With just over 10 days until a state government shutdown, Republican legislative leaders took on DFL Governor Mark Dayton by saying over the last 90 days, they have proposed and offered three negotiated budget solutions, while they say the governor has chosen to not release any detailed budget solution.
Dayton responded “the Republican legislative majorities showed themselves to be completely out of touch with reality. Everyone knows that over a month ago, the Governor offered to compromise and to meet the GOP half-way between their two budgets. Everyone knows that it’s the Republicans, who have refused to budge from their position.”
“Over the last 90 days, the Republican majorities in the legislature have offered three different proposals that solve the state budget deficit, in some cases, meeting Gov. Dayton’s funding requests 100 percent of the way,” said Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch. Republicans also renewed their push for Gov. Dayton to call them back into special session.
Meanwhile the governor filed a brief in Ramsey County District Court supporting the Minnesota courts’ position that they should be funded in a shutdown. Governor Dayton’s brief states: “Fundamental to the rule of law is the existence and operation of the judicial department” established by the Minnesota Constitution. The brief notes that shutting down the courts for lack of an appropriation would threaten the lives and safety of the people of Minnesota.
The only thing the GOP offered where more “shifts” of money. In no way did they “compromise”.
Hard to believe that the Republicans are willing to sacrafice the State of Minnesota for their extreme ideology, but it seems to be happening. How sad.