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House DFLers may challenge cuts in court
They will vote Monday on whether to join six citizens suing Pawlenty's use of "unallotment" power.
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DFL members of the Minnesota House may wade into the legal wrangle over Gov. Tim Pawlenty's unilateral cuts to the state budget last spring.
Members of the House Rules Committee are scheduled to meet Monday morning to consider whether to file a legal brief in support of six Minnesotans who have sued Pawlenty, challenging his use of budget "unallotment,'' until now an obscure executive power.
If the committee, with its DFL majority, approves the proposal, it would direct lawyers to file a brief.
Pawlenty used the authority to slice $2.7 billion from the state's two-year budget after he and lawmakers failed to erase a deficit during the legislative session. He also vetoed tax increases approved by the DFLers who control the Legislature, opting to cut more spending and delay payments to schools to balance the budget.
DFLers have howled ever since, but a friend-of-the-court brief would be their first concrete step in opposing Pawlenty's action.
The lawsuit, filed Oct. 29 in Ramsey County District Court, contends that Pawlenty exceeded his legal authority by using his unallotment powers instead of calling a legislative special session. It also claims that his action violated constitutional separation of powers.
The suit asks the court to examine cuts to a program that helps poor Minnesotans buy medically necessary diets and the planned reduction of the tax refund that helps low-income renters with high property taxes.
Pawlenty says he acted within his legal authority.
Bob von Sternberg • 612-673-7184
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Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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