What’s left before Dayton calls special session?
Slowly but surely, a path toward the special session is being cleared by legislators and Gov. Mark Dayton.
They've agreed to spend more money on schools, but not set aside cash for a public school pre-kindergarten program.
And Dayton has dropped his bid to protect some services performed by the state auditor's office.
So, what's the hold up?
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There are three issues, all in the jobs and energy funding bill Dayton vetoed last month.
Dayton wants $5 million for programs that help people with disabilities find jobs. He opposes changes to the way utility customers are credited for producing solar or wind energy on their utility bills. And he opposes lowering electricity rates for some major industries outside of northeastern Minnesota.
There are also a few things Dayton would like to tackle in the special session, but it isn't clear whether House Republicans will agree.
Among Dayton's asks are more money for broadband Internet grants, the sex offender confinement program and rail safety improvements. Dayton also wants Rochester to get more flexibility in how it uses local sales tax revenue for a major expansion of the downtown area.
It's unlikely that last set of issues will prevent Dayton from calling lawmakers back to St. Paul.