Rep. Tim Walz discusses federal budget - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (KTTC) -- Congressman Tim Walz met with people in Albert Lea Tuesday at a town hall meeting on the federal deficit.  Attendees split into groups and voted on each item in this year's federal budget.

"It's done in a matter that makes them look at real numbers and real decision making," Walz said. "We put them at a table with an odd number of people and they've got to come up with a 3 to 2 vote. That's exactly what happens in Congress."

Congress hasn't passed a budget in four years, which is why people like Sterling Pfenning came to speak with the Congressman.

"If you're trying to balance your checkbook at home with your wife and you're sitting down and say, 'boy, we do not have money,' you can't start spending money," Pfenning said.  "It just doesn't work -- you've got to stop at some point."

The workshop offered participants a chance to weigh-in on what they'd like to see achieved in government at a time when Congress is struggling to pass a budget. 

"There are passionate Democrats here and passionate Republicans, but the one thing they all agree on, they're passionate about the country," Walz said. "I'd go back and share that with my colleagues."

Walz said he plans to take input from Tuesday's town hall meeting back to Washington.  His plans to reduce the deficit include making spending cuts and tax reforms.