failed deal. The most exciting part of the day so far was the vintage aircraft flyover at 12:30 for the state's 150th birthday at the Capitol!

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.

Speaker Anderson Kelliher says they are "this close" on property tax relief. The House Tax Chair Ann Lenczewski says the big three: Pogey, Pawlenty and Kelliher need to cut this deal alone with no other people in the room. There have been a bevy of lawmakers and staff in and out of negotiations for days. I counted about a dozen different people being beckoned to the governor's office yesterday. That's all we have to do sitting outside on our stake outs for hours. Speaker Kelliher said when it was just the three of them behind closed doors things didn't necessarily go any better. She said it "ebbs and flows" in terms of productivity.

Meanwhile the House and Senate are in session today. The House is expected to take up a transportation bill. A moment of history was also noted at the open of the House session. Rep. Neva Walker became the first African American woman to preside over the chamber. She got her shot at the speaker's desk as others have to honor their retirement.