Dayton, Republicans Still Circling On Minn. Budget

ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says he's still waiting for legislative Republicans to send him a budget so they can start negotiating.

The Democratic governor held a news conference Friday to push the GOP majorities for their fix for a $5 billion deficit. Dayton says he hopes budget talks will pick up speed as a May 23 adjournment deadline approaches.

Republicans want to balance the budget through spending cuts while Dayton seeks to raise top income taxes.

In an unusual move for a legislative leader, GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch attended Dayton's news conference.

Koch says Dayton's plan lacks the votes to pass the Legislature.

She says lawmakers hope to gain Dayton's support before they send him their budget bills. Conference committees are still working on the bills.

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