Budget talks continue

Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders are still meeting behind closed doors with the hopes of reaching a budget deal. They're working out their differences on property tax relief and budget cuts. DFL House Speaker said they had "a possible framework" for a deal at one point.

The breakthrough in talks came after the House took up an Education Finance bill that would have provided more money for schools. The action was a clear signal that Democrats were prepared to send the governor a bill that had enough support for a veto override (at least on the way out). The House suspended the debate after Gov. Pawlenty called the speaker and asked her to hold off on taking floor votes. Several sources say he threatened to take funding for the Central Corridor Light Rail Line off of the table if the House moved forward with the vote.

Democrats still have the option of moving forward with votes on several budget related bills if a deal isn't done soon. The governor has threatened to veto those bills if an overall agreement is not reached.

It could be a late night. Mr. Tim Pugmire is lucky enough to take over the duties. I asked him to update me if a deal is done.

Gov. Pawlenty also vetoed the Omnibus Education Policy Bill and a Health Care Reform Bill. No word yet on the minimum wage hike or an omnibus liquor bill that includes the 4AM bar closing for the RNC.