The Minnesota Supreme Court today announced a verdict in the court case between Governor Mark Dayton and the Minnesota Legislature. The Court overturned a Ramsey County District Court decision which found Gov. Dayton exceeded his authority by vetoing funding for the legislature. The Supreme Court’s decision effectively reinstates the governor’s veto.

Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) issued the following statement:

“The Supreme Court made a mistake with their decision today. Giving the governor’s office the authority to eliminate funding for a branch of government he disagrees with sets a dangerous precedent for the future.

“The Supreme Court ruling is not a big government issue, nor is it a partisan one. It is an issue of abuse of power. While historically it is not unprecedented, it is unprecedented in American democracy — not only has the governor overreached, but the court has also broken free from its constitutional constraints.

“Make no mistake, the governor’s action, and the court’s allegiance, is destabilizing at best and a great threat to our republic at worst.”