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The Reckoning

Public pay, benefits set off new 'civil war'

The Republican-led Legislature wants to pare employee pay in the public sector. Unions say public workers are being demonized. | Nancy Barnes: Budget crisis, in real-life terms.

What do you think? Join the discussion. Updated Mar. 22, 2011

A taxing solution?

Expanding Minnesota's sales tax could help cover the state's gaping $6.2 billion deficit, but industries are ready to fight. Updated Mar. 22, 2011

The Reckoning

Minnesota's fraying safety net

What happens if programs that help more than a million needy Minnesotans shrink? Updated Mar. 22, 2011

In this 2011 series, Star Tribune reporters showed how the budget debate will play out across the state, from small towns to big cities, in the courts, schools, businesses, social services and state government.

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Stacey Skinner’s science class

Money woes test school quality
Article By: CURT BROWN and KELLY SMITH ,Star Tribune staff writers Publish January 27, 2011 2:00 AM / Update March 22, 2011 2:40 PM
With nearly half the state budget funding education, opportunities are drying up amid looming deficit.

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Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem

Cuts could mean justice denied
Article By: PAM LOUWAGIE , Star Tribune Publish January 16, 2011 2:00 AM / Update March 22, 2011 2:41 PM
Counties are short of judges. Public defenders are overbooked. And with Minnesota now facing a $6.2 billion deficit, the prospect of any more state cuts is chilling to court officers.

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Bath time.

Balancing the cost of care
Article By: JIM SPENCER , Star Tribune Publish January 13, 2011 2:00 AM / Update March 22, 2011 2:42 PM
Cuts mean many disabled Minnesotans get less help with at-home care.

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The State Capitol

Our bill is due: $6.2 billion
Article By: BAIRD HELGESON , Star Tribune Publish January 2, 2011 2:00 AM / Update March 22, 2011 2:43 PM
Starting this week at the State Capitol, a new governor and new legislative leaders will attempt to dig Minnesota out of the $6.2 billion budget hole that it faces over the next two years -- and only exceedingly difficult decisions loom.

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