Gov. Mark Dayton
There’s *no* money in Governor Mark Dayton’s bonding request for a proposed expansion of the state prison in Rush City. Dayton says he ruled out major new facilities because of cost, opting instead to add beds at facilities in Willow River, Lino Lakes and Togo. But Dayton adds, “Just building another prison is not gonna be our answer.” He acknowledges Minnesota’s prisons are overcrowded and hopes sentencing and other issues will be on the legislature’s agenda this year. A state commission recently approved a controversial plan to reduce sentences for some non-violent drug offenses. Dayton adds it’s not necessary for the state to buy or lease the now-empty private prison in Appleton.