Budget deal reached but special session needed
Governor Pawlenty has reached a budget deal with state lawmakers but a special session will be needed to process the bill. The initial intent was for the governor to sign the budget bill sent to him last night. The legislature would then send him a bill to fix the bill to his liking. We don't have access to the bill yet but based off news conferences, reporting and last night's budget bill we have an outline.
The key parameters of the bill will include:
An early opt in for Medical Assistance that will be determined by the governor. Pawlenty signaled he won't support it. The next governor will have the chance to request it in January.
$1.9 billion K12 shift
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$10 million in extra funding for GAMC to fix "inequities in the current law."
The plan does not include surcharges on HMOs or hospitals.
LGA cuts of $300 million
The House and Senate are in special session already. The intent is to process this one budget bill and send it to Pawlenty by breakfast.