Hope Of Special Session Revived Following Light Rail Drama

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton is holding out hope that lawmakers can return for a special session.

A tax relief package and $1 billion in public construction projects were the big prizes in a potential overtime session. But those talks fizzled out after months of negotiations as lawmakers stumbled on how to fund a proposed light-rail line to southwestern Minneapolis suburbs.

Dayton and transportation officials are moving forward with an alternate funding plan for the Southwest Light Rail line. Dayton said Thursday he's due to talk with Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt about trying again to call lawmakers back to St. Paul.

November's election is the big factor that could help or hinder special session odds. All 201 legislators are on the ballot this year.