State lawmakers had a pretty rough time this past session, trying to get a balanced budget and erase a multi-billion dollar deficit.

Republicans and Democrats weren't happy with the final result, but that was to be expected with the compromises that were made on both sides.

However, Minnesota is apparently going to still face some tough financial times yet again, and legislators are going to have to make tough decisions come February of next year.

The latest national economic figures are projecting a slower economic growth pattern for the next two years than previously thought. That's not good, especially in the area for the state to collect on revenues.

What does that mean for us? It means we all need to expect to see higher fees and less services. Plus, it could also mean a tax increase, even though Gov. Tim Pawlenty has pledged he wouldn't sign off on it.

Minnesotans should realize that although the latest round of cuts and fee hikes were tough to stomach, it ain't over yet.