ST. PAUL (MNN) - The special legislative session House Republicans wanted Saturday is not happening because Governor Mark Dayton and House Speaker Kurt Daudt couldn't resolve their differences over a relatively minor issue. The dispute is over a brand new law that allows counties to hire private auditing firms instead of using the state auditor's office.
Governor Dayton initially wanted the law repealed, but Thursday night offered a compromise that would have it take effect a year from now. Speaker Daudt rejected the offer, saying nothing would be gained by waiting a year and pledged lawmakers would revisit the issue in 2016. Daudt predicted Friday "the governor's going to come to his senses," noting Dayton signed the bill into law under two weeks ago.
The issue is holding up a special session, during which lawmakers are expected to pass bills to replace the public school funding, environment/ag and jobs measures that Dayton vetoed just before Memorial Day. If a new budget is not in place by July 1st, parts of state government will shut down.