ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A group of Republican state senators hope
to prevent future Minnesota government shutdowns through a plan to
continue spending even if politicians can't agree on a budget.
     The proposal outlined Thursday by Sen. Ted Lillie and colleagues
would extend current spending levels if the state began a new
fiscal cycle without a budget in place.
     Lillie says it might remove an incentive for politicians to
strike deals, but he says that would be better than another
government closure.
     The idea comes from a bill introduced by Democratic Lt. Gov.
Yvonne Prettner Solon (SOHL'-uhn) after a partial government
shutdown in 2005.