After their first meeting, the governor and legislators promise to work together for an effective 2007 session.
November 21, 2006
StarTribune
Dane Smith
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and leaders of the incoming DFL legislative majorities emerged from their first meeting Tuesday promising a cooperative and productive 2007 session.
After a late lunch and a 90-minute talk with the DFLers, Pawlenty described general agreement that "progress can and should be made in K-12, in higher ed, in tuition relief or assistance. We want to make progress in health care (and) transportation."
Said House Speaker-designate Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis: "We're looking forward to working with the governor where we can find common ground. Doing this in a spirit of respect and civility is very important to members of the House majority."
Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, added: "We would like to help him be successful as governor because that will make the Legislature successful and the citizens of the state successful."
Pawlenty, considered one of Minnesota's most conservative modern governors on economic and social issues, has been sounding far more moderate since he eked out reelection by about 1 percentage point over DFL Attorney General Mike Hatch.
Earlier Tuesday on Minnesota Public Radio, Pawlenty estimated that the projected state budget surplus to be announced next week might range from about $600 million to "north of $1 billion."
Posted by john5091 at November 22, 2006 8:11 AM