Governor calls property tax cap key to deal

"MN Budget"

05/12/2008

ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 12, 2008


Gov. Tim Pawlenty held more budget negotiations with legislative leaders Sunday, saying getting a property tax cap that would reduce projected increases by at least $100 million a year remains the key to an overall agreement.

And he threatened to oppose the Central Corridor light rail project and other DFL priorities without a deal.

Talks between the GOP governor and the DFL legislative leaders began at 5:15 p.m. and recessed before 7 p.m. so that Revenue Commissioner Ward Einess could meet with the legislative tax committee chairs on the cap issue, Pawlenty spokesman Alex Carey said.

Late Sunday night, the governor sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher insisting on a cap.

Pawlenty said he wants a commitment on the cap before negotiating other major elements of a budget deal.