Governor Mark Dayton Media Availability, November 17, 2015

Governor Mark Dayton underscored his desire for a special legislative session to extend unemployment benefits to laid-off steelworkers. Dayton met with the media Tuesday, November 17, to answer questions related to several news events, including the recent police shooting in Minneapolis and subsequent protests resulting in arrests following the blocking of traffic on I-94.

Prior to the media availability, Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk sent Governor Dayton a letter indicating that the Senate DFL Caucus supports a special session to aid the steelworkers and address another pending issue--Minnesota’s compliance with federal REAL ID requirements. Dayton indicated that the extension of unemployment of benefits is urgent,with about 540 steelworkers in jeopardy of losing work along with over 1,000 workers currently unemployed. He said that REAL ID compliance could wait to be addressed.

Governor Dayton covered several other topics during his nearly 40-minute news conference, including the immigration of Syrian refugees; the health impact assessment of possible copper-nickel mining in Northeastern Minnesota; the Senate GOP members desire to remain in the State Office Building; and a reflection on his father’s contribution to Minnesota.