Politics & Government

Special Session Tentatively on for Monday

Gov. Mark Dayton said he first needs to read all nine budget bills.

Appearing on Minnesota Public Radio on Friday afternoon, Gov. Mark Dayton said he is willing to call a special session Monday morning but first needs to read all nine of the unsigned legislative bills.

The governor gave his negotiators a deadline of 10 p.m. Friday to have the deals in place.

While Dayton has said he’s happy with the budget deal announced Thursday, he understands that not all Democrats share his zeal.

“It may be there are some (bills) they find they can support,” Dayton said, referring to the K-12 education bill. “(And) there will be bills that have bipartisan support. The tax bill, I wouldn’t vote for, either.”

St. Louis Park Rep. Ryan Winkler criticized the budget plan on Thursday, stating in a press release that it would be "the most irresponsible budget in our state's history." He added that he plans on voting against it during the special session.

While he is expecting resistance, Dayton was confident that the “rough edges and details” would not be enough to derail negotiations or extend the shutdown.

Dayton also said he hopes to be able to provide back pay to the 22,000 state workers laid off on July 1. But he did not confirm whether this would happen for sure.  

The governor is scheduled to appear on Almanac on Twin Cities Public Television at 7 p.m.


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