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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Democrats who control the Minnesota Legislature are giving the public a crack at Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget.

They're holding a series of town hall meetings across the state.

Pawlenty put his proposal to erase a projected $4.8 billion deficit on the table last month. He warned last week that the shortfall could balloon to as much as $7 billion, although some of that would be offset by federal stimulus aid.

Democrats have yet to outline their budget fix. They say they want to hear more from constituents before coming up with a plan.

The first meetings happen Thursday evening in Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud and Willmar, followed by hearings from Albert Lea to Virginia on Friday. Town hall gatherings are planned in the Twin Cities starting Feb. 23.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)