The Legislative Auditor's report is out on MnDOT and James Nobles says "overall the picture is not good and parts are downright grim." The grim parts are resources and inspection follow-ups. This was just the ammunition DFL lawmakers needed to gain votes on a transportation bill that will hit both chambers on Thursday. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher noted that the bill has had 17 changes made to it to mostly address concerns from the other side of the aisle. Of course Dems need about 5 Republicans to override the governor's veto on this and they're feeling good about it. The override vote will happen soon, probably next week before next Thursday's February forecast. That news is also expected to be grim. Today Gov. Pawlenty began a partial hiring freeze for state workers "considering the current economic slowdown."