Capitol Leaders In Talks About Way Out On Pay-Raise Standoff

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - House Speaker Kurt Daudt says he, Gov. Mark Dayton and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk are "nearing agreement" on a plan to settle a commissioner pay raise dispute that is holding up an important spending bill.

Daudt said Wednesday they hope to strike a deal in time for House consideration on Thursday.

Bakk confirmed the talks but said any agreement would likely be subject to a review by a joint House-Senate conference committee.

The Republican speaker wouldn't reveal specific details, but said negotiations have included ways the Legislature can regain oversight on commissioner salaries.

Last month, Dayton used power previously granted by lawmakers to significantly bump up cabinet member pay.

The standoff has stalled a stopgap spending bill with funding for the St. Peter security hospital housing sex offenders.