ST. PAUL, MN—Governor Mark Dayton vetoed the supplemental budget bill (SF3656) and the tax conformity/school funding bill (HF947) Wednesday, blocking the first income tax cut in nearly two decades, important school safety funding, funding to help deputy registrars hurt by the MNLARS mess, funding to help avert a 7% cut for disability services, critical $16 million to combat Opioid abuse and more.
In the final week of the legislative session, lawmakers addressed nearly 70% of the specific concerns outlined by the governor, and provided up to $84 million in new funding for schools ($225 million in total when flexibility measures are added), meeting the governor more than halfway on his key priorities and concerns.
Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, issued the following statement about the governor's vetoes:
“I am incredibly disappointed with today’s news that Governor Dayton vetoed both the tax conformity and supplemental budget bills,” said Representative Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville). “These bills contained a number of items that would have helped millions of citizens all across Minnesota. Instead of signing these compromise bills into law, Governor Dayton has instead decided to play politics. Lakeville residents will specifically lose out on having provisions I authored to extend Metro Mobility Services for Lakeville, support services for vulnerable or homeless youth and consumer protections for people purchasing salvaged autos, in addition to reduced individual income tax rates. Unfortunately scores of Minnesotans will now suffer the consequences of his actions.”
The legislature's plan included an average of $96 in new per-pupil spending across the state, education dollars the governor repeatedly called an emergency. Now, these schools will receive no new money due to the veto by the governor.
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