After Dayton Vetoes, State Leaders Start Search For Way Out
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — Minnesota's governor says he's prepared to call a special session just as soon as top lawmakers smooth out their differences.
And on Tuesday there was a big first step toward that.
Leaders agreed on broad outlines for next month's special session -- even where it will be held -- but not what they'll be voting on.
Gov. Mark Dayton shocked a lot of people when he vetoed the $17 billion education bill, and then vetoed agriculture, environment and jobs bills.
They've got to pass all of those, and soon, or the state faces another shutdown like it did in 2011.
"It gets more and more problematic the further we go into June," Dayton said. "More and more uncertainty for people in terms of their families, and their sources of incomes, as well as the vendors and everyone else. It behooves us to get it done as quickly as possible."
That's why Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt was at the governor's residence Tuesday afternoon for private talks about the session.
"I've tried to represent that we want to be flexible, and we want to get done the work that the people of Minnesota expect us to get done," Daudt said. "If that means we have to give a little bit, then we'll have to do that as well."
Dayton and Daudt emerged after an hour and 15 minutes with an agreement to hold a one-day special session as soon as possible in June to re-pass the vetoed bills.
But they've not yet agreed on what's in the bills. Dayton has insisted there be funding for statewide pre-kindergarten programs.
Another important development: The Capitol is now closed to the public for a massive restoration, and the special session will be held at the nearby State Office Building, in two big hearing rooms.
