Legislature to put in short week ahead of long haul

Article by: Associated Press
Updated: April 6, 2009 - 3:53 PM

Legislators will take a break from Wednesday through next Monday. When they return, big issues, including the state budget deficit, will await.

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Minnesota lawmakers are putting in a short week before facing some big spending decisions.

The Legislature has cleared its calendars starting Wednesday for Passover and Easter.

Lawmakers return a week from Tuesday and the pace will pick up when they get back.

Internal deadlines give legislative finance committees just a few days after that to put the finishing touches on spending bills before sending them to the House and Senate floors for votes.

Minnesota's constitution requires the Legislature to close up shop by May 18.

But it's unclear whether the Democrats who control both chambers and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty will strike a deal on the budget by then. If not, Pawlenty could call a special session before the state budget expires on June 30.