The Democrat-controlled Minnesota House and Republican-controlled Senate plan to have the last of their major budget bills passed by mid-week, and then leaders of each chamber start trying to work out major differences over taxes and spending. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says he also wants Governor Tim Walz involved at this point. “The one thing I’m stipulating is, I’m not gonna negotiate twice,” Gazelka says. :I want three-way negotiations, and so… I think they expect that.”
Legislative leaders and the governor have set next Monday (5/6) as their deadline for agreement on a rough outline of the budget. Negotiators in each budget area would then work out details. The legislature has until May 20th to complete the state budget or a special session will be necessary.