Minnesota Leaders Reach Deal to End Shutdown

Minnesota might be open for business in a matter of days. The Democratic governor and Republican leaders reached a budget deal today after a three-hour negotiating session, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The deal still needs final legislative approval, but Gov. Mark Dayton said the two-week shutdown will be over "very soon, within days." The GOP leaders of the state House and Senate said they had the necessary votes.

Dayton agreed to give up on a tax hike, a promise he had campaigned on last year, notes AP. Republicans scrapped a plan to cut the state workforce by 15%, among other things. "No one's going to be happy with this, which is the essence of real compromise," Dayton said. "This is an agreement that is, I think, difficult for both sides," said GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch. Bartenders, however, will no doubt be thrilled. (More Minnesota stories.)