Legislative Session is Opportunity to Build an Even Better Minnesota

The following commentary is by Ken Martin, Minnesota DFL Party Chair:

As the final legislative session of Governor Mark Dayton’s administration kicks off at the State Capitol, it is a time for reflection and progress. It is a moment to recognize the many ways our state is better off since Governor Dayton first took office, and an opportunity to ensure every Minnesotan shares in this prosperity.

When Governor Dayton was sworn in, he inherited a struggling state. Former Governor Tim Pawlenty had left Minnesota in economic shambles. Pawlenty raided every single pot of funds possible so that he could say he didn’t raise taxes. He depended on short-term budget band-aids to keep Minnesota above water. He took billions from our schools and depleted local government aid. Unsurprisingly, our state was in a bad place at the end of his term. There was an over $6 billion deficit. Taxes unfairly favored the wealthy. Our schools were under-funded, and over 200,000 Minnesotans were out of work. Continue reading “Legislative Session is Opportunity to Build an Even Better Minnesota”