Bob Collins
At the Capitol today, Governor Tim Pawlenty offered some changes to his position on the state budget.
According to the Associated Press, “the governor offered to cut his borrowing plan in half and to agree to a larger amount of deferred education spending that wouldn’t appear on the books during this budget period. He also said he would divert $250 million he wanted in a reserve account to the general budget.” (More via Polinaut)
The governor offered the suggestion “in the spirit of compromise” by sending a letter to legislative leaders.
Let’s look at the Capitol floor plan, again.
House leaders rejected the idea by posting it on Twitter.
From House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher:
Governor’s letter a compromise? Compromise in word only, doesn’t balance the budget. Not a responsible plan.
House Majority Leader Tony Sertich also used Twitter, but “retweeted” a reporter’s “tweet” to reject the idea:
Agreed. RT @sturdevant: Gov’s first end-of-session proposal is more of the same: loads of one-time money.
I don’t think the governor is going to see it on Twitter. He only posts about once a day. His latest one is pretty old:
Fishing opener banquet last night; Then to Rochester for daughter’s Vball tournament; mom’s day lunch; mowed grass and now cooking dinner.
Meanwhile, aides are standing by in the event further negotiations are needed.
