Dayton, GOP leaders to meet for budget talks

Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders plan to meet in the governor's office as they try to find common ground on solving the state's $5 billion budget deficit.

The Democratic governor and GOP lawmakers are scheduled to get together first thing Friday. With just four days left before the deadline to adjourn the regular session, there's been no few signs that the two sides are moving any closer together.

Republicans say they won't spend above their $34 billion, two-year budget plan. Dayton wants an additional $1.8 billion in state spending which he's proposed be paid for with an income tax increase on the state's wealthiest citizens. Republicans say that's a no-go.

Failure to resolve the budget differences by midnight Monday would likely result in an overtime session.

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