The legislative panel that Gov. Tim Pawlenty will consult about unallotment -- the process that he will use to balance the state budget on his own -- is scheduled to meet next week.

House officials said the Legislative Advisory Commission, chaired by House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, both DFL-Minneapolis, will meet Thursday afternoon.

Although Pawlenty is legally required to consult with the Legislature about unallotment, the panel doesn't have the authority to block the action.

The governor announced in the waning days of the legislative session that he would make unilateral cuts unless a budget compromise was reached with majority DFLers. No deal was reached before the session ended May 18, and he said he will go ahead with his unallotment plan to plug a remaining $2.7 billion hole for the two-year budget period that begins July 1.

Detractors claim he is misusing the budgetary tool, which they contend is intended more for shorter-term, emergency situations.