Pawlenty uses line-item veto to trim bonding bill

Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced line-item vetoes this afternoon on a capital investment bill he deemed too costly. Pawlenty whittled a $925 million borrowing bill passed by the Legislature last week down to $717 million.

Pawlenty had signalled his disapproval of the bill in advance. Speculation had centered on whether he would reject the bill altogether or use his authority to remove individual items.

The highest profile project rejected was $70 million for the Central Corridor light-rail line linking Minneapolis and St. Paul. Other notable items left on the cutting room floor include a Como Zoo gorilla exhibit and a proposed new Bell Museum of Natural History.

"Somebody has to be fiscally responsible. That job falls to me," Pawlenty said.

The Republican governor had said he wouldn't accept a bill that adds more than $825 million to the state's general debt load.

He said legislators overspent because they were unwilling to say no to projects. He wouldn't say whether he would allow for a second bonding bill this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.