NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION MAY INCLUDE CONFLICT

The 2008 session may be similar to the 2007 session in some areas. Governor Tim Pawlenty said Thursday that 95% of the people of Minnesota travel by car, he prefers transportation spending on roads and bridges rather than light rail and busses. But House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said a new transportation bill would be introduced and it will be similar to last year's bill the one that was vetoed. Kelliher added that Democrats prefer raising taxes for transportation whereas Republicans favor borrowing the money. The governor may unveil his bonding proposal on Monday and it will probably be around $965-Million. Kelliher said lawmakers have been asked to support more than $4-Billion worth of projects. Other issues lawmakers will deal with include a $373-Million state deficit, health care reform, property tax reform, and money for schools. The session is supposed to be over on May 19th. Some leaders think the work could be finished early.