Gov. Mark Dayton's standoff with GOP legislative leaders intensified Thursday, as he vowed to veto a $260 million tax-cut package unless there is a special session by early next week.
The DFL governor wants legislators to return to St. Paul in part to fix an error in the tax measure that would cost the state $101 million over three years.
"I'm not going to sign the tax bill with a $101 million error," Dayton told reporters, referring to a tax measure legislators approved nearly two weeks ago. "I'm not going to sign the tax bill if we don't have a special session by Monday."
The governor is also requiring GOP legislators to agree to more spending for statewide construction and road projects, along with new money to expand the Southwest Light-Rail Transit line. Additionally, Dayton wants legislators to reinstate a sales tax exemption for the Minnesota State High School League, which sends money to a scholarship program for low-income student athletes.
Republicans have rejected the call for new spending, saying they are happy to fix the tax bill and reinstate the tax break for the high school league. They say Dayton keeps changing his conditions for a special session and is exaggerating the impact of the drafting error on the tax bill.
"One thing that is vital in negotiating these final important issues is making sure we trust each other completely," House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, wrote in a letter to Dayton. "In order for us to trust each other, we must make sure our word is good."
Dayton and House Republicans exchanged one accusatory letter after another Thursday, sending them to reporters in an increasingly public show of political gamesmanship.
Hanging in the balance is millions in tax cuts or credits for outstate residents, veterans and students with college debt, provisions that both sides have been eager to promote in a high-stakes election year when all 201 legislative seats are on the ballot.