Following the Minnesota Supreme Court’s opinion that Gov. Mark Dayton’s line-item veto of legislative funding for the 2017-2018 biennium is constitutional, Sen. Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) issued the following statement:

“The recent Minnesota Supreme Court decision to allow Gov. Dayton to effectively abolish the legislature by line-item vetoing the legislative appropriation is detrimental to the well-being of our state. The Court and Gov. Dayton have made it clear that they are completely comfortable allowing Minnesotans’ voices in their government to go unheard. I am saddened and completely astonished that the governor and the Court would see fit to allow a co-equal branch of government to be shut down.

“Regardless of political affiliation, the unchecked power of the governor over the legislative body is dangerous and creates an unnecessary situation for our great state. It also sets a precedent for future governors to follow – Republican and Democrat alike. It gives the governor a political trump card that cannot be negotiated with. This is not partisan political infighting; it represents a clear assault on the constitution of Minnesota.

“Given the Court’s decision, for the first time in Minnesota’s history, the legislature may be forced to furlough staff and suspend operations. This would mean there would be no constituent assistance, no legislative oversight, layoffs for hundreds of both partisan and nonpartisan staff, and the closure of all legislative office buildings.

“From this point on, other legislators and I will continue to advocate for the people of Minnesota, who have a constitutional right to a co-equal branch of government.”

Sen. Andrew Lang is serving his first term representing Senate District 17, which includes communities in Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Renville, and Swift counties in west central Minnesota.