B105 TODAYS BEST COUNTRY » Mark Dayton

Minnesota Legislators Look to Increase State Minimum-Wage

David Drew — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:00:37 +0000

In his State Of The Union address, President Obama called for a raise in the federal minimum wage to $9 an hour. Minnesota’s minimum wage is currently $6.15, which is less than the federal minimum, and state legislators look to change that. StarTribune.com is reporting that Governor Mark Dayton, House Speaker Paul Thissen and Senate [...]

FEMA Denies Appeal For Individual Flood Aid

David Drew — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 01:37:45 +0000

When FEMA originally denied individual flood-disaster aid for Northland residents, Governor Mark Dayton formally appealed their decision. It appears the appeal was in vain as it has been officially denied. Our partners at The Northland’s NewsCenter are reporting that in a letter to the Governor on Friday, FEMA reaffirms the original findings that the damage [...]

Governor Mark Dayton Appeals FEMA Decision

David Drew — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 07:13:16 +0000

Recently FEMA denied individual aid to flood victims in our area. Obviously this was not a popular decision and created hardship for many of our neighbors. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton does not support this decision at all and he’s trying to get FEMA to reconsider with his appeal. Dayton cited the preliminary assessment of more [...]

Governor Dayton Signs Mock Bill In Fight Against Synthetics

David Drew — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:43:50 +0000

Just this week The Last Place On Earth was raided by authorities based the selling of synthetic drugs. Our partners at The Northland's News Center are reporting that today Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a mock bill that will expand the definition of illicit synthetic substances.

Governor Dayton Makes Formal Request For Flood Aid And Announces Special Session

David Drew — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 04:06:27 +0000

After seeing firsthand the flood damage in the Northland, and after FEMA visited our area as well, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has has sent his recommendation for federal disaster relief to President Obama today.

Our media partners at the Northland's News Center reports that the Governor will be calling a special session of the legislature.

After Years Of Discussion And A Reality That The Vikings Could Leave, A Stadium Plan Is Approved

David Drew — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:33:58 +0000

I have been following this for awhile and 'As The Stadium Turns' appears to be ending with the end result being a brand new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Will this benefit Viking's owner Zygi Wilf? Of course it will but he is the one who is putting up the lions share of money for the stadium, and more than most NFL owners are on the hook for. The big picture is that this will benefit the state too and not just with the instant construction jobs it creates.

Senate Approves Vikings Stadium Bill With Changes Of Their Own

David Drew — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:39:33 +0000

Monday the House passed a stadium plan with some modifications. Tuesday it was the Senates turn and after 11 hours of debate, they also have passed a Vikings stadium bill by a vote of 38-28. Like the House, the Minnesota Senate made changes and now the two sides must compromise before sending the bill to its final destination to be signed by Governor Mark Dayton.

Vikings Stadium Plan Passes Minnesota House; Ownership Asked To Pay More

David Drew — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:01:20 +0000

In a big step forward for those who support a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota House voted 73-58 to approve a public subsidy package for a new stadium, The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. It will now head toward the state Capitol for final passage. The stadium project could go to the Senate for a vote as soon as today. If all goes well, it could be ready for Governor Mark Dayton to sign into law by the end of the week. However, Viking's owner Zygi Wilf may not be 100% pleased with the plan that was passed.

With Top NFL Officials Arriving, Vikings Stadium Bill Inches Forward But Still Has Long Way To Go

David Drew — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:23:46 +0000

Roger Goddell is now in Minneapolis, showing just how serious this matter is to the state of Minnesota and the NFL. I respect Mr. Goddell a lot and I think he will be shocked at the lack of understanding some of the politicians have in Minneapolis. Rep. Ann Lenczewski, DFL-Bloomington who opposes the bill wants to know if Governor Mark Dayton called Roger Goddell or if he came on his own. Ann, WHO CARES?! This is a major issue that needs your complete understanding and you're tied up in who called who? This isn't high school student council, where I'm sure you completely rocked. This just illustrates how out of focus some of the politicians are on not just this, but a myriad of issues.

Dayton Decries Photo ID Push With A 'Veto'

David Drew — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:49:32 +0000

I posted a story on this last week and thought that it wasn’t a bad idea to require more identification to vote. My point was that government issued ID’s are required for the most basic things such as opening a checking account so why not require such identification for something as important as voting? With [...]

Governor Vetoes Expansion Of Use Of Deadly Force

David Drew — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:53:50 +0000

I tend to agree with the governor in that the concerns of our law officers needs to be taken into account as they are the ones who would deal with this type of activity more than the average citizen. What are your thoughts?

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton on Monday vetoed a bill that would have expanded the cases in which people could use deadly force, siding with objections from law enforcement who said

State Contribution To New Vikings Stadium: $398 Million

David Drew — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:58:44 +0000

I think today brought fantastic news in that the Minnesota Vikings are as close as they've been to staying put and having a new facility that will help the entire state. There are still some political obstacles to get over, but the momentum is positive.

