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.

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