MILESTONES IN UNALLOTMENT
May 14, 2009: Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he will "unallot" $2.7 billion to end gridlock and resolve the state's budget dilemma.
May 18: Legislature ignores Pawlenty's unallotment threat and passes a $2.7 billion tax bill with a $1 billion tax increase, which he later vetoes.
July 1: Unallotments take effect.
Oct. 29: Six recipients of a state nutrition supplement program file a lawsuit in Ramsey County District Court against Pawlenty, challenging the loss of their food aid.
Nov. 16: The Minnesota House files a Friend of the Court brief supporting the lawsuit.
Dec. 30: Ramsey District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin rules that Pawlenty's cuts "trod upon the constitutional power of the Legislature" and orders the nutrition funding restored.
Jan. 12, 2010: Pawlenty appeals to the state Supreme Court, asking for an expedited decision.
May 5: In a 4-3 decision, the Minnesota Supreme Court rules that Pawlenty's "use of the unallotment power to address the unresolved deficit exceeded the authority granted to the executive branch by statute."
