 House and Senate Republicans are nearly ready to take on Democratic Governor Mark Dayton in budget negotiations. GOP legislative leaders announced Friday they agreed to a rough framework for a nearly $45 billion two-year budget that doesn't include more than $1 billion in tax aides and cuts. Lawmakers still need to work out the specifics behind those numbers, including which tax provisions will make the cut. Republican-controlled legislature and Dayton will have to find agreement between vastly different visions for the state's next budget. The legislature has until May 22nd to finalize its budget. Dayton's administration has criticized Republican budget proposals as relying on fuzzy math. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.