Dayton Said He'd Sign Benefit Extension Bill With Tax Cuts

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton says he'll sign any bill that extends unemployment benefits for Iron Range miners — even if it includes a tax break for businesses.

Hopes of quickly offering financial aid to laid-off steelworkers have gotten bogged down over that tax dispute. House Republicans are pushing for nearly $260 million in rebates to businesses that furnish the state's unemployment insurance fund. Senate Democrats have vowed to pass them separately.

Dayton made clear Tuesday he doesn't support pairing the two items. But he said he'd begrudgingly sign any bill with a 26-week extension that the House and Senate agree on to get checks out the door.

But there's little indication the two sides may agree soon. Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk has said he'll continue opposing a paired tax cut.