The state is facing a short-term deficit of $426 million in the FY 2008-2009 biennium. Carver County is expected to lose $761,000 in state aid, and local cities will also lose as a result of cuts to state spending.

County officials met with state legislators and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar Tuesday morning, Dec. 23, to discuss the county's 2009 legislative priorities and the state's budget deficit. While state legislators acknowledged the commissioner's concerns, they all warned of tough times ahead.

State Sen. Julianne Ortman predicted tax revenues would be "in short supply," so she encouraged the commissioners to "plan accordingly."

"We need to think about big changes," she said. "How much government can we afford?"

Rep. Paul Kohls added: "Get ready to make some tough decisions."

Rep. Joe Hoppe predicted the state's February forecast would actually show a bigger deficit than what is already predicted.

Sen. Klobuchar said the Obama Administration "stimulus package” for the country would focus federal government spending on infrastructure projects, among them roads, bridges and broadband communications in schools.

"The whole idea is to jump-start the economy," Klobuchar said, noting this could be in addition to so-called "green energy jobs."

"We have a long road, a challenging road, in front of us," she acknowledged.

Klobuchar serves on the Senate Commerce Committee, which has authority over telecommunications issues. President-elect Obama has indicated that investments in broadband communications infrastructure will be a significant part of his economic recovery plan expected in early 2009.