The Daily Digest: New budget focuses on education and kids
Good morning!
In Minnesota
Facing a divided Legislature, Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed a $42 billion two year budget that includes new spending for child care tax credits, child protection and education. (MPR News)
Republican leaders of the Minnesota Legislature gave a chilly reception to the budget proposal, arguing that it spends too much and doesn't go far enough in setting priorities for state government. (Star Tribune)
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Dayton is using his budget hammer to force MnSCU and the Minneapolis Park Board to heed his priorities. (MPR News)
Railroads would have to pay more in taxes under the budget plan in order to help communities handle the growing freight train volume. (AP via Star Tribune)
While most of the additional funding in the budget proposal goes toward education, some school officials say it's not enough. (MPR News)
A draft opinion from a key state board finds no conflict of interest on the part of Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm, who recently took a job with a group that lobbies the Legislature. (Star Tribune)
National Politics
President Obama abandoned a proposal to end a major tax benefit of popular college savings accounts used by millions after the White House faced criticism from lawmakers and parents. (Washington Post)
The Obama administration moved Tuesday to open up a vast stretch of East Coast waters to oil and gas drilling. (New York Times)
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has taken the first formal step toward a presidential candidacy in 2016, establishing a committee that will help spread his message and underwrite his activities. (Washington Post)
Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson says he has two fundraisers scheduled and he's "running at this point" for re-election next year. (Star Tribune)
The U.S. House has passed a bill from Rep. Erik Paulsen meant to target human trafficking. (MinnPost)