Pawlenty, top Democrats meet over breakfast
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders say job creation will be a top priority for the 2010 legislative session, which begins in February.
Pawlenty hosted a breakfast meeting Tuesday with key Democrats to begin discussing next year's session.
Much of the focus will be on a bonding bill that pays for a wide variety of public construction projects. Pawlenty expects that borrowing measure will be no larger than $800 million.
He also wants to see tax credits and other financial incentives aimed at helping businesses create new jobs.
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"From our standpoint we just can't have an economy based on building government stuff and government programs," said Pawlenty. "There has to be incentives, and a better environment and competitive environment here for private sector investment in job growth."
Pawlenty and the DFL leaders also discussed ways to mitigate the impact of the governor's decision to eliminate a state-subsidized health care program. More than 30,000 adults are scheduled to lose coverage.
Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller says Democrats aim to cooperate with Pawlenty. Pawlenty says he and the Democrats are focusing on areas of agreement.
The lawmakers will get a budget update in early December.