Glad to see Dayton stands up to the Republicans

Gov. Dayton ignores last-minute pleas, lets $260M tax cut bill expire

http://www.startribune.com/dayton-gop-remain-at-impasse-as-clock-ticks-down-on-tax-bill/381984281/#1

Gov. Mark Dayton followed through on his pledge to veto a $260 million package of tax cuts at midnight Monday.

The veto came after Republican legislators again urged the governor to sign the bill, which would cut rates for a variety of taxpayers, including farmers, working families, veterans and student-loan debtors.

While Dayton said he supported many of the bill’s provisions, his administration caught an error that officials said would have cost the state treasury $101 million over the next three years. He also insisted that legislators renew a sales tax exemption for the Minnesota State High School League that funded scholarships for low-income athletes, a change accidentally left out.

The so-called pocket veto, in which the governor takes no action and lets the measure expire, abruptly reset negotiations between Dayton and legislative leaders for a special session. In order to call a legislative session, Dayton wants to fix the tax measure, but also is seeking millions of dollars in new spending for the University of Minnesota, clean-water projects and a new light-rail line from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie.

Republicans said they agreed to fix the tax bill, but objected to the new spending.

Dayton did not make any public statements or public appearances on the bill Monday, the legal deadline to make a decision on the measure.

=======

Several days ago when this topic was covered, some Republicans house members were concerned that they would not have anything to show for their time at the House.

Good.