Conference committees continue to plow their way thrrough budget bills, with no hint that the Legislature's Republican leadership is any closer to closing its ideological gap with Gov. Mark Daytton over eliminating the state's $5 billion budget deficit.

Conference committees were scheduled to take up taxes and economic development. Also on the docket: Legacy Amendment funding and gambling, invasive species.

Dayton, after unloading on the Republican legislative leaders Wednesday, was scheduled to speak at the National Day of Prayer commemoration on the Capitol lawn at midday.