Transportation Funding, Tax Cuts at Stake in Stare Down

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Legislative leaders are entering a stare down as time runs out at the Minnesota Capitol.

Gov. Mark Dayton and leaders from the House and Senate are trying to hammer out deals on transportation funding, tax cuts and other spending. But they emerged from the latest in a series of private meetings reporting little progress.

All sides are holding firm to some of their positions. Dayton says he won't sign a tax bill if the Legislature doesn't put up money for a preschool program, extra funding for the state's mental health facilities and other spending. House Republicans maintain they won't fund mass transit projects. Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says that component is necessary for a transportation package to get his support.

Time is running out. The Legislature will adjourn Monday.