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Compromise Talks Stall Out, Dayton Vetoes Bills

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- With the clock ticking down on the 2018 legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature looks like it is heading towards "crash and burn."

Republican Leaders say they eliminated many of the concerns the Governor had about the budget and tax bills, but Gov. Mark Dayton says it isn't enough and more than likely he will veto both bills.

Gov. Mark Dayton already had vetoed a number of other bills, including one that would have increased fines and penalties for protesters who block freeways, transit lines and airports.

The proposal passed the Republican-controlled Senate Monday. It would hit protesters with up to a year in jail and $3,000 if convicted of blocking traffic during protests. The effort to crack down on disruptive demonstrations started last year in response to months of protests over officer-involved shootings that clogged interstate traffic.

Minnesota lawmakers and the governor appeared to be engaging in some last-minute negotiations Saturday evening. Republican House and Senate leaders arrived at Dayton's office after the governor sent an offer for compromise on the tax bill and school funding.

The details of Dayton's compromise offer claim that his tax bill would cut taxes for over 2 million Minnesotans, and "simplify tax filing for individuals, families and businesses."

Republican leaders and Dayton have struggled to compromise on a tax bill. They also don't see eye-to-eye on some additional government spending, including emergency funding for public schools.

"It's a good proposal. There is a lot of funding in that bill that is necessary and we know the governor wants, and we hope he takes, a serious look at it. But right now he indicated he most likely would not accept that bill," House Majority Leader Kurt Daudt said.

Dayton says he would not sign the current budget bill and has not made a decision about a reworked tax bill.

"They can say they are negotiating to compromise. Negotiations do not occur when one side sends the other what it is they want to give up and what they want to keep and expects the other side to agree to that. That's not a negotiation," Dayton said.

Dayton says he will not sign a tax bill that has $200 million in tax exemptions for multi-national corporations and won't do what he wants for emergency school aid. After meeting for three months, there is one day left, and it appears they are not going to pass any of the biggest bills of the year.

Even with signs of compromise, Dayton has been adamant that he would not call a special session.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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