Legislators will probably have to shift their mindsets in the upcoming bonding session from surplus to deficit, said Rep.

Wednesday, November 07, 2001

Legislators will probably have to shift their mindsets in the upcoming bonding session from surplus to deficit, said Rep. Henry Kalis. The transition, combined with battles over redistricting and election-year posturing, will make for a divisive and difficult session.

&uot;I think it’s going to be a heck of a session. When you’re in a deficit situation, everything is on the table when it comes to balancing the budget,&uot; said Kalis (DFL-Walters).

The first important indicator will come at the end of November when the Minnesota Department of Revenue releases new forecasts.

&uot;Most people in St. Paul agree that we’re going to be dealing with some type of deficit. If it’s a big one – say $1 billion or more – it will set the tone for a tough session,&uot; Kalis said. &uot;We’ll be faced with a lot of tough decisions.&uot;

Kalis, who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee said the legislature will be less apt to fund secondary and regional projects like the Blazing Star Trail extension. Many lawmakers will have to trim their wish lists.

&uot;Who would want to fund something like that at the expense of education, roads or nursing homes?&uot; he said. &uot;I’m not saying it’s an unworthy project. I’m just saying it won’t top the priority lists.&uot;

Kalis predicted the tensions of the last session will carry over when the legislature convenes in January. Plus, election-year politics will create an atmosphere even more charged with partisanship.

&uot;I just hope we can do some positive and responsible things. We can’t just hope this deficit will go away,&uot; he said.