The Democratic governor rejected the bill with about 20 grade-school students standing behind him Bruce Vento Elementary School, shouting “Veto!” as he stamped the legislation.
Dayton said the bill tilted toward the wealthy and corporations and had too little for citizens.
But the governor also warned earlier this week that he wouldn’t sign a tax bill without the Legislature addressing his request for $138 million in emergency aid to schools.
The GOP tax proposal modestly cuts Minnesota income tax rates. Republicans argue that Dayton’s education request came too late in the session.
If Dayton wants to veto a tax bill based solely on its merit, then fine. But the idea that he dangles such legislation in an effort to coerce more spending elsewhere is pretty despicable, but sadly typical of him.
It was two years ago when there was significant bipartisan support for a tax relief package, one which Dayton insisted he wouldn't hold hostage if other issues went unresolved. Ah but merely two weeks after the 2016 session wrapped, the governor not only allowed the tax bill to go unsigned (aka a "pocket veto"), he then demanded that there be additional funding for the money suck that is Southwest Light Rail Transit et al. Only then would he call a special session to sign the tax bill which had the bipartisan support he required but then went back on his word to not hold it hostage at the conclusion of the regular session.
The Legislature adjourns Monday, but Sunday night is the deadline to pass bills. Dayton warned again Thursday that he will not call a special session.
I guess that's one serendipity in this whole saga in that the current legislative body never has to endure another session with this oaf heading up the executive branch.
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5 comments:
is it not also true that if he vetoes this budget after the legislature adjourns, there is no budget and the government shuts down? Did we not play this game before?
Actually this isn't a budget cycle, so no risk of a shutdown here. However, Dayton's veto of the tax package means a lack of conformity with the new federal tax laws. That'll make filing MN state returns that much more enjoyable, eh?
not only more enjoyable, but more expensive. Instead of 80 or 90% of the people – those with lower incomes – getting a tax cut and the rich paying more, everybody pays more! If it were not for the DFL's great ability to sell BS and call it Rose food, that would seem like a prescription for political suicide. You almost have me happy that he vetoed the bill. Since it was vetoed yesterday, though, I assume an override vote is being quickly scheduled? And if government is not shutting down, what is the purpose of this bill, again? Is it just about tax conformity?
Since it was vetoed yesterday, though, I assume an override vote is being quickly scheduled?
I highly doubt there are enough votes to even bother.
And if government is not shutting down, what is the purpose of this bill, again? Is it just about tax conformity?
Yes, that and providing general tax relief.
Thanks so much for providing information. So my assessment that this SHOULD be political suicide is still good. Question is whether the GOP can find a way to use this, or weenie out as usual.
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