ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says Wednesday is the day for "final breakthroughs" in budget negotiations with Republican legislative leaders, with a government shutdown two days away.

The Democratic governor and lawmakers wrapped up talks on health and welfare programs Tuesday afternoon with a plan to continue negotiating on Wednesday.

Dayton says he will call a special session only if they reach a budget deal first. He wouldn't predict whether the breakthrough will come.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch says lawmakers have been gearing up for a special session and are ready to return to the Capitol.

Neither would say how close they are to bridging major disputes over taxes and spending.

Most of state government will shut down midnight Thursday without some kind of spending authority in place.

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

 

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