Reaction to Dayton State of State Address

Mark Dayton has delivered his first State of the State address before a combined chamber of state senators and representatives.  He says he would still like to raise taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans to help balance a budget that is showing a $6.2 billion revenue shortfall.

The Governor also said he would like to increase funding for primary education.  And, he asked legislators not to shut down government in June as they battle over how to best solve the state's budget woes.

Reaction to the Governors followed party lines.  DFL State Representative John Ward of Brainerd said he liked it, impressed by the effort to find common solutions  However, Republican State Representative Mike LeMieur is a little more skeptical.  He says he is concerned about any increase in spending, even if it is for education.