The Republican-controlled House Health and Human Services committee will preview Thursday afternoon what would happen in the event of a government shutdown.
Democrats quickly accused Republicans of stirring up political rancor just days into the five-month legislative session.
"It's alarming that House Republicans are already talking about government shutdown," state Rep. Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul. "This kind of defeatist attitude is not the approach we need to solve our budget deficit, grow our economy, and support Minnesota families and small businesses."
Legislators have begun a session in which they must balance the budget and beat down a $6.2 billion projected deficit. DFL Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed raising taxes on high earners, a move Republicans are firmly against.
State Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, said Thursday he was confident the two sides would come to a resolution by the end of session.
Murphy agreed.
"I believe we can balance this budget fairly if we do it the right way," she said. "That requires the Republican majority to work with Governor Dayton and both parties over the coming months. We need to fully understand how our actions will affect Minnesotans and our state's future, be willing to compromise, and find a solution that is fair to Minnesota families."
