GOVERNOR DAYTON

Minnesota Has $329 Million Budget Surplus

After previous indications that the Legislature may have to fill a budget shortfall

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton isn’t ready to start laying out specific plans for using a $329 million budget surplus. State budget officials delivered the good news of a surplus after previous indications that the Legislature may have to fill a budget shortfall. But the Democratic governor called the surplus modest and cautioned lawmakers against overspending. Dayton says…

Governor Dayton Looking to Borrow Money for Wish-List Construction Projects

He says the time is ripe to invest heavily in public construction

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton is pushing to borrow $1.5 billion for a vast list of public construction projects. The Democratic governor released his so-called bonding bill wish list. It puts a heavy emphasis on upkeep at public colleges and universities, expanding affordable housing options and improving water infrastructure across Minnesota. He says the time is ripe…

F-M Diversion Task Force Report to be Released

Mahoney says the proposal needs to qualify for DNR permits

  REGIONAL — A final report from the task force formed to help revive the stalled flood project for the Fargo-Moorhead area is expected to be released this week. Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, who also chairs the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority, expects the final plan to be a hybrid of all the task force options. Mahoney says the proposal needs to…

FM Diversion Task Force Report Due This Week

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, who also chairs the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority, expects the final plan to be a hybrid of all the task force options.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) _ A task force formed to help revive a stalled flood project for the Fargo area discussed many options, but the city’s mayor is hoping for one recommendation from the group’s efforts. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton assembled the task force following a judge’s decision to shut down the $2.2 billion Red…

Governor Dayton Authorizes National Guard for Protection During Super Bowl LII

The City of Minneapolis made the request to ensure that all Minnesotans and over one million expected visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience

  MINNEAPOLIS — Governor Mark Dayton has signed an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to protect people during Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. Dayton’s Executive Order follows a years-long public safety planning process between local law enforcement agencies and all levels of government. The City of Minneapolis made the request to ensure that all Minnesotans and over one…

Governor Dayton Defends BCA Over Justine Damond Investigation

Dayton says he understands the family is upset, but that the bureau has performed its job rigorously

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton is defending the state agency investigating the fatal shooting of an Australian woman by a Minneapolis police officer. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating Justine Damond’s killing last summer. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said last week that he didn’t yet have enough evidence to charge Officer Mohamed Noor, saying…

Governor Dayton Urging Congress to Save DACA

It protects young immigrants from deportation

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton is among 11 governors urging Congress to save DACA. It protects young immigrants from deportation. President Trump phased out the DACA program earlier this year, leaving Congress to negotiate a permanent replacement. Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Democratic Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and nine others wrote congressional leaders that their states are…

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to Take Over Franken’s Seat Early January

A specific date for Franken to step down has not been set

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Senator Al Franken says he expects his replacement, Democratic Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, to take over his seat in early January. Governor Mark Dayton appointed Smith to take his place until a special election to complete the final two years of Franken’s term. Last week, Franken said he would resign “in coming weeks” following…

Republican Legislators Respond to Minnesota Supreme Court’s Decision on Dayton Veto

Gov. Dayton says he's pleased with the ruling

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Republican legislative leaders are disappointed that the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld Gov. Mark Dayton’s line-item veto of the Legislature’s operating budget. After the ruling was posted, GOP House Speaker Kurt Daudt said of the justices, “We had hoped they would end this debacle and they did not.” Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said he was…

Gov. Dayton Calling on State Rep. Cornish to Resign Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Schoen and Cornish have both denied the allegations

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton calls the sexual harassment allegations at the State Capitol, “atrocities.” The governor has spoken out for the first time since allegations surfaced against at least two lawmakers. Multiple women have accused Republican State Representative Tony Cornish of sexual harassment. State Senator Dan Schoen, a member of the governor’s own Democratic Party, has…