Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday said he is warning legislators who have called for tax cuts in next year's legislative session that he has at least one condition: more money for preschool.
"Anybody … in the Legislature who thinks we're going to give all this money back in tax cuts better understand that I will not sign a tax bill that does not have an equitable amount overall for early childhood," Dayton told reporters.
Dayton was in Minneapolis highlighting a national poll that showed Minnesota ranked No. 1 in the well-being of its children. Dayton, however, said while the news is good for the state, it shouldn't mask the fact that disparaties still affect low-income and minority children.
Legislators recently approved about $80 million in new spending on early education programs, but more needs to be done to expand access, Dayton said. The Legislature handed Dayton a defeat when it snubbed his proposal for universal preschool offered through public schools.
Legislators instead boosted funding for existing preschool programming, including early learning scholarships.
House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said the governor's remarks Tuesday are an attempt to "hold hostage tax relief." He added that if the governor wants more funding for early childhood education, "it's his job to go out and earn the support for it."
Daudt said the governor shouldn't link tax cuts to more money for education, particularly in a year when the Legislature is not debating the state budget.
Dayton did not offer a specific amount he sought for preschool. He said that would become clear after the state's budget office releases an economic forecast in the fall showing updated revenue figures.
