ST. PAUL (AP) - Governor Mark Dayton has plans to travel around Minnesota this week as the state's government shutdown continues, even as he says he's ready to return to budget talks with legislative Republicans.

The Democratic governor held a news conference Monday to outline several revenue-raising options he says he will consider to break the impasse over taxes and spending.

He says he has invited Republicans back to talks, and is willing to discuss eliminating tax breaks, expanding the sales tax while lowering the rate, or raising taxes on alcohol and cigarettes.

Republicans have been adamantly opposed to new taxes or any new revenue beyond the $34 billion projected to come in over the next two years.

Dayton says he will visit St. Cloud Tuesday, southern Minnesota Wednesday and Moorhead Friday.

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

 

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