Special Session Talks Nothing New for Minnesota

ST. PAUL -- Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders are eying a possible overtime session to resurrect a $1 billion public construction package and a $260 million tax relief bill. But their struggles to find a compromise are nothing new.

Talks of a special session last summer to rescue hurting businesses around Mille Lacs Lake petered out amid the early closure of walleye fishing season. Months of negotiations for a special session to extend Iron Range worker unemployment benefits eventually dissolved.

The only successful special session recently was last year, when the prospect of disrupted government services and thousands of layoffs helped pressure lawmakers into compromise.

After three weeks of private talks, Dayton says he's pessimistic they'll reach a compromise this time.