Vets funding flap lingers at Capitol
A dust-up over state funding for veterans took a new twist today, when a Republican legislator questioned DFL Gov. Mark Dayton's leadership on the issue.
Sen. Mike Parry, R-Waseca, began criticizing the administration Friday during a meeting of the State Government and Veterans conference committee. He was upset that some of Dayton's commissioners had claimed that GOP budgets would result in cuts to veterans programs and possibly force the closing of a state veterans home. Parry, who insists the budget protects veterans from any cuts, said he raised the leadership question in a letter to Dayton and during a brief meeting in the governor's office.
"I know what leadership is all about," Parry said. "I come from a long line of military family. I grew up in a military family. I served the Army national guard for eight years. I know leadership, and this is not the kind of leadership that our state needs from our governor."
Parry also accused Dayton of misleading the military and veterans community. He told reporters that the governor appeared angry during their meeting.
Dayton spokesman Bob Hume said Parry's description of the meeting and the governor's mood were wrong. Hume said Dayton tried to resolve a budget disagreement.
"They had a very pointed conversation on funding for veterans and military affairs," Hume said. "There's very little in the budget that's more important than that, which is why we offered up common ground. The fact that they chose to reject it is unfortunate."
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.