Dive Brief:
- Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton caved on Friday in his push to secure universal preschool for the state's children, which had been a top priority for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party governor.
- Tensions remain between Dayton and state Republicans over several issues, including what amount of a budget surplus should be dedicated to public school funding, and both sides must reach an agreement before a special session can be scheduled to approve a school finance bill.
- Dayton had vetoed an initial $17 billion spending bill because it did not include his universal preschool proposal.
Dive Insight:
Dayton's veto didn't come without unintended consequences: The rejection opened the doors for potential layoffs, expected as soon as today, until a new spending bill is approved. Still, it was a fight Dayton saw as worthwhile, as only 15% of the state's 4-year-olds reportedly enrolled in pre-K. State Republicans largely raised concerns over the proposal due to its cost and available space for the additional students.
Other disagreements between Dayton and the House GOP include teacher seniority changes and restroom and shower accomodations for transgender students, according to KARE 11.
