May 22, 2016 - 11:56 AM
ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Latest on the last work day for the Minnesota Legislature (all times local):
1:50 p.m.
The state House has overwhelmingly passed a $260 million package of tax cuts and credits.
House members voted 123-10 Sunday afternoon to approve a tax relief package that would offer property tax relief to farmers and businesses, create a new tax credit for college graduates with loan debt and expand aid to Minnesota parents with childcare costs.
The measure passed with only a handful of House Democrats opposed. Some raised concerns that the cuts could lead to a deficit in future years and that the measure included a handful of reductions on tobacco taxes.
Gov. Mark Dayton has said his support for the tax cuts hinges on seeing a package of spending proposals that meets his requirements. He says a phased-in preschool program and funding for expanding broadband Internet infrastructure and tackling racial disparities are necessary.
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11:45 a.m.
State lawmakers have made headway in St. Paul on tax relief and spending packages but still have much to do as a midnight Sunday deadline looms.
Legislative leaders holed up for hours of private meetings throughout Saturday, stretching into early Sunday morning. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk and Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt said late Saturday evening they had reached broad agreements on budget areas that would meet the governor's demands.
On Sunday morning a joint committee of lawmakers finished their work on that spending package, but it still needed to pass both chambers later in the day. The House began taking up a $260 million package of tax cuts and credits.
Leaders have yet to strike deals on a transportation funding plan and a public works package. They cannot pass bills past midnight Sunday.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016