Layoff Notices Set To Hit State Workers' Desks 1 Month Before Shutdown

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Starting Monday, thousands of Minnesotans will find an unwanted warning in their mailboxes.

The state will begin to send out layoff notices to state employees who could be impacted if a budget deal isn't reached by July 1. The last time that happened was in 2011.

No negotiations were held this weekend. Gov. Mark Dayton said the two sides remain $50 million apart. While that's a small slice of the budget, some say it's not money that's preventing an deal.

"The last teachers hired are the first teachers to be let go," political analyst Larry Jacobs explained. "The Republicans and some Democrats have said they would like to see that revised to bring performance in."

Gov. Dayton dropped his push for universal pre-kindergarten and asked for an additional $150 million in education spending. Republicans haven't shared publicly what their offers are.

Lawmakers won't call a special session until an agreement is made.