Budget negotiators hint that a deal is within reach

By Bob Von Sternberg and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger

In an attempt to bring pressure on Gov. Mark Dayton to reach a budget agreement that would forestall a state government shutdown, Republican legislative leaders broke days of silence late Thursday afternoon, telling reporters that both sides are close enough to prevent it.

After meeting with Dayton three times earlier in day, they said enough House and Senate members are present to pass a so-called "lights on" bill that would keep the government operating past the midnight deadline.

"We're very close," said House Speaker Kurt Zellers. "We've always thought a government shutdown was not only not necessary, but bad for Minnesota."

Emerging from the governor's office, just as the Capitol was closing to the public, DFL leaders said they've been meeting for nearly a week straight and are hopeful also a complete budget deal is within sight.

"I do think the opportunity for a global agreement tonight...is within reach," said Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk.

Keeping with the pattern they had set all week none of the leaders would let on any parameters of what their deal would mean for Minnesota.

Zellers said: "let's get back to work, let's get the job done ... It's time to call us back." Dayton has the sole power to call the Legislature into a special session necessary to avoid the shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said she "appreciate[s] the progress that's been made in the past few days. We know that we're close. We call on -- we ask the governor to, please [keep] the state of Minnesota open. It's Fourth of July weekend."

Invoking the state parks and campgrounds that have already closed in anticipation of a shutdown, Koch added, "please don't shut us down."

Deputy Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel said members of his caucus "are ready to go. Look at the clock, it's almost 5 o'clock. We can pass the lights-on bill. This Legislature can pass one bill tonight that keeps the state open. ... Let's get going."

"I know that we're close," Koch said. "There have been good discussions. We know we can get this done."

But some things have leaked out, Republicans involved in health and human services have said they've agreed on a target number. But the health and human services budget is also where significant contentious policy lives -- including GOP attempts to ban late term abortion, something Dayton had made clear he opposed months ago.