Today's the day.

And for many, they'll be receiving news that will be troubling.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty was set to unveil his 2004-05 budget this afternoon.

The period of uncertainty many have been wading through will end. Now, the arguments and protests will begin (and some have already) by various organizations and entities to not reduce or eliminate funding for their programs.

Recently, House Speaker Steve Sviggum said he took a glimpse at the budget. He admitted it would be hard for every Minnesotan not to be affected in some way to the cuts.

Many are likely to be affected by any reductions in Local Government Aid. LGA was formed to help communities, like Austin, receive funds because of low property tax bases.

Austin officials have been proactive in anticipating the cuts, which are expected as Pawlenty has vowed not to raise taxes.

So what do we do now?

Open communication with local legislators, including Reps. Jeff Anderson and Dan Dorman and Sen. Dan Sparks, is the first step. They are our elected voice for this area and each has vowed to continue fighting for funding and projects that will benefit our region and communities.

It's going to be difficult for legislators and state officials to figure out ways for us to get out of this $4.56 billion deficit.

But it's not impossible.

Continued communication from local citizens and city and county officials with our legislators in St. Paul will hopefully help ease the pain these anticipated cuts will inflict.