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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton says he's standing firm in his insistence that lawmakers spend more on schools and less on potential tax cuts, even if it means a special session.
Dayton told The Associated Press late Friday that he'll accept no less than $550 million in fresh spending for schools, including some step toward universal preschool for 4-year-olds.
Top House and Senate lawmakers announced a tentative budget deal Friday that pumps an extra $400 million into education that leaves out Dayton's preschool initiative. Dayton said the announcement represented a bad-faith turn in negotiations.
Dayton argues lawmakers can find the money in a $1 billion pot being set aside for potential tax cuts and transportation spending.
Democratic Senate and Republican House leaders say they'll press ahead with their plan.
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