No signs of movement at Capitol as clock ticks toward adjournment

(UPDATED AT 11:32 p.m.)

A wet, cold Saturday might have put a damper on some Minnesotans’ plans, but under the Capitol dome the legislative wheels kept turning, albeit slowly, as the Republican-controlled House and Senate worked toward finalizing budget bills they hope DFL Gov. Mark Dayton will sign.

The Legislature must wrap up its work by midnight Monday — and needs to find a way to fund state government before June 30 to prevent a state government shutdown.

The clock is ticking on both, with Dayton vetoing previous Republican budget bills and no public agreement to new spending targets laid out Friday by House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa).

Dayton and leaders began meeting Saturday morning and numerous conference committees tasked with reworking renewed budget bills are scheduled to begin digging into the finer points of how to spend approximately $46 billion. As of early-evening zero had gotten together; however, late Saturday night the House passed the latest agriculture finance bill.

The following statement was issued by Sam Fettig, Dayton's press secretary just after dinner: “At 9:30am, 12:30pm, and 5:00pm today, Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith met with Legislative Leaders as they work to reach a compromise budget agreement that is acceptable to the Governor and the Legislature. The Governor, Lt. Governor, Commissioners, and members of the Governor’s senior staff are continuing to meet with Committee Chairs and other stakeholders this evening, as they have throughout the day.”

Check back with nonpartisan House Public Information Services for updates, and view the latest schedule here.