Sen. Dibble Optimistic Lawmakers Can Reach A Budget Deal

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – While Gov. Mark Dayton, Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk and Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt proved they could fish together during the weekend opener, it remains to be seen if they can agree on a budget deal.

The deadline for the legislative session is a week from Monday, and lawmakers appear nowhere close to reaching an agreement.

Yet, Sen. Scott Dibble (DLF-Minneapolis) was optimistic Sunday when he spoke with WCCO-TV's Esme Murphy.

"I think once we get the outlines of a larger, global deal...we could get our work wrapped up quickly in a couple days," he said.

But getting to a deal means that both Democrats and Republicans will have to give. When asked what the DFL is ready to compromise on, Dibble answered: transportation.

"Within the transportation debate, they're willing to concede some large tax breaks in exchange for resources for transportation funding," Dibble said.

If lawmakers can't come to an agreement, there's the possibility the state could see another expensive shutdown.

To see Dibble discuss the budget, education and MNsure, watch the interview above.