Sen Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa)
Republicans in the Minnesota House and Senate appear ready to resolve their differences over major state budget bills without Governor Mark Dayton’s involvement. Republicans wanted the governor involved at this point but Dayton, fearing a repeat of three-way negotiations in 2015 which he called “nightmarish,” told House and Senate leaders to work out their differences, pass budget bills out of conference committees, and if his administration determines the numbers balance, then he’ll get involved in final negotiations. House and Senate leaders plan to release target numbers for each major budget area tomorrow and committees will then work out details. Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says”that’s the second step of the Minnesota two-step that the governor asked us to do, and so we’re working on that and next week will be very, very important.”