Senate Vote Set for $900 Million Package Of Budget Cuts

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- A $900 million package of budget cuts that passed the House is expected to get a vote in the Senate on Thursday.

Senate approval would send the bill Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, who has criticized the legislation as a piecemeal approach to Minnesota's $6.2 billion deficit. Dayton hasn't issued an explicit veto threat.

The bill would cut state aid to cities and counties, public colleges and social service programs. It would also require the executive branch to eliminate $100 million in state agency spending before July.

The bill passed the House 68-61 on Wednesday.

Republicans who run the Legislature say the cuts would take a first swipe at the deficit. Minority Democrats have predicted it would drive up property taxes and tuition while cutting needed health and welfare services.

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