Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Dayton, leaders agree on a disaster-only special session

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

agreement 002

Minnesota House and Senate leaders have agreed to hold a one-day special session on Sept. 9 that will be limited to disaster aid for counties.

Lawmakers will provide the $4.7 million to match federal disaster aid to 18 counties damaged by storms and flooding in June. Another $1 million for two counties hit by winter ice storms might also be included in the mix.

The Legislature will not take up any of the recent proposals to revisit tax measures passed last session.

Democrats had wanted to approve a sales tax exemption for farm machinery repairs, while Republicans had pushed for the full repeal of three new taxes. But none of those issues were included in the agreement letter signed Wednesday morning, said House Speaker Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis.

"You know we really want to get focused in on delivering this disaster relief," Thissen said. "We've had the discussion about these taxes. I think those discussions will go on. But right now we want to focus on delivering disaster relief for the people of Minnesota."

Thissen said there will be public meetings beginning next week to allow legislators a chance to better understand the disaster aid proposal.

House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said Republicans are also committed to providing disaster relief and the tax debate can come later.

Daudt said the tax repeals are still a priority for Republicans. He said there will be continued pressure to bring those issues up at the beginning of the 2014 regular session

Gov. Mark Dayton said Republicans wanted $314 million in tax repeals but never offered a plan to pay for them.