Negotiations Continue as Adjournment Deadline Approaches

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — State lawmakers have made headway in St. Paul on tax relief and spending packages but still have much to do as a looming midnight Sunday deadline approaches.

Legislative leaders holed up for hours of private meetings throughout Saturday, stretching into early Sunday morning. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk and Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt said late Saturday evening they had reached broad agreements on budget areas that would meet the governor's demands.

On Sunday morning a joint committee of lawmakers finished their work on that spending package, but it still needed to pass both chambers later in the day. The House began taking up a $260 million package of tax cuts and credits.

Leaders have yet to strike deals on a transportation funding plan and a public works package. They cannot pass bills past midnight Sunday.