Minnesota Budget Discussions Resume

(AP) Governor Tim Pawlenty proposed 1-billion dollars in fresh spending cuts Saturday in an effort to close a budget gap. Pawlenty is turning again to local governments, health and welfare programs, colleges and universities to help make up some of the difference. Minnesota's budget is 4.6 billion dollarfs short of the next two years. Democrats who run the legislature are weighing the Republican Governor's offer under pressure of a Monday deadline.

Their options are limited after Pawlenty vowed to balance the budget without their consent using line-item vetoes and his authority to delay payments and cancel spending in a deficit.