ST. PAUL – Governor Mark Dayton delivered his State of the State address to Minnesota Legislators this evening on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Governor Dayton emphasized the strong fiscal health of Minnesota’s budget and reiterated his desire to see the $900 million budget surplus used for strong investments in Minnesota’s roads, bridges, and broadband internet infrastructure to continue economic growth, and investments in students from pre-kindergarten to college. He also made a strong call to Minnesota legislators, government agencies and businesses to work together to end racial disparities.
“Governor Dayton has been a champion for children and families, and he proved that again tonight. I was encouraged to hear his strong support for our youngest learners, and their working parents. The Governor has proven by enacting paid parental leave for state employees, that we can have major impacts if we simply try- and that’s what we have the opportunity to do now for every family in Minnesota,” said Rep. Peggy Flanagan (DFL – St. Louis Park). “Our economic recovery still hasn’t reached many families, and especially Minnesota’s communities of color, and we need to seize the moment now while we have a budget surplus to take significant, meaningful legislative action to give parents a helping hand and to create an economy that works better for all Minnesotans.”
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