Budget Gap Hinges On Court Arguments

(St. Paul, MN)  --  The state Supreme Court hears oral arguments today, after Governor Pawlenty appealed a lower court's decision striking down one of the budget cuts he made last summer, following the 2009 session.  Democrats agree with the district court that the governor overstepped his bounds, but if the high court ruling is against Pawlenty, even more of his cuts might ultimately be undone.  That would result in an even bigger budget deficit for the legislature to deal with.  Worst-case scenario: If the high court strikes down the governor's cuts and he and Democrats then deadlock on the budget, it could force a special session or even government shutdown.