Gov. Mark Dayton delivered an ultimatum to GOP legislators Tuesday: He won’t call a special session unless they agree to limit its scope to approving disaster relief and repealing a much-criticized tax on farm machinery repairs.
Dayton sent the written proposal for a limited session to Republican leaders after a week of behind-the-scenes talks between his office and legislative staffers failed to broker a deal on the terms of the session.
Republicans are pushing for a more wide-ranging session to repeal other new taxes, which could blow a hole in the state budget and touch off a new round of budget fights.
Dayton is insisting on a session starting 2 p.m. Sept. 9 with a guaranteed adjournment by 10 a.m. the next day. No other bills or significant amendments could be considered, under the proposal.
Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.