Dayton ushers in more health care; allows opponents their say

In an extraordinary Capitol ceremony, where opponents were allowed time to speak, Gov. Mark Dayton Wednesday ushered in a new era of health care in Minnesota.

With his signature on twin executive orders, Dayton, a Democrat who took over from Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty this week, welcomed federal funds for health coverage for the poor and reversed Pawlenty's anti-"Obamacare" stance.

The change of direction was more than in just legislative action.

Dayton, who has promised to listen to even his opposition, welcomed protestors into the packed formal Capitol room where he signed the orders and allowed his detractors to speak from the official governor's podium.

As two supporters and two opponents spoke from behind the stand, emblazoned with the massive state seal, their backers cheered and occasionally booed as a baby's loud cries filled the formal room.

Dayton said he wouldn't have it any other way.

"It is the people's room," said Dayton, who effectively quieted the protestors.

One, allowed through legislation Pawlenty signed last year, enrolls Minnesota in an expanded Medicaid plan, largely funded through federal dollars. The other rescinds an executive order the Republican executive signed in August banning any discretionary grants from the federal health care overhaul.

Dayton said the actions would allow more poor Minnesotans access to care, bring in federal funds and is cost neutral for the state.

While Republican lawmakers, who control the Legislature now, met with the press after Dayton's signing to complain about the orders, they admitted their power at this point is rather limited.

State Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, wrote in a letter to Dayton last week that he planned to call a hearing to air his concerns that the legislation, which gave the new governor sole authority to sign up for the federally funded Medicaid expansion, was an unconstitutional "delegation of legislative authority to the executive branch."