Gov. Mark Dayton
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Mark Dayton said today (Tues) that Republicans are “solely” responsible for there being no special session. Dayton wanted to call lawmakers back to Saint Paul early to extend unemployment benefits for Iron Range miners, take steps toward making Minnesota drivers licenses comply with federal requirements, and address economic disparities in communities of color. Dayton says “the only thing standing between [Iron] Rangers and relief is that Republicans are unwilling to do what’s right for Minnesota families.” Dayton adds House Republicans made a “ridiculous” proposal to extend unemployment benefits in exchange for business tax breaks. The legislature goes into regular session in just over a month, and Republicans say the issues can wait until then.