ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Top legislative Democrats say they will hold Gov. Tim Pawlenty responsible for the repercussions of coming state budget cuts.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (KEL'-uh-her) and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller (POHG'-uh-mill-er) sent Pawlenty a letter Friday saying that further reductions will hurt schools, nursing homes, hospitals, cities and counties, and the related job losses will damage the economy.
The Republican governor asked lawmakers for suggestions as he prepares to use his executive authority to cut spending and delay payments in a deficit.
The session ended last week without a budget deal, leaving a $2.7 billion shortfall.
The DFLers say they did their part by passing a budget, but Pawlenty vetoed their package of tax increases and payment delays to cover the gap.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
