May 12, 2008 5:49 pm US/Central
Legislators 'Scramble' As Session Draws To A Close
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
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If legislators and the governor don't reach an agreement quickly, negotiations are off. (File)
CBS
Local lawmakers have a very busy week ahead of them as session 2008 comes to a close.
The legislature has until Sunday to get all their bills passed, and then the session officially ends on Monday.
There's a lot of activity, but not yet a lot of progress to be seen.
These are some of the biggest money issues of the year. The important votes about to be taken will be felt by all Minnesotans.
In the next few days, you will know whether you'll be able to ride on a new light rail between Minneapolis and St. Paul, how much the property taxes on your home will go up or down and even whether your school will get enough funding so it doesn't cancel programs or lay off teachers.
Democrats have been going into the governor's office to negotiate, and both sides have had a lot to say.
"We are at the point of being able to settle these differences, and make sure that we all understand each other," said DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher.
"I hope that we can continue to negotiate, but if they decide to pull the trigger and move the bills forward then it will end a lot like last year," said Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
That's a fairly ominous warning from the governor. Now, the clock is ticking. If they don't reach an agreement quickly, negotiations are off.
Democrats would then send a slew of bills to the governor, including education, taxes, health care, and the budget. Whether he likes them or not, the Governor said he would veto them all.
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