ST. PAUL -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty's top finance adviser says the administration will target most short-term budget cuts by Christmas.
Tom Hanson says the Republican governor's administration is working with the Democrats who control the Legislature to come up with a plan in the next week to 10 days.
Minnesota's budget is running $426 million short through June, a gap that could grow.
Hanson met Thursday with the Legislative Advisory Commission, a required step before Pawlenty can empty the state's rainy-day fund and pull back planned spending.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller (POHG'-uh-mill-er) is encouraging Pawlenty to trim across the board instead of targeting payments to cities and counties.
Minnesota's projected deficit for the upcoming two-year budget is $4.85 billion.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
