Dayton Ties Special Session To Restoring Auditor Functions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says he won't call a special session until lawmakers agree to repeal changes chipping away at the state auditor's authority.

Major pieces to finalizing the state's budget have largely been addressed. Top Minnesota officials are nearing agreement on how to spend a $525 million infusion for public schools.

But Dayton and his state auditor take issue with a piece of a completed budget bill that allows counties to hire private auditing firms rather. Dayton says that change would "eviscerate" the state auditor's office and doubts whether it's constitutional.

He said Wednesday he doesn't plan to call a special session until lawmakers agree to remove it.

Republican Rep. Sarah Anderson says it's a tough sell for the GOP House. She says Dayton shouldn't have signed the bill.