Governor Dayton Signs Executive Orders Implementing Medicaid Opt-In In First Act as Governor.
Governor Dayton opened the reception room of his office to those who support and those who oppose his signing of the executive orders. He invited both supporters and protesters to speak from the podium. When asked by a reporter why he took such an unusual position, Governor Dayton stated, "This is an office where all points of view are honored and respected." He went on to say, "Let me invite up here anyonw who'd like to speak agains the proposal, and you can have the same four minutes that I just took to make my statement."
Read: "They Came To Protest; He Gave Them The Podium" by Jim Ragsdale, St. Paul Pioneer Press, 1/6/11
Monday, January 3, 2011Our democracy provides for a peaceful transfer of power from one elected administration to the next. Minnesota citizens filled the historic Landmark Center witnessing Governor Mark Dayton; Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon; Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie; State Auditor, Rebecca Otto, and Minnesota Attorney General Laurie Swanson take their Oath of Office.
In his address, Governor Dayton stated, "I have three top priorities and I ask all of you to work with me cooperatively and constructively to achieve them.
1. To bring more jobs to Minnesota
2. To balance the State Budget fairly
3. To improve government services"
"To all Minnesotans, I ask you to remember the words of the Roman philosopher-leader, Cicero that in a democracy, the most important office is that of citizen. I ask you to remember that our state's success is also your responsibility. I invite you to get involved in the betterment of our communities."
Let's Get Minnesota Working Again...By Working Together : full text of Governor Dayton's Speech
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Noon the Minnesota Legislature Convenes
The website for the Minnesota State Legislature http://www.leg.state.mn.us/ provides comprehensive links to Senate News, House News; Statutes, Laws and Rules; Legislative Offices; Legislative Schedule, etc. to assist Minnesota citizens in keeping abreast of actions at the Minnesota State Legislature.
