State Budget Deal Close

State lawmakers and Governor Pawlenty met yesterday for a couple of hours but still no final agreement. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said a final deal is close at hand. Governor Pawlenty continues to insist on a property tax cap as part of the budget deal. Pawlenty has suggested he'll continue to oppose the Minneapolis/St. Paul central corridor light rail project unless the final agreement includes property tax restrictions. The official final day of the session is next Monday.