Senate GOP To Release Budget Framework In Minnesota

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- Minnesota Senate Republicans are expected to release a budget framework Thursday as the Legislature's GOP majorities grapple with a $5 billion deficit.

House Republicans have vowed to release their framework by the end of the week.

Top GOP lawmakers aim to erase the projected two-year deficit without the tax increases sought by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

Their budget targets will show how much they aim to cut from spending areas such as schools, public safety and health and welfare programs.

But details on the cuts won't be available immediately. Instead, legislative committees will be charged with working out how to cut programs to fit the overall budget for their spending area. They face an internal March 25 deadline to finish that work.

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