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Republicans say they weren't convinced by Gov. Mark Dayton's suggestions in his State of the State speech to borrow more money for state projects. 
 

 to $1.2 billion, far above an informal limit set by lawmakers last year. GOP House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt isn't ruling out going above that limit, but says DFL lawmakers have to make some choices of their own.

In speech, Dayton pushes public construction projects

Dayton: State investments require 'careful' approach

 
"We were a little bit frustrated with the governor's comments that it would take a bill the size of $1.2 billion to put projects like the 

 for southwestern Minnesota in the bill," Daudt told MPR News' Morning Edition Thursday. "Frankly, I think what needs to happen is the Democrats need to prioritize."

 
Most of the major legislation expected for this session has been passed, leaving the bonding bill the biggest priority before lawmakers have to adjourn May 19.

 
While Dayton used the State of the State to make his case for giving him another four years as governor, listing accomplishments and defending the rocky start of  MNsure, the state's health insurance exchange. 

 
The state has swung from budget deficits to a projected $1.2 billion expected surplus. Daudt said Minnesotans shouldn't forget the Republicans' contribution to that success.

 
Dayton, he said, reluctantly signed the Republican-crafted budget two years ago and warned Republicans would "suffer the consequences for this budget. Now he takes credit for those things. And frankly I think it's important to remember that there were some really positive results."

Hear Governor Mark Dayton's 2014 State of the State Address

Dayton touts accomplishments, urges passage of bonding bill

Full text of Gov. Mark Dayton's State of the State Address

Politics and Government News

2025 Minnesota legislative session

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Republicans say they weren't convinced by Gov. Mark Dayton's suggestions in his State of the State speech to borrow more money for state projects.

In his State of the State speech last night, DFL Gov. Mark Dayton touted the accomplishments of his first three-and-a-half years in office and called for even more state "investments" in transportation, education, health care and jobs.   He also called for a bonding bill of over a billion dollars.  MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with GOP House Minority Leader Rep. Kurt Daudt about the governor's speech.

Republican Daudt 'frustrated' with Dayton's call for bonding

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