Governor Mark Dayton is expected to announce his proposals this week to improve security in Minnesota schools as officials remain on alert after mass shootings in Florida. He says state funding will be a “top priority” — and what about President Trump’s proposal for trained armed teachers in classrooms? Dayton said last week, “It’s his argument for having people in the school who have connections with the students and care and concern…. I mean, that’s a valid point. But does it outweigh other considerations? Again, I’m not taking a position on that question.”
Dayton continues pushing for background checks on private sales of firearms and at gun shows, after a similar measure stalled last week in the Minnesota House. He says, “Anybody who’s standing in the way of good, common-sense measures to provide some greater protection and safety to our children and to our citizens on the street, need to explain themselves to the voters.” Opponents of background checks say it’s been proven they do nothing to lessen the chance of mass shootings.
Dayton says he’s all in favor of banning assault weapons and bump stocks, but “I don’t think it has a ghost of a chance of passing.”