The GOP leaders turned down Gov. Dayton's latest offer made yesterday. Dayton proposed a $1-per-pack tax increase on cigarettes. House Speaker Zellers (R-Maple Grove) called Dayton's offer “very disappointing and a step backwards. We’ve made it very clear that we do not believe we need a tax increase to balance our budget,” Zellers said.

As an alternative to the cigarette tax, Dayton offered to make his previously proposed income tax increase on millionaires into a temporary, two-year surcharge. An increased school aid payment shift, health care surcharges, and various tax reforms are also included as part of both budget offers.