Special Session Could be Scheduled Before Christmas

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's legislative leaders say they're closing in on a deal to offer financial help to residents facing big health insurance premium hikes.

Health insurance rates on the individual market are primed to jump by as much as 67 percent next year. Those increases set off weeks of negotiations for a special session to help those making too much to get federal subsidies.

Gov. Mark Dayton and top legislators said Friday they're nearing an agreement to offer rebates. The deal in the works would also resurrect a tax relief bill and public works package that failed in the 2016 session. They're eyeing a special session around Dec. 20.

But it's not a done deal yet. Dayton and Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt disagree on how to fund the premium rebates.