Dayton Gives Lawmakers 10 Days To Send Him Budget

ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton is asking Minnesota's Republican-controlled Legislature days to send him a full set of budget bills within 10 days.

The Democratic governor set a May 6 deadline on Tuesday, promising quick action on the bills so end-of-session budget talks can begin. The state constitution requires the session to end May 23.

Dayton says he will be less optimistic for an on-time finish if lawmakers don't meet his deadline. He says the Legislature has a responsibility to finish its budget before their talks start.

Both houses have passed different sets of budget bills and named negotiators to reconcile the differences.

Dayton and Republicans remain divided on how to erase a $5 billion deficit. The governor wants high-end income tax increases, while GOP lawmakers oppose state tax increases.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)