SAINT PAUL, Minn. — As the calendar flips to June, state lawmakers are still working to finalize the next two-year budget in order to avoid a partial government shutdown that would begin July 1.

Gov. Walz, who has been meeting regularly with legislative leaders over the past several weeks, did not meet personally with them on Monday, according to his office. However, the governor's spokesperson said his negotiating team was in contact with lawmakers, and Gov. Walz is likely to join them Tuesday to continue final negotiations. After speaking at Democratic state conventions in South Carolina and California this weekend, his office has not said whether he has returned to Minnesota yet.

By law, only Gov. Walz can call a special session to finish the budget. After lawmakers missed their deadl

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