Q&A: Gov. Dayton at an impasse with state Republicans

Dayton vetos budget bills
DFL Gov. Mark Dayton speaks at a news conference after vetoing all of the budget bills that the GOP-controlled Legislature sent to him for action, on Tuesday May 24, 2011 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn.
MPR Photo/Tim Pugmire

Minnesota DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican leaders haven't made any progress on a budget deal since the regular legislative session adjourned Monday night.

The state faces a $5 billion projected deficit over the next two years, and the two parties are far apart on their approaches to closing that gap.

If they don't break the stalemate by July 1, then most non-essential parts of state government will have to shut down. Sooner or later, the governor will need to call the Legislature into special session to pass a budget deal.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Gov. Dayton about the potential government shutdown, and what it will take to prevent that from happening.

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