Budget negotiators are taking a break for about an hour. AP has the latest:
No deal yet on property tax relief or spending cuts
By MARTIGA LOHN and BRIAN BAKST Associated Press Writer
ST. PAUL (AP) - Budget talks between the Democrats who control the Legislature and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty resumed Thursday morning at the state Capitol.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher went into the meeting saying she is maintaining an open mind and a feeling of optimism about reaching a deal.
The legislative leaders and the governor are trying to close a $935 million budget gap and give homeowners relief from rising property taxes.
The Legislature faces a mandatory Monday deadline to finish its business.
The main sticking points are how to structure a limit on local property tax increases and how much money to put into municipal aid and homeowner property tax assistance programs.
Senate Minority Leader David Senjem says Republicans see four or five "poison pills" in the DFL's plans but everyone knows the pressure is on to reach a deal.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-05-15-08 1231EDT
I think they're breaking to listen to Jesse on Midday.
The feature examines statements made by Minnesota politicians and checks them for accuracy. Based on data analysis, document reviews and interviews with non-partisan analysts, statements are rated either true, false or inconclusive. PoliGraph is a collaboration between Minnesota Public Radio News and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
More
Looking for ways to ensure your students are doing quality research from credible sources? Sound Learning is a launching point to Minnesota Public Radio's content on the Web.