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Governor, DFL leaders try to nail down agenda
Pawlenty plans to speed some flood aid, but still wants special legislative session.
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Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be proposing a series of executive actions Friday that are designed to free up money for southeastern Minnesota flood relief, possibly bypassing some of the need for legislative approval in a special session.
But Pawlenty said his actions would not be enough to address all of the needs, and expressed optimism that differences with legislative leaders could be resolved and a special session would be called.
"I want to call a special session," Pawlenty said after a tour of some flooded areas. "I think it would be helpful. But I need to make sure that we have an understanding and an agreement as to what would be considered" and what would be voted on, he said.
"Hopefully that can get done in the next few days or so."
The governor's office said earlier Wednesday that Pawlenty would consider a special session for a comprehensive transportation package, flood relief and property tax relief, but that the transportation package must be an airtight agreement with DFL leaders in the House and Senate.
Late Wednesday, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher's office said an agenda "that has been essentially agreed to" includes disaster relief, bridge repair funding, a bonding bill and aid to local communities.
Among the hangups to any transportation package is the use of funds from a gas-tax increase.
For the first time, Pawlenty indicated one of the hurdles would be requirements from some members of the DFL House and Senate caucus to dedicate more state money for mass transit. Pawlenty had previously said he would consider reversing his opposition to any gas-tax increase, but suggested that the increase be temporary and offset by income-tax cuts.
Legislative leaders denounced that proposal because it wouldn't result in any new money.
State officials have been working to determine how much money Pawlenty could use within his executive powers.
Even without legislative approval he could replace facilities at damaged state park sites such as Whitewater, hazardous materials cleanup, housing assistance and loans to farmers for repairs to farm buildings.
But the governor is likely to need legislative approval for such things as debris removal, disaster payments to farmers, flood-related aid to schools and reimbursements to counties for property-tax abatements on flooded property.
"This is not a time for bickering," Pawlenty said. "This is not a time for finger-pointing. It's a time to come together and help the people of southeastern Minnesota who need help."
Mark Brunswick • 651-222-1636
Mark Brunswick • mbrunswick@startribune.com
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