Almanac: At the Capitol

It feels like déjà vu all over again. DFL-led chambers are ready to send the Republican governor bills with no prior agreement setting up another round of vetoes. It sure seems like we're set for unallotment as many of us suspected all session. Leaders sent the governor a letter last night saying they are "poised to pass conference committee reports" while the governor responded that a property tax cap "is key to an overall agreement." He writes to Dems "You have been unable or unwilling to agree to such a cap." He reminds them that "If DFL leadership is unable to reach an agreement" than "we cannot afford projects like Central Corridor" or healthcare expansion.

When the governor and lawmakers are sending each other letters and sharing them with the press, it's never a good sign. I know Democrats are saying they may get some overrides on these budget bills but I'm not so sure. There may be a couple of Republicans willing to join Democrats on a few issues, but on an overall budget it would be a surprise if Republicans hand the governor another override in the House.

Update: Sen. Larry Pogemiller Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher are meeting with the governor at 10:30am, just the three of them. Now that is serious and could be a better sign for a deal. I wish dealmaking did happen in the open, but it just doesn't and the deal has a better chance of being cut with fewer people in the room.

Update to update: Property tax relief continues to be the priority and the sticking point of negotiations. Both sides are doing "runs" (sounds terrible I know but that's the lingo) to see what the effects of proposals will be. I'm told that will probably take a while, so don't expect a deal today. The governor says "there's hope" but he also said this is feeling a lot like last year with lots of vetoed bills. He's asked lawmakers to hold off on sending him "bombs" (bills he won't sign). The speaker says she does not want to be in the same situation as last year with last-minute chaos.