January 2, 2007
Mark Brunswick, Conrad Defiebre, Norman Draper, Patricia, Lopez, Tom Meersman, Dane Smith
StarTribune
The 2007 session's top issues will be mostly familiar, but with DFL dominance of both houses and more money available, the final results could be different.
The 2007 Legislature will begin work today on a list of mostly familiar issues. But that could be where the similarity ends between this session and those of recent years. The reasons: more DFLers and more money.
The November election swept dominant DFL majorities into office in both legislative chambers, pitting GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty against a nearly veto-proof opposition. But the policymakers start their labors with about $2 billion in projected surplus funds, a pleasing contrast to the shortfalls and lean times that for years have bedeviled the search for compromise.
More action and more spending are likely on a number of fronts, especially education, property tax relief and transportation. The main social issue likely to stir controversy is a statewide smoking ban.
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