Lawsuit filed challenging unallotment

A lawsuit filed in Ramsey County District Court is challenging Governor Pawlenty's decision to balance the budget on his own. The suit is asking the court to restore money for two programs -- one that funds low income Minnesotans who have special diet needs and another that provided a renter's property tax credit. In July, Pawlenty balanced the budget on his own after he failed to reach agreement with the Legislature on the best way to erase a multi-billion deficit. Galen Robinson, with Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance, said Pawlenty exceeded his authority.

"The two branches of government --the legislative and executive --have a responsibility to work together to resolve problems. The governor can call the Legislature back into special session to resolve disputes and finish legislation. He chose not to do this although there was time to do it."

This is the second lawsuit filed challenging Pawlenty's use of unallotment. A Ramsey County judge is currently considering a suit over Pawlenty's cut to the political contribution refund. Brian McClung, a spokesman for Pawlenty, said the governor is confident in his legal authority to use unallotment to balance the state budget.

(h/t MinnPost)

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