Questions Of Timing, Votes Rise Up As Leaders Shape Budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Rank-and-file Minnesota legislators are clamoring for time to digest newly assembled budget bills constructed in private before the Legislature returns for a quick special session to adopt them.

Democrats and Republicans outside leadership ranks are becoming more vocal about avoiding rushed consideration of bills containing billions of dollars in taxpayer spending. Lawmakers are under some pressure to act fast because planning around a potential July 1 government shutdown are proceeding in the absence of a ratified deal.

Legislative leaders and Gov. Mark Dayton's aides have held closed-door talks for two weeks about budgets for education, economic development, agricultural and natural resource programs.

Republican Senate Minority Leader David Hann says the Democratic majority can't necessarily bank on his caucus providing critical votes on bills as it did during the regular session.