Minn. Republicans advance bill to trim $1B from state's budget deficit

House Republicans have advanced a bill to trim about $1 billion from the state's projected $6.2 billion budget deficit.

The House Ways and Means Committee approved the measure Monday on an 18 to 13 vote. The bill makes permanent about $840 million in temporary cuts from last session and cuts another $200 million from state agencies in the current budget period.

Republicans also amended the bill to include a wage freeze for state employees. Republican state Rep. Bob Gunther of Fairmont said the private sector has taken similar action on wages.

"I think it's appropriate that we lead by doing some of the same things," Gunther said. "It's something that is not pleasant, but in my way of thinking, it is necessary. Without doing it, I believe they'll have layoffs that won't be fun to watch."

DFL legislators complained the measure had received little public input. Gov. Mark Dayton says he doesn't want to see a piecemeal budget fix.