The Latest: Spokesman says Dayton let tax relief bill die

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Latest on Gov. Mark Dayton and his decision on the tax relief bill approved by the Minnesota Legislature (all times local):

12:01 a.m.

Gov. Mark Dayton has let a $260 million package of tax relief for farmers, college graduates and parents with childcare costs die without his signature.

Dayton spokesman Matt Swenson said just after midnight that the governor did not sign the bill.

The Democratic governor had refused to sign the measure, which Republicans touted as a major achievement, unless they agreed to several demands for a special session. The governor’s list includes extra money for the state’s public universities and for a pair of state investment programs.

Dayton also cited a wording error in the bill that could cost more than $100 million in charitable gambling taxes that the state is counting on to help pay its share of the Minnesota Vikings’ new stadium

It’s possible the two sides will still get together to agree on a special session that would also revive the tax bill. But Republicans had accused Dayton of holding the bill hostage to extract more spending.

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7:40 p.m.

A spokesman says Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton will let a tax relief bill approved by Minnesota lawmakers die without his signature.

Dayton spokesman Matt Swenson said Monday evening the Democratic governor’s position has not changed. Swenson says Dayton “will not sign a tax bill that includes a $101 million error.”

Dayton has vowed he won’t sign the package of tax cuts and credits unless lawmakers agree to fix the drafting error and also put up extra funding for the state’s public university systems and other priorities.

The governor has until midnight Monday to sign the bill passed by lawmakers late last month. If Dayton doesn’t sign before the deadline, the bill fails — a manoeuvr called a “pocket veto.”

Dayton has invited legislative leaders to meet with him privately on Tuesday.

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9 a.m.

The fate of tax cuts for Minnesota farmers, college students and parents with child care costs is up in the air.

Gov. Mark Dayton faced a Monday deadline to sign the Legislature’s $260 million tax relief bill after days of vowing he might veto it unless lawmakers meet his additional demands. The timing of the governor’s action was unclear.

The tax bill has become leverage in ongoing talks for a special session to wrap up unfinished work. A package of public works projects and transportation funding didn’t pass before the Legislature adjourned late last month.

But Dayton also wants extra funding for the state’s public university systems. House Republicans have accused the Democratic governor of holding the tax bill hostage.