Dayton says jobs more important than stock market

Gov. Mark Dayton says he's working to create more jobs in Minnesota and not focusing on the downturn in the stock market.

Dayton told reporters today that the recent downgrade of American debt is a signal that the federal government is spending too much money. He said he isn't sure how it will impact the state's budget but said he'll focus on jobs across the state of Minnesota.

"Employment really is what drives the state," he said, adding that stock prices aren't as significant as the number of people working and paying taxes. "Even though Minnesota is relatively better off, our employment growth has been relatively stagnant."

Dayton wouldn't say exactly what he'll be doing to attract more jobs to Minnesota. He told MPR News earlier that a few measures passed in the state budget should help attract investment in Minnesota.