The Minnesota Senate is expected to vote on one-billion dollars in state budget cuts this week.  The GOP-controlled House narrowly passed its version of the bill last week.  Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch of Buffalo says this is an important first step.  The Senate version does not freeze state wages and calls for 125-million dollars in additional cuts this year.  The House plan slashes 200-million for fiscal year 2011.  Koch says the Senate will likely take up the bill Thursday.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is not in favor of such a piecemeal approach to balancing the budget.