The 2008 Legislative Session Is Over

The round-the-clock marathon at the end of the 2008 Minnesota legislative session ended Sunday night about 15 minutes ahead of the deadline, at midnight. Highlights from the final round of negotiations include a property tax cap that prevents cities and counties from raising those taxes for three years but more local government aid for cities. The final package also includes some health care reform and a balanced budget. House Republican Leader Marty Seifert said he is pleased with the result, that through nearly 70 vetoes and numerous threatens of vetoes, he and members of his caucus were able to stop a number of tax increases and business regulations. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher also said the session was a good one for Democrats and demonstrated that Minnesota's political leaders can get along. Leaders of each party will fly around the state on Monday talking about positives and negatives from the 2008 legislative session.