ST. PAUL -- Minnesota lawmakers are sliding into a working weekend, hoping to move closer to agreements on the state budget, health care changes and property tax assistance.
Ample differences remain between the Democratic-led Legislature and Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty. The top lawmakers from both parties will sit down with the governor on Saturday and possibly Sunday.
The Legislature has a little more than two weeks to finish up. They want to reach a negotiated deal on patching a $935 million budget hole. If they can't, Pawlenty has the power to shave spending and tap into reserves without their consent.
Other big items still unresolved are a subsidy package for a Mall of America expansion, a bill that aims to slow the rise in health insurance costs and a plan that reins in local property tax increases.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
