Gov. Mark Dayton said Thursday that negotiators are "very close" to reaching compromise with lawmakers on an alternative teacher licensure bill.

But, according to a letter from him and his education commissioner and the chief Senate author, they are not quite there.

Sen. Gen Olson, R-Minnetrista, said for now her alternative license bill is "resting peacefully" awaiting a Senate vote -- with hopes that negotiators can agree before that.

"We would rather have a bill that is signed," Olson said.

Dayton said whether the Democratic administration and the Republican Legislature can agree on a bill will be a "test" of their ability to work on a bipartisan basis.

Olson agrees.

If they can get the bill signed into law it will send "a signal to the public that an agreement can be reached."

Here's the governor's letter:

2-17-11 letter on alt licensure bill