Office of the Governor, Mark Dayton and Yvonne Prettner Solon, Lt. Governor

February 2011

• Dayton Calls for Legislative Action on Delayed Tax Payments to Help Minnesota Businesses
  
  February 28, 2011 - Governor Mark Dayton today sent a letter to Legislative Leadership, calling for action to stop the delay of tax refund payments to Minnesota businesses as a budget-balancing tool. The Legislature enacted this delay of $150 million in tax refunds during the 2010 legislative session.
• Dayton to Eliminate Surcharge, Restore Promise on Top-Tax Rate; Restore Funding for Seniors’ Long-term Care
  
  February 28, 2011 - Following a forecast showing a nearly $1.2 billion improvement in Minnesota’s budget deficit, Governor Mark Dayton today moved quickly to revise his proposed budget to promote economic growth and maintain his commitment to a fair, responsible and balanced budget.
• Governor, Legislature reach agreement on Alternative Teacher Licensing
  
  February 28, 2011 - Governor Mark Dayton today sent a letter to the Chairs of the House and Senate Education Committees regarding SF40, the Alternative Pathway to Teacher Licensing bill. The letter outlines a compromise and agreement regarding SF40 and the Governor’s intent to sign the bill, if passed as outlined.
• Notice of Appointments
  
  February 28, 2011 - Today the following appointments were announced.
• Dayton Makes Multiple Appointments
  
  February 18, 2011 - Governor Mark Dayton today announced the following appointments.
• Dayton signs SF139 into law
  
  February 17, 2011 - Governor Mark Dayton today signed into law Senate File 139, a bill related to online notification of EPA-certified lead abatement licensed contractors.
• Minnesota Receives Federal Approval for Medical Assistance Expansion
  
  February 17, 2011 - Governor Dayton announced today that Minnesota has received federal approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand its Medical Assistance (MA) program. Starting March 1st more low income Minnesotans will be eligible for Medicaid benefits, which will result in better care for more people and at less cost to the state.
• Dayton Delivers Budget that Keeps Promises to Minnesotans
  
  February 15, 2011 - Governor Mark Dayton today unveiled his FY12-13 Budget, keeping his promises to increase funding for education, hold down property taxes, and reform state government to maintain core services. Dayton’s fair, responsible, and balanced budget ensures no tax increase for 95% of Minnesotans while raising revenue to address our state’s financial crisis and lingering deficits.
• Dayton Appoints to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
  
  February 15, 2011 - Governor Mark Dayton today announced appointments to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
• Governor Dayton to join Commerce Secretary in launching Small Business Export Initiative
  
  February 14, 2011 - Governor Mark Dayton will participate in the first New Markets, New Jobs tour as it stops in Minnesota this Thursday, February 17th. The conference is aimed at helping small and medium sized businesses expand by increasing export opportunities, allowing for economic growth and new jobs.