What legislative leaders term the “cone of silence” remains in place as they and Governor Tim Walz continue state budget negotiations behind closed doors at the State Capitol. The governor said going into this afternoon’s meeting, “We’ll all be in the room. I got a haircut for the occasion, so this is it.” But when asked whether they’re making any progress, Walz would only say, “We’ll see here.” Just over four days remain for the legislature to pass a new budget, or a special session will be needed.