Dayton to reject budget bills
Gov. Dayton made his strongest statement today on the GOP backed budget. Dayton told reporters today that the respective budget bills that are being sent his way will be turned back.
"I will be rejecting the bills and sending them back to leadership."
He declined to use the word "veto" but said the bills will be rejected and emphasized that "the bills will not become law without my signature."
Republicans started processing their budget bills last night despite Dayton's disagreement with them. The two sides are at odds over the best way to craft a two year budget. Dayton wants to raise income taxes on Minnesota's top earners. Republicans have rejected that plan and say the $5 billion projected deficit can be erased through spending cuts.
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Dayton says he's scheduled to speak with the 109 Republican members of the House and Senate
tomorrow morning at 9am.
to make his case for his tax increase.
Update: A spokesman for Senate Republicans says Dayton will not be speaking to the caucuses at that time.
Dayton says he's willing to allow press in to the meeting.
Lawmakers have until Monday to finish their work. If they don't reach a budget agreement, a special session will have to be called. State government would shut down If no budget is in place on July first.