After days of intense, closed-door meetings, DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday morning announced an agreement for what the governor called, "a new people's stadium" in downtown Minneapolis.

Rep. Lanning: Dayton's 'Harsh' Words Do Not Help Vikings Stadium Deal

David Drew — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:54:03 +0000

Politicians crack me up, it's like never growing up. "You hurt my feelings, now I'm going to hurt yours you poopy butt!". Hopefully cooler heads prevail and they quit being so crazy sensitive.

Gov. Mark Dayton’s pointed comments Monday that Senate Republicans were “unfit to govern” may affect one of the biggest issues at the state Capitol – whether to pass legislation for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium.

Unexpected $876 Million State Surplus Comes With Caution

David Drew — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:12:49 +0000

The state of Minnesota got unexpected news withe this $876 million state surplus. However it looks like all Minnesota residents won’t be receiving a check anytime soon. Although they predict the state will end the two-year budget cycle with a surplus, the state’s economic gurus are not dancing in the streets. Still, the $876 million [...]

Dayton, Legislators: Maybe Watching A Vikings Game Would Help Get Everyone On The Same Page

David Drew — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:30:10 +0000

Hey, whatever it takes to get this stadium issue resolved right? I picture a bunch of guys in Polo shirts and Dockers watching a game together. Wonder if they will have beer and nachos? What I really think they should do is watch a game together at the Metrodome. Then they will see the passion of the fans inside and outside of the stadium and how busy nearby businesses are for the game.

Maybe if everyone just sat down and watched a Minnesota Vikings game things would work out.

Dayton: Legislators Should Be Leaders On Vikings Stadium

David Drew — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:05:28 +0000

Sounds like Governor Mark Dayton understands that having a professional team and a stadium is about way more than just building a playground to get an owner rich. It's about long term state revenue, jobs and community. Whether this leadership actually leads to a solution remains to be seen, but it's a start.
Gov. Mark Dayton Tuesday put pressure on lawmakers to step forward to help build a new Minnesota Vikings stadium.

Minnesota State Shutdown's Over With Dayton's Signature On 12 Bills

David Drew — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:48:56 +0000

We knew it was getting close, but it looks like we can officially say the shutdown for the state of Minnesota has reached its end.

It's over. Finally.

Gov. Mark Dayton ceremoniously signed a dozen bills Wednesday morning that will turn the lights back on for Minnesota's government and close the door on a shutdown that was the longest in recent U.S. history.

In the course of three minutes, he signed a 10-inch stack of bills that will eliminate the state's $5 billion budget deficit and said that "effective tomorrow, be back to work." Dayton also said that the shuttered state parks, one of residents' flashpoints during the shutdown, now in its 20th day, will reopen Thursday.

The reason the resumption of services won't resume immediately, his aides said Tuesday, is that state law requires a day for newly-enacted laws to trigger the

Little Progress Emerges From First Post-Shutdown Talks

David Drew — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 02:11:25 +0000

The first day since the holiday weekend and sadly there is no encouraging news as of yet.

Leaders at the Capitol emerged Tuesday from the latest negotiations since the shutdown began with little progress to announce.

In fact, things may have taken a step backward.

Republicans renewed their request for the governor to call a special session

Will They Stay Or Will They Go? The Minnesota Vikings May Have A Friday Deadline For Stadium

David Drew — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:34:49 +0000

Remember when the Minnesota North Stars left? The first thing the state did was put together a plan to get an NHL franchise back. If the Minnesota Vikings leave, that will happen again but there are no guarantees of the state getting another team nor would it be deserving of one if they lose the Vikings. The difference is right now the state and Vikings have an opportunity to work things out, if both sides sincerely want to. If they don't I believe we'll see the Minnesota Vikings move to L.A.

Minnesota Vikings owners and Gov. Mark Dayton emerged from a summitmeeting Tuesday pledging to try to plug by Friday a funding hole of up to $131 million in the team's proposed new $1 billion Arden Hills home.

That hole appeared no smaller after Dayton reiterated

Dayton: Vikings Should Pay Up To Half The Cost Of New Stadium

David Drew — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:26:38 +0000

The governor has never publicly said what he thought the team should cover and now perhaps his comments will begin a negotiating process? I would love to see the Vikings get a stadium and I think using casino revenues and an increase in sports merchandise tax is a good path for public costs so it won't impact everyone. While Vikings brass may not want to pay that much out of pocket, they must be happy that there is a conversation on topic rather than indifference.
Gov. Mark Dayton, the most important booster at the State Capitol for a subsidized Minnesota Vikings stadium, said Monday that the team should pay more than they've publicly committed for the stadium.

Vikings officials say the team would pay a third of the cost of a roofless stadium, estimated at about $700 million. The stadium bill recently introduced also puts the team's contribution at a third of the cost, requiring at least $1 for every $2 of state and local money.