Budget Negotiations at a Standstill on Taxes, Transportation

ST. PAUL (AP) - Top lawmakers are in a holding pattern with few signs of progress on reaching a deal for the state's budget.

There's still plenty of ground for negotiators to cover as they head toward the Legislature's May 18 adjournment. More money for schools, a gas tax increase for road and bridge repairs and a $2 billion bill of tax relief are all on the agenda.

Private talks between House Republicans, Senate Democrats and Gov. Mark Dayton were set to resume Tuesday afternoon.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says the GOP should ditch its tax bill in exchange for Democrats giving up on a transportation package. House Speaker Kurt Daudt says Democrats' insistence on a gas tax hike is the main hold up.