Governor Mark Dayton came to Republican leaders with his budget which included a balanced approach, a mix of cuts and areas for new revenue, but GOP leaders in the House and Senate failed to budge on their budget of all cuts.
Since then, the GOP's failed leadership is being called out all around the state.
The Star Tribune published the results of a poll on May 15 which backs Governor Dayton's proposals. "Sixty-three percent of respondents said they favor a blend of higher taxes and service reductions to tackle the state's $5 billion projected deficit." Read here.
Also from the Star Tribune, local chambers of commerce recently came out in support of Dayton's revenue plan, rather than cutting local government aid. "[Local chambers] announce their preference for revenue increases over cuts to local aids as the best way to support local businesses." Read here.
The Marshall Independent has also come out in support of Dayton's plan of compromise: "Dayton calls his new plan reasonable, responsible middle ground, and we agree...By the way, Republicans rejected Dayton's proposal. So much for compromise." Read here.
In Rochester, the Post-Bulletin has published an editorial stating Dayton doesn't need to blink in budget negotiations. "With the possibility of a special session and even a government shutdown looming, Dayton and the GOP have to be asking themselves, 'Whom will the public blame if we don't reach a deal?' With a 54 percent approval rating, Dayton can feel confident that Republicans would take the bulk of the heat." Read here.
The Grand Forks Herald has also come out in support of Governor Dayton, stating that the GOP in Minnesota should listen to polls indicating that the majority in Minnesota want a balanced approach of new revenue and cuts: "GOP leaders should accept these findings, recognize the people’s will on this issue and craft a realistic compromise with Dayton." Read here.
The St. Cloud Times has also come out in support of the Governor, and in opposition to Republicans' all-cuts budget: "Republicans in the Minnesota House and Senate are about to make a choice — govern in the best interests of most residents or for the richest 2 percent of the state." Read here.
Minnesota Republicans have made their choice; they chose not to compromise and meet the Governor half way. They chose to stick with their all-cuts budget, going against the majority of Minnesotans.
Now, with the session officially ending tonight with no deal on the budget, the GOP has forced a special session and now threaten to shut down the government.
"Here I am in the middle," said Governor Dayton to the Star Tribune. "[A]nd they haven't moved."
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