“The final lap in a five-month session proved as messy as ever. Much of it stemmed from a tussle over an ample surplus and the return of split-party control — Republicans run the House and Democrats hold the Senate and governor’s office,” reports the Associated Press.
After working through the night, the House voted along party lines for a $17 billion education plan with $400 million in new school spending. The Democratic-controlled Senate is expected to follow suit later Monday. But Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton insists he’ll veto the bill because it leaves out money for a preschool expansion initiative at the core of his agenda.
Today’s Question: Should the legislature earmark funding for pre-kindergarten before adjournment?
Dayton emphasizes his pre-k plan is voluntary. "If they're blocking this, shame on them." #mnleg
— Catharine Richert (@CatRichert) May 17, 2015