Sunday budget talks end without explanation

Posted at 3:54 PM on June 26, 2011 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: 2011 Shutdown, MN Legislature, Mark Dayton

Negotiations between Gov. Dayton and GOP leaders abruptly ended this afternoon, about an hour and 15 minutes after the Sunday session began.

Both sides characterized the Friday and Saturday discussions as productive, but they also agreed to not comment publicly about any of the specifics they were talking about behind closed doors. That stance continued as the the talks ended for the day without explanation. Dayton, House Speaker Kurt Zellers and Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch avoided reporters by exiting the meeting through a back door.

Spokespersons for the House, Senate and governor's office were left trying to explain the situation with little information.

"Legislative leaders are going to be here today working, working and talking with respective staff and committee chairs, but I can't speak to any upcoming scheduled meetings with the governor," said Michael Brodkorb, spokesman for the Senate GOP.

Asked if the negotiations broke up unexpectedly, Brodkorb said he hadn't been told that.

The governor's staff was also in the dark.

"I can't tell you anything right now, but I'll see what I can find out and let you know," said Dayton press secretary Katharine Tinucci.

Comments (1)

If state govt shutdown, effect on jult 1, 2011 and what happen to to my parents who received PCA services thru the agency? Do we still get reimburse on the time that state shutdown to the state or not?

Thanks for your response.

Posted by naulpao | June 27, 2011 12:49 PM

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