The change was prompted by concerns from fiscal conservatives who felt Sviggum, R-Kenyon, gave up too much in final negotiations the past couple of years. The basic philosophical divide between Democrats and Republicans is a major reason for the legislative meltdown, according to Gustavus Adolphus political scientist Chris Gilbert. He says it's not as simple as blaming the governor, the 201 legislators,or tripartisan government. And the way in which the Ventura plan began to structure what the House and the Senate had in mind, I think it was bound to cause difficulties. Gilbert also faults the pace of the session, and says legislators got sidetracked on hot-button issues like concealed carry and abortion instead of focusing on budget matters.
Some lawmakers say the entire session was mismanaged.
Even in January and February, we weren't moving like we normally move, so time management has been just a problem this entire session. Legislative leaders still don't have a plan for fixing what everyone agrees is a mess. Ventura will have to call a special session, but won't say when - and hints he may wait until the state is on the verge of a government shutdown July 1. Minnesota Public Radio reporters Laura McCallum, Michael Khoo, and Marisa Helms contributed to this report. Major funding for Minnesota Public Radio's regional Internet activities is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.