GOP calls on Dayton to come to bargaining table
House and Senate Republicans leaders say they're still optimistic about reaching an end-of-session budget deal, but they're increasing their criticism of DFL Governor Mark Dayton.
Dayton and GOP leaders are still far apart on tax and spending issues, and Monday is the constitutional deadline for adjournment. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch of Buffalo said today that she's disappointed with Dayton's leadership on the budget. House Speaker Kurt Zellers of Maple Grove said negotiations with the governor have been difficult.
"It's been like nailing Jello to a tree," Zellers said. "One week it's come and meet with us. Another week it's well my commissioners are empowered to negotiate. They come into conference committees, well they all have a very prepared script, and say no I can't negotiate financing. I can't negotiate this. I can't negotiate that."
Dayton has called GOP leaders unreasonable for refusing to make budget compromises.
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