DFL Lawmakers Make Stop In St. Cloud To Talk Budget Stalemate

ST. CLOUD -- Three Democratic lawmakers made a stop in St. Cloud today to talk about the end of the Legislative session and a special session that will be needed to approve a new state budget.

Representative Larry Hosch of St. Joseph and Representative John Ward of Brainerd were joined by Assistant Senate Minority Leader Terri Bonoff of Minnetonka.

Bonoff says the Republican majority has been unwilling to compromise on new revenue streams.  The three echoed sentiments that the Republican leadership in the House and Senate need to come to the table ready to compromise.

Democrats say the G-O-P budget would cut $25.7-million from St. Cloud Hospital, $5.2-million in Local Government Aid and 14-percent off of the Higher Education Budget. They say it could translate into a $2.6-million increase in property taxes in St. Cloud.

It's not clear when Governor Dayton will call a special session.