A recent state Supreme Court ruling will cost Minnesota government $250 million to $300 million in the next two-year budget cycle, deepening a deficit that lawmakers were already struggling to overcome. (06/21/2005)

Minnesota could stop issuing new drivers licenses, lock up state parks and highway rest stops, and possibly lay off thousands of state workers if a new budget isn't complete by the end of June. Gov. Tim Pawlenty Wednesday outlined preparations for a partial government shutdown. (06/15/2005)

At least 175 major highway construction projects would be shut down on July 1 if Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state lawmakers fail to agree on a budget before then, Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau said Monday. (06/13/2005)

Preparations are already underway for a partial state government shutdown. Unless Minnesota's House, Senate and governor can come to a mutually agreeable budget by June 30, unfunded parts of state government deemed non-essential would have to close. Should state workers start planning their vacations, or is there a compromise waiting in the wings? ( 06/13/2005)

Democrats said Thursday they would accept a portion of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed cigarette charge as long as the proceeds go to subsidized health care programs. (06/09/2005)

We've heard a lot this session from the leaders of the Minnesota Legislature: Rep. Steve Sviggum, Sen. Dean Johnson, etc. But what does the legislative process look like to a relative newcomer? ( 06/08/2005)

State officials are preparing to mothball entire sections of state government if a new budget isn't approved by the end of the month. (06/06/2005)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is asking Attorney General Mike Hatch to consider stepping aside in the event a budget impasse requires a court order to keep critical state services running. (06/03/2005)

Senate Democrats say they won't discuss Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal for a 75-cents per pack cigarette tax until Republicans show they can pass the measure in the GOP-controlled House. The back-and-forth charges continue, as Pawlenty and lawmakers struggle to craft a new state budget. (06/01/2005)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's "health impact fee" appears to have landed with a dull thud at the Capitol. It isn't just his political foes who have criticized it, but some usual allies as well.And it's apparently done little to break the budget stalemate; negotiators appear no closer to reaching a deal. (05/26/2005)

Health care providers and other supporters of those on state health programs say they want all of the money from a proposed tobacco tax increase to state health programs. (05/25/2005)

Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders on Tuesday threw open the doors to their usually private negotiating sessions. But the budget talks showed little momentum. (05/24/2005)

The 2005 legislative session has ended, and the special session has begun. Lawmakers failed to reach agreement on several major spending bills before the constitutional deadline to adjourn. Gov. Pawlenty called them back into session immediately, despite the lack of a budget deal. (05/24/2005)

Gov. Pawlenty is proposing the state collect an additional 75 cents a pack on cigarettes. He's calling the new money a "health impact fee," and says the money would be used to pay for state health-care costs. Pawlenty insists his proposal is a fee, not a tax. The distinction is critical because a budget deal could hinge on Pawlenty's ability to come away from negotiations saying he's standing by his pledge to not raise taxes. (05/20/2005)

A group of local journalists take a look back at the week in news, from tax proposals at the Capitol to coverage of the mourning of a St. Paul police officer. ( 05/13/2005)