The long battle between Governor Mark Dayton and Republicans over his veto of the legislature’s operating funds might finally be resolved when lawmakers return to the Capitol February 20th. One of the first things the legislature will likely do is pass a bill to restore its own funding. The governor indicates, as long as no extraneous provisions are attached, he will either sign it or let it become law without his signature. Dayton says, “I want to put this matter behind us and we have a big agenda for the legislative session, as the legislature does, and I want to work constructively together to achieve what we can working together for the people of Minnesota.” Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt (DOWT) said earlier, “Our intent is to pass a bill funding the legislature that looks exactly like it did when we sent it the last time.”
Republicans and the governor ended up in court after Dayton vetoed the legislature’s funding, trying to force lawmakers to rescind certain tax breaks. Republicans refused, tapping reserve funds to keep the legislature operating through February 20th when lawmakers go back into session.
Gov. Dayton’s comments from Monday:
Comments on November 16th by House Speaker Kurt Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka: