State Capitol Bureau
ST. PAUL - Minnesotans may see their governor and state lawmakers agree this year on public works spending, some health care reforms and a plan to fix the state budget deficit.
They also will hear about transportation, property taxes and education, but should not expect easy agreement in those areas.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the four legislative caucus leaders on Thursday outlined their priorities for the 2008 regular legislative session, which begins Feb. 12, during The Associated Press' annual legislative preview session.
The policymakers agreed that based on recommendations from two task forces, the state could begin reforming the health care system, resulting in fewer uninsured Minnesotans and better care for those already covered.
ADVERTISEMENT
Faced with a projected state budget deficit, Pawlenty said he will look for health care reforms that are not costly. Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, said it is unrealistic to think health care reform can be done without more spending.
Pawlenty said his other priorities for the session include doing more on renewable energy issues and helping military veterans, while Democratic legislative leaders said they want to focus on improving the economy and lowering property taxes.
The Legislature's main job when it convenes is to pass a bill funding public construction projects around the state. Pawlenty said guidelines suggest the bill should borrow about $965 million; he will release his plan Monday.
"I would be quite surprised if reasonable people can't come together on a good-sized, but responsible, bonding bill this year," he said.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said while there are more than $4 billion of construction proposals - including regional entertainment centers, public university building upgrades and local bridge projects - less than $1 billion of state-borrowed funds will be authorized.
Pawlenty and legislative leaders agreed they should fix a projected $373 million state budget deficit this year, rather than wait until 2009.
Kelliher said she expects lawmakers will send to Pawlenty a transportation bill similar to one he vetoed last year, but with changes that address Republicans' concerns. House Minority Leader Marty Seifert of Marshall said his fellow Republicans will block attempts to override another Pawlenty veto of a transportation bill containing tax increases.
Lawmakers will vote on a proposal to raise the state sales tax and constitutionally dedicate those funds to the outdoors and the arts, Pogemiller said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Legislature also could consider proposed constitutional amendments dealing with issues such as guaranteed health care and lawmakers' ability to call special legislative sessions. The Minnesota Constitution only allows governors to call special sessions.
The four legislative leaders did agree they would complete their work by the May 19 constitutional deadline, if not earlier.
As it has since the Aug. 1 Minneapolis bridge collapse, much of Thursday's discussion was about transportation funding.
House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, said Democrats and Republicans should work together on a transportation spending bill.
Also Thursday, Pawlenty said he will deliver his annual State of the State address in St. Cloud on Feb. 13, a day after lawmakers return to St. Paul.
Wente works for Forum Communications Co., which owns The Forum. He can be reached at (651) 290-0707 Rifts for Pawlenty, Legislature remain Scott Wente 20080111
