In Forum Communications political reporter Don Davis's commentary, Lawmakers accomplish little so far, we read this:
Everyone around the Legislature knows that no major bill will move ahead until all major issues move ahead. And for that to happen, negotiations must take place among Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, D-Cook, Daudt and Dayton.
Everything is linked in the Capitol complex.
While end-of-session negotiations are held behind closed doors, everyone knows political leaders deal one provision for another in unrelated areas as they try to come up with a deal. In preparing for such wide ranging negotiations, they keep all big bills open so they can wheel and deal as needed.
As an example, not a prediction, Democrats want to provide parental and family leave for all Minnesotans. Republicans strongly oppose it, but they might accept giving state employees a bit more parental leave flexibility. However, the GOP would need to give up something it wants, perhaps a tax cut aimed at businesses.
If a few dozen of such exchanges are made, negotiators can emerge sometime near May 23 and announce a global legislative deal to wrap up the session.
On the other hand, a $42 billion, two-year budget already is in place, so no government shutdown threat hangs over St. Paul. That means there is very little pressure on lawmakers to do much of anything. Thus, perhaps, nothing major will happen this legislative session.
In short, business as usual. We're additionally interested in the role of the influence industry in these closed door dealings.
Photo: The state capitol as metaphor for what we don't see.
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