Special session update

This morning, Governor Dayton and legislative leaders emerged after a two-hour meeting on a potential special session. Leaders announced a special legislative session in late August, potentially the third week of August, to approve tax breaks and new spending for statewide construction and transportation projects.

Governor Dayton stated "Where there is a will there is a way. And I believe the will is there". Dayton described today's talks as constructive, with a cooperative spirit and sees a special session as "doable" now to re-pass a bonding bill and tax bill. Dayton says he has dropped his request for extra budget spending but his bonding requests are still in play. 

Speaker Daudt indicated that an invitation from Governor Dayton to have lunch on July 5 helped to ease tensions. Daudt commented that the water damage in the State Office Building that occurred on in the early morning of July 7 will not affect members from meeting during the special session.

Senate majority leader Tom Bakk says committees need to do some work before exact details of session can be firmed up. 

As talks progress, we will continue to send share updates.

The complete sound file from the press conference can be found HERE

The video will be made available later on the Senate Media site.