Analysts are speculating about ways that Governor Tim Walz and Republicans might break their stalemate over the state budget, with only a week remaining in the legislative session. Hamline University Professor David Schultz says there’s “almost no way” Republicans would agree to permanent tax increases — but might they go along with a temporary extension of the medical provider tax, rather than a permanent renewal that the governor wants? And might Governor Walz accept Republicans’ proposal of a bonding bill for roads and bridges, instead of the gas tax increase that Republicans refuse to consider? Schultz says it’s “kind of like a face-saving…. All have to figure out some way of saying they got something, and saying something to the effect of, the other side didn’t get all that they wanted either.”
Schultz says a special session will likely be needed, but hopefully not partial government shutdown at the end of June.