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Dayton: 'We are getting closer'

Gov. Mark Dayton said progress is being made on a budget deal with Republican legislative leaders, but it's still unclear when they'll be ready to hold a special session to pass the bills.

By Baird Helgeson

July 17, 2011 at 9:34PM

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton said progress is being made on a budget deal with Legislative Republican leaders.

"I think we are getting closer on a few more bills," Dayton said Sunday, appearing upbeat, dressed in casual slacks and a button-up shirt. "But as Yogi Berra said, 'It ain't over until it's over.'"

Dayton and Republican legislative leaders are scheduled to meet at 2:30 p.m. Sunday to discuss progress on the budget deal agreed to Thursday by both sides.

Republicans blew past their self-imposed Friday night deadline to patch together a $35 billion budget.

Dayton and Republican legislative leaders hoped to call a Monday special legislative session to pass the budget, but it's unclear whether that will still be achievable.

The shutdown is now in its 17th day.

about the writer

Baird Helgeson

Deputy editor

Baird Helgeson is deputy local editor at the Star Tribune. He helps supervise coverage of local news. Before becoming an editor, he was an award-winning reporter who covered state government and politics. He has worked for news organizations in Minnesota, Florida and North Dakota.