Brainerd Lawmaker Believes Balanced Budget Will Happen

There are six days left in this Minnesota legislative session and the constitution requires the state balance its budget before the end of the fiscal year. Lawmakers are trying to come to agreement with Governor Pawlenty about how to reduce spending by the amount officials expect tax income to be short. Brainerd lawmaker John Ward said he's still optimistic that an agreement can be reached in time. If lawmakers are not able to come to agreement, Governor Pawlenty can un-allot the amount that needs to be cut on his own, reducing budgets where need be. A sticking point in budget negotiations has been the Governor's insistance on a property tax cap to reduce future increases.