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Session 2003: Budget and Taxes
ISSUE UPDATE
After a drawn-out battle on whether to raise taxes, Senate DFLers decided at the end of the regular session to abandon the fight. Senate Majority Leader John Hottinger said Democrats became convinced Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, was prepared to shut down the government rather than break his pledge not to raise taxes. That meant a $4.23 billion budget shortfall was erased solely through shifts, cuts and fees. The biggest cuts came in health and social services programs.
After a drawn-out battle on whether to raise taxes, Senate DFLers decided at the end of the regular session to abandon the fight. Senate Majority Leader John Hottinger said Democrats became convinced Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, was prepared to shut down the government rather than break his pledge not to raise taxes. That meant a $4.23 billion budget shortfall was erased solely through shifts, cuts and fees. The biggest cuts came in health and social services programs.
Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty says he won't raise taxes to address a budget deficit that could top $3 billion. To do that, Pawlenty plans to cut government spending. State agency heads are saying they already cut to the bone under the last budget agreement, and any further cuts will be felt by the public.
(11/11/2002)
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Audio Highlights
| Pawlenty's session postscript (6/4/03) The governor discusses the budget and the session during a speech to the Society of Professional Journalists' meeting in Minneapolis |
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| The view from former governors (5/13/03) Former governors Arne Carlson, Wendell Anderson, Elmer L. Andersen and Al Quie give free advice to Gov. Pawlenty |
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| Gov. Pawlenty announces "unallotment" cuts Takes action after legislators fail to make a deal (2/7/03) |
| Gov. Pawlenty inaugural address |
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| Pawlenty's budget message (2/18/03) Issues budget in attempt to close deficit |
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| Pawlenty unveils budget cuts Proposes a mix of cuts to close short-term deficit (1/14/03) |
Links and Resources
 | House of Representatives |
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| Senate |
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| Highlights of the 2003 legislative session |
| MPR Budget Balancer |
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