Minnesota House and Senate Democrats are laying down a few markers on the upcoming budget debate: Any deal must include spending cuts, a redesigned tax system that draws more from the state's wealthiest and an on-time, no government shutdown guarantee.
 
New House speaker Paul Thissen said the DFL wants move past gridlock at the state capital.  They provided few specific details. But Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says corporations that do business abroad should expect fewer exemptions on Minnesota taxes for their overseas earnings. Changes to the state's sales, income and property taxes are also in play.

Republican Senate Leader David Hann responded saying the state's budget outlook has improved because of Republican efforts of finding efficiencies, smart reforms, and prioritizing spending. New Minnesota business filings are up 18% and unemployment has gone down. More than 55,000 new Minnesota jobs have been created in the last year.  Hann said now is not he time change course.