With budget in focus, a look at Minnesota’s leaders

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - It’s closing in on deal-making time for the Minnesota Legislature.

Lawmakers have just over four weeks to finalize a new state budget before the Legislature adjourns in late May. But the brunt of the negotiating will fall to Gov. Mark Dayton and the leaders of the Republican House and Senate.

The trio of leaders has a lot of ground to cover to strike a deal. Dayton is seeking more in government spending than Republicans want, including a $175 million expansion for his prized preschool program.

The GOP is pushing for a hefty package of tax breaks and a transportation funding plan without a gas tax hike.