If voters knew one thing about Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty it was this: under no circumstances, he said, would he raise state taxes. Now, Gov.-elect Pawlenty is facing a $4.5 billion budget deficit over the next two years, far bigger than most had anticipated. Pawlenty says the unexpected size of the shortfall hasn't diminished his resolve to stand tough on taxes. But critics say his pledge could damage the state's long-term prospects. (12/31/2002)

With the campaign of 2002, Gov. Jesse Ventura, and Washington scandals barely in the rear view mirror of Minnesota politics, the political year ahead features a new administration, and a massive budget deficit in the state, and a redrawn Congress in Washington. ( 12/30/2002)

Legislators' promises to protect K-12 education in the 2003 session have not been enough to ease the budget fears in Minnesota school districts. (12/30/2002)

When the 2003 Legislature convenes Jan. 7, the main task facing lawmakers and Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty is how to deal with a $4.5 billion budget deficit. The financial squeeze will affect almost every decision they make in the next few months. Yet just a couple of years ago, state officials were swimming in a sea of cash. What happened? (12/30/2002)

Two more cabinet positions were filled Friday, when Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty named Gene Hugoson the commissioner of agriculture and Glenn Wilson the commissioner of commerce. The two appointments bring Pawlenty's cabinet to eight. He earlier named commissioners of finance, human services, pollution control, administration, revenue and labor and industry. (12/27/2002)

Issues currently facing educators include possible funding cuts and controversy over standardized testing. Find out what education leaders think the future could hold for the K-12 schools. ( 12/24/2002)

The executive director of a business-backed think tank signed on Monday as Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty's chief tax collector. The Republican governor-to-be named Dan Salomone to lead the Department of Revenue, one of the key posts in his administration. Pawlenty also tapped private attorney Jane Volz to run the Department of Labor and Industry, which handles workers compensation claims and workplace safety matters. (12/23/2002)

Rejecting a plea from Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty, Gov. Jesse Ventura will make the state's full $544 million payment to local governments as scheduled Dec. 26. Pawlenty met with Ventura on Thursday to ask him to consider the idea, billing it as one of the state's only tools to fix a bigger-than-expected deficit. (12/20/2002)

Xcel Energy says it may have to close down its Prairie Island nuclear plant if it doesn't get more storage space for nuclear waste. While Xcel has not officially asked for more storage many observers say its almost inevitable that it will be part of the upcoming legislative session. (12/18/2002)

The early stages of the budget debate have put people into two camps: those who say the state has to raise taxes to solve the budget shortfall and those who say the state spends too much and it's time to cut back. Is it possible for the state to reform the way it delivers services? Can Minnesota preserve the quality of service government provides, but cut the cost of providing those services? ( 12/16/2002)

Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty's finance commissioner says state funding for the arts and humanities could be cut to balance the budget. Dan McElroy told the Twin West Chamber of Commerce on Friday that spending cuts have to be fair, and Pawlenty won't balance the budget on the backs of poor people. (12/13/2002)

The University of Minnesota should study building a Gophers-only football stadium now that the Minnesota Vikings have rejected a proposed shared stadium on campus, university president Robert Bruininks said Friday. (12/13/2002)

Campuses won't be closed but tuition may rise. State aid for cities and counties won't disappear but it may only go to the neediest communities. And if your car breaks down on I-394, be prepared to change your own tire, because Highway Helpers may not be around anymore. Those were among the bits of advice the state's next governor and the leaders of the House and Senate offered on how the state's budget troubles may affect people. (12/11/2002)

Minnesota school districts are bracing for another year of budget pain and potentially tough contract negotiations. Lawmakers must solve a projected $4.5 billion state budget deficit next session. Republican Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty has said he'll try to protect K-12 funding from cuts. But the organizations representing school boards and teachers say they'll still need an increase to avoid financial trouble. (12/09/2002)

Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty says he won't let a massive budget deficit prevent him from proposing a transportation plan next year. The state faces a budget hole of $4.5 billion over the next two-and-a-half years. Pawlenty says his transportation plan won't be as large as he'd like, but he says he can't ignore the state's transportation crunch. (12/06/2002)