KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and SportsDemocrats plan hearing on Pawlenty spending cap
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Associated Press - November 5, 2009 1:04 PM ET
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Democratic leaders of Minnesota's Legislature raised doubts about Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal to constitutionally cap state spending but said they'll hear him out.
Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller and Tax Chairman Tom Bakk say Pawlenty's plan raises many unanswered questions, including whether the outgoing GOP governor has lived up to its goals himself. They plan a December hearing on the proposal.
Majority House Democrats were more critical and said similar caps have caused turmoil elsewhere.
Pawlenty says he wants voters to decide whether to limit spending in a given budget cycle to the revenue the state collected in the previous budget period.
Pawlenty leaves office after next year and is a potential 2012 presidential candidate.
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