Democrats Unhappy With Pawlenty's Budget Plan

Democrats don't like Governor Tim Pawlenty's plan to adjust the state budget by $935-Million, especially his suggestion to borrow money from the Health Care Access fund. Walker Lawmaker Larry Howes said the practice has been done before, the money is a reserve fund that's not needed at the moment, and the fund continues to grow because of a 2% sales tax on medical and dental procedures. Howes said the governor wouldn't have to balance the budget now and involve lawmakers, he could wait until the end of the year and "un-allot" money already budgeted. The nearly $1-Billion shortfall became apparent after the latest state economic forecast. The November forecast last year indicated a shortfall less than $400-Million.