May 052010
The major topic of discussion at work today was the Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the governor’s unallotment of several social service and health care programs. With only two weeks remaining in the legislative session, this decision complicates efforts to balance the budget. The legislature can and probably will pass a balanced budget, but Pawlenty can still veto bills. One side will probably have to cave because the likelihood of a negotiated compromise seems remote. The only other option is a government shutdown, which wouldn’t accomplish much except to fuel voter anger in an election year.
