DFL Gov. Mark Dayton told Republican lawmakers Tuesday that he is prepared to take the budget fight into next year to get a tax increase through the Legislature.

The statement, in a private breakfast meeting, came shortly before House Republicans defeated the governor's proposal to raise income taxes on Minnesota's richest 2 percent. After hours of emotional debate, the plan went down 60-73.

The vote gave Republicans final proof that their members don't support a tax increase. It gave Democrats a chance to vigorously defend their vision, which includes the higher taxes Dayton wants. Republicans' decision to force votes on the governor's plan was a sign of how far things have melted down.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are readying the rest of their budget bills for the governor's near-certain vetoes. The warring parties have just six days to bridge their gaping divide before the regular session ends on Monday. But Tuesday only moved the them further apart.

Barring agreement, a special session will be needed to settle the state's two-year spending plan and solve a $5 billion deficit. There is little sign an agreement could come even in June. If they can't agree by July 1, the state's government would begin shutting down.

Filed Under : Tax Increases