![MN Budget Talks Focus on Health Care Issues](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/06/minnesota_state_capitol_flickr_user_TBoard.jpg?w=980&q=75)
MN Budget Talks Focus on Health Care Issues
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton and top Republicans are focusing on the most contentious area of state spending - health and welfare programs - as they try to head off a government shutdown.
The Democratic governor emerged from Tuesday morning budget talks with GOP leaders to say they would meet again in the afternoon.
Dayton says his top human services adviser is meeting with lawmakers who specialize in health programs and social services. Dayton spokeswoman Katie Tinucci says the discussions are centered on cuts in the human services budget.
GOP Deputy Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel (mish-ELL') says the talks are still "moving ahead."
There's little time to spare. Minnesota is about 60 hours away from its second government shutdown in six years.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Walz: Minnesota Won’t Leave Anyone Behind During Shutdown](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/01/Untitled-design-23.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Government Shutdown Delaying Bad Habit’s Move](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/01/IMG_0198-e1547230452405.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud VA Will Stay Open During Government Shutdown](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/11/St.-Cloud-VA-Medical-Center-Stock-Image.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota to Review Offer for Reopening National Parks](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/11/Minnesota-State-Parks.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ventura’s New Cause: Government Shutdown Petition](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/01/Jesse-Ventura.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Top 5 at 7:45; Things I Wouldn’t Trust a Congressman With](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/10/182601975.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Shutdown Slowed Fiscal ’12 Tax Collections](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2010/12/money.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![I-94 Resurfacing Project To Start Between Albany And Collegeville](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/09/road_construction_flickr_user_London_looks_A.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Government Shutdown Impacting Highway Road Construction Projects](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/04/road-construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)