After back-to-back days when legislative leaders met until the early morning hours, budget negotiations at the capitol broke off before sunset Thursday.
"Gov. Walz took a break from negotiations to attend the annual Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Dinner," press secretary Teddy Tschann said. "Talks have wrapped for the evening but Gov. Walz remains focused on finding compromise. He’s confident we can reach a deal and is focused on making sure Minnesota doesn’t behave like Washington."
Lawmakers need to pass the major bills comprising the budget by Monday night's adjournment deadline. Time is running out to draft the bills before lawmakers can read and process them before voting.
Senate Republicans, meanwhile, moved forward a bill to fund the government in the event of a shutdown if there's no agreement by June 30.
"We are at somewhat of an impasse," Senate Finance Committee Chair Julie Rosen told reporters.