Dayton: Ready to Call Special Session to End Shutdown

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he is willing to call a special session of the Legislature within the next three days if Republicans agree to his budget offer.

Dayton said Thursday he would accept a GOP proposal made June 30. It's the most significant movement yet in a state government shutdown that has lasted two weeks, although Dayton attached significant conditions.

Dayton hasn't set a date for the special session and his offer is contingent on negotiations being completed on a new budget.

Republicans haven't responded to Dayton's offer.

The shutdown has closed state parks and rest stops, prevented many from getting licenses they need to launch careers or move ahead with businesses, and cut off funding streams to countless programs. It has cost the state millions in lost revenue.

Read the letter Governor Dayton sent to Republican leaders.

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