As they prepare to take the reins of state government starting in 2013, Minnesota Democrats are attempting to strike a delicate balance between erasing a projected budget deficit and handling pent-up demand to tackle liberal social issues after two decades of divided control in St. Paul.

Republicans who received the veto letters say they strike a tone of anything but compromise.

For five months DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and the GOP-controlled Legislature sparred at the Capitol over how to eliminate the state’s $5 billion budget deficit. But with the legislative session concluded and no end to the budget impasse in sight, the debate will now move beyond St. Paul as legislators face constituents in their home districts.

The state of Minnesota is proceeding with plans to establish a $600 million line of credit to get through the cash-poor months ahead. And while Minnesota Management and Budget Department Commissioner Tom Hanson said on Tuesday that he doesn't want to call on the state's banker to get a short-term loan, he also conceded that his department might need to tap into the state's line of credit with U.S. Bank before the end of 2010.

Some refreshingly good news about the quality of our public education system almost got out last week, but was mostly overlooked or underplayed by mainstream media.

For months now the air waves have been filled with hype and hyperbole from Minnesota's gubernatorial candidates explaining how they're going to come up with billions in revenue the state badly needs.

Pawlenty taps Krinkie, Vekich to serve six-year terms on the state colleges and universities board of trustees. Pawlenty's second and final term ends early next year.

Gov. Pawlenty recently ended a veto drought that began March 15.

Christopher Frederick has been appointed to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) board of trustees by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.