Republicans in the Legislature kicked the budget battle into high gear Thursday as they released a plan to cut $5 billion in spending.
"The gun has just gone off and now the budget is 24-7 up here at the state Capitol," said Deputy Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel, R-Edina.
Their plan gives Minnesotans a stark choice: feel the impact of cuts in programs across the state or accept Gov. Mark Dayton plan to raise income taxes and keep spending steady. That epic choice, and the dramatic battle written in billions and accompanied by bitter fights, will take over the Minnesota Capitol until lawmakers go home.
Already, many around the Capitol see little room for compromise and predict an extended session as the DFL governor and the Republican Legislature stand their ground.
The Senate plan targets deep cuts for state's colleges and universities, state government and state aids to cities. Republicans would also spend $2 billion less than Democratic Dayton on health and welfare programs. Despite repeated questions, Senate leaders Thursday made no promises that their plan would spare nursing home spending, long a third rail even in tight budget times.
Like Dayton, the Republicans continue a $1.3 billion school shift which allows the state to spend money on school children this year and pay it back in later years.
The House is slated to release their budget outline later Thursday afternoon. Senate leaders said their plan will look very much like the one they put together.
In the coming weeks, lawmakers will put meat on the bones of their budget showing how they will cut spending and what they feel worth preserving.
Already, mayors, firefighters, union members and others are on high alert for trims in the programs they hold dear.
Here's the budget outline the Senate released:
