ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton and top Republicans are focusing on the most contentious area of state spending - health and welfare programs - as they try to head off a government shutdown.

The Democratic governor emerged from Tuesday morning budget talks with GOP leaders to say they would meet again in the afternoon.

Dayton says his top human services adviser is meeting with lawmakers who specialize in health programs and social services. Dayton spokeswoman Katie Tinucci says the discussions are centered on cuts in the human services budget.

GOP Deputy Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel (mish-ELL') says the talks are still "moving ahead."

There's little time to spare. Minnesota is about 60 hours away from its second government shutdown in six years.

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

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