COVERITLIVE.COM

10:59

Hanging out ready for the show to begin. Presumably, the question of the forgiveness of the Xcel Center loan will come up. This has been kicked around for a few weeks on the St. Paul Issues Forum. Dave Thune, of the St. Paul City Council, provided this update a few minutes ago:

This isn't a ploy.

The ice sheet has been a part of the redevelopment proposal for three years. The idea isn't new. Try this link to Edmonton.

This goes way beyond a practice rink for a pro team. It offers an attraction in its own right. We have huge interest for figure skating championships, youth hockey, free skate and even curling!

The orginal rfp included ice sheet and hotel and retail and office tower. The market has pretty much put every new development on hold. This would position us to be able to finish the development as soon as the market comes back. It will be successful and there is no greater attraction than success for investors. And there is no hotter market right now than the west 7th part of seven corners: Liffey, Eagle Street Grill, McGoverns, Cossettas. This will complete the link.

I believe the governor understands the potential and appreciates that st. paul has stepped forward in the past and hit the bullseye.

11:07

We're underway

11:08

Both say they're optimistic that the session can end with agreements and there won't be a special session.

11:09

Kelliher: "Three more bills and then it boils down to the issues Minnesotans value the most -- health care, early childhood through 12, ongoing revenue into our severely damaged state budget."

11:11

Pogemiller is asking public safety conferees to spend $20 million more than targeted. "We're getting mixed messages from the governor."

11:11

Correction: Pogemiller says the Governor is asking....public safety conferees etc...

11:13

Just for kicks, I'm reading how everyone felt at this time a year ago.

11:14

Pogemiller: "There are 10 major bills, three are on his desk." On 2 the governor is trying to get us to not cut as deeply. We're way ahead of the game."

11:14

[Comment From richie]
so is there any chance that we *won't* go into special session?

11:15

Kelliher is repeating her contention that she's an optimist and this will be done w/o special session. That said, as I've said before, my neighbor, a fairly high-ranking guy in a state agency, says they've been planning for a special session since December.

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