Special Session Plans On Hold As Leaders Work To Reach Pact

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO/AP) — Negotiations over a deal to enable a special legislative session are at a standstill.

Minnesota House Republicans and Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton remain at odds over a couple of bills and a new law altering the authority of the state auditor. Dayton has insisted on delaying or rolling back the auditor change before calling lawmakers back into session. Republicans say they won't budge.

The special session is needed to pass the remaining parts of the state budget, including a $17 billion education package. If lawmakers don't act by July 1 there would be a partial shutdown.

Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt and Majority Leader Joyce Peppin headed Monday to communities with money at stake to make a public push for action.

"If they choose to go out and get a private audit, we feel they should have that ability. But again we have another legislative session, this isn't urgent," Daudt said. "What is urgent, however, is the fact we are holding up the certainty for 8,400 hundred state employees."

No new negotiations with Dayton have been scheduled.

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