THE GOVERNOR SAYS NO TO SPECIAL SESSION, AGAIN

Governor Pawlenty said 'no' to lawmakers again who wanted a special session, for at least the fourth time this year. Minnesota lawmakers reacted to last Friday's economic forecast with a plea for the session to consider a $645-Million bonding bill for construction projects. Pawlenty said the regular session is less than two months away and the cost of a special session would outweigh the benefit. Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark said its like the state is stranded on the side of the road, asking for a jump-start, "and the Governor said 'no'." Last Friday's forecast predicted a $373-Million deficit by the middle of 2009. The state's two-year budget is roughly $34.5-Billion.