Pawlenty opens door to a limited special session

06/05/2007

But the governor also downplayed the chances, saying DFL leaders would want a scope broader than just addressing the vetoed tax bill.


By Mark Brunswick,
Star Tribune
Last update: June 01, 2007


While voicing skepticism about the value, Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Friday left open the possibility of a limited special legislative session to address issues left on the cutting room floor by his veto of a tax bill earlier in the week.

Pawlenty said he could envision a one-day or a half-day special session to deal with specific measures such as increases in aid to local governments. But he also said he had doubts that legislative leaders could show the discipline to keep the effort focused.

He underscored his concerns by having spokesman Brian McClung call reporters afterward to reiterate that Pawlenty did not think a special session is necessary, is not inclined to call one and is skeptical of the agenda remaining limited.

The focus of any special session - which only a governor can call - would be provisions of the vetoed tax bill. The veto scuttled more than $70 million in local government aid and $33 million in direct homeowner property tax relief.

Also falling to Pawlenty's veto pen were public subsidies for expansion of the Mall of America and Thomson West publishing, as well as a state guarantee of costs associated with next year's Republican National Convention.

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