Capitol View: May 18, 2008 Archive

Sunday for sure, tax cap length the issue

Posted at 1:27 AM on May 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck

DFL House Majority Leader Tony Sertich said there will be floor sessions on Sunday afternoon. He said they plan on taking up the health care reform bill early this morning and will adjourn. He said there will be votes on the remaining bills when they come back for the rare Sunday session.

It appears that the main sticking point in an overall budget deal is the length of the property tax cap. Governor Pawlenty and the GOP want a three year cap. Democrats are pushing for a one year cap. GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert said they wanted an infinite cap but settled for three years. He added the governor won't move off of that position.

DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller said they have concerns about the length of the cap because they don't want to push the state's problems on to local governments. When asked if a three year property tax cap can pass the Senate, DFL Sen. Tarryl Clark said "That's a good question." The two also expressed hope on reviving a bonding bill with Central Corridor.

Lawmakers have until midnight Sunday to finish all of their work.

TV trouble

Posted at 11:38 AM on May 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)

As you can probably tell, the blog is a little punch drunk. We've been focused on budget negotiations and the big picture in terms of the Legislature. I failed to mention a Star Tribune story that details how DFL Sen. Satveer Chaudhary cut some deals with groups that are lobbying him. He maintains that the deal with Arctic Cat and The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters didn't violate the state's ban on lobbying-related gifts.

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Budget deal done

Posted at 2:08 PM on May 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck

2:15 newser scheduled. More later.

Lawmakers prepare to finish on time

Posted at 4:36 PM on May 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Not too many surprises in the final budget deal. A tax bill with a 3.9% property tax cap, funding for local governments and direct relief to homeowners. The budget bill takes $500 milion from the state's budget reserves, has $355 million in budget cuts, transfers and one time money. There is also a tax credit for some veterans. A bonding bill was also agreed upon. It includes Central Corridor, a new state park on Lake Vermilion and a nursing facility at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

Here's a story on the deal. Here's a like to spreadsheets if you're interested in that sort of thing.

Buesgens votes aye!

Posted at 7:59 PM on May 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck

There is a happy, happy, joy, joy feeling in the Minnesota House tonight. No one is spitting any venom. The debate is limited. It's almost like there is (wait for it)

Peace in the Valley.

Here's one signal that there will be a successful conclusion to the session. GOP Rep. Mark Buesgens (who doesn't vote for anything) waited to vote on the Tax Bill until the Speaker closed the board. He then said "Madam Speaker, I just want to hear you say it." The Speaker responded joyfully "Buesgens votes aye!"

For the record: I hate the phrase Peace in the Valley.

Spoke too soon!

Posted at 8:33 PM on May 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck

GOP Rep. Mark Buesgens just made a motion to adjourn sine die after they took up the bonding bill. I guess there's a little bit of venom left. The attempt failed 116 to 17.

Budget deal done and sent to gov

Posted at 10:39 PM on May 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The Minnesota House and Senate are wrapping up with a few bills but the big stuff is done.

Sine Die!

Posted at 11:48 PM on May 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The House adjourned at 11:45. The Senate adjourned at 11:48. Lawmakers in the House are now giving their retirement speeches. Brad Finstad is first.