Unallotment debate Monday

The argument over whether Gov. Tim Pawlenty had the legal right to unilaterally cut the state budget this summer, a procedure known as unallotment, returns to the surface Monday.

A House committee takes up a resolution that would add representatives to a court case challenging the governor's powers. On the same day, a Ramsey County judge hears a motion seeking to temporarily overturn Pawlenty's cuts until the court can hear the full case.

A handful of people who receive government financial assistance filed the lawsuit, saying Pawlenty overstepped legal and constitutional bounds. He made cuts in the state budget after he and Democratic legislative leaders failed to reach a deal on the two-year budget that began July 1.

Pawlenty has said he expects more legal challenges, but regularly says he will prevail.

Posted by: Don Davis on 11/15/2009 at 12:29 PM | Permalink

Tags: pawlenty, unallotment