Sacred cow or sitting duck: In budget crisis, is education funding on the chopping block?

Will state funding for education take a hit in efforts to close the gaping $5.3 billion state budget deficit? State Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller thinks so, noting that since cuts could affect all state departments, it’s optimistic to expect education’s 40 percent share of the state budget to remain unscathed. Schools officials contend that, after years of underfunding, there’s no fat left to cut. Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has vowed to protect schools funding. With no resolution yet in sight, school officials statewide are wondering if — and when — their districts will feel the pinch.

Pawlenty, legislative leaders “extremely concerned” about Northwest-Delta merger

An un- usually unified group of Minnesota state leaders expressed concern Monday about a proposed merger between Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines.

Speaking at a press conference in the governor’s reception room, Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he…

Pawlenty Veto Could Mean Higher Property Taxes

Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed a tax bill Wednesday night over language that would have required the state to take inflation into account when preparing a budget, as it had before 2002.

“When legislators and the Governor assemble…