Day One: Minnesota legislators begin session

Last update: January 6, 2009 - 5:23 AM

When the 2009 Legislature convenes today, the major task facing the Senate, the House and Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be eliminating a $4.8 billion deficit projected for the 2009-10 budget period, which begins July 1. Pawlenty last month dealt with a shorter-term deficit of $425 million projected for the final six months of the current period, which ends June 30.

AT A GLANCE WHAT TO KNOW

OPENING GAVEL: The Senate and the House each will convene at noon today.

BUDGET PROPOSAL: Jan. 27: Gov. Pawlenty will present a budget proposal for fiscal 2009-10.

UPDATED ECONOMIC FORECAST: The state's Management and Budget department will issue another economic forecast, sizing up the state's fiscal outlook, which will help guide legislators in their budget decisions. Due in late February.

ADJOURNMENT DATE: May 18

NOSE COUNT:

Senate: 46 DFLers, 21 Republicans; 40 men, 27 women.

House: 87 DFLers, 47 Republicans; 91 men, 43 women.

THE LEADERS:

Senate: Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis; Minority Leader David Senjem, R-Rochester.

House: Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis; Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm; Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R

HAVE A QUESTION? If you've got a question about the Legislature -- who your representative is, say, or when a committee will meet -- check the legislative website www.leg.state.mn.us or call the information offices:

Senate information: 651-296-0504 or 1-888-234-1112. Recorded schedule: 651-296-8088.

House information: 651-296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550. Recorded schedule: 651-296-9283.

For the office of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, go to www.governor.state.mn.us or call 651-296-3391 or 1-800-657-3717.

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