Late Saturday evening, Governor Mark Dayton vetoed legislation to reimburse deputy registrars for lost income caused by the Minnesota Licensing and Vehicle Registration System’s (MNLARS) failure. Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), chair of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, issued the following statement:

“Governor Dayton’s lack of empathy for the deputy registrars predicament is incredibly disappointing. His veto is an insult to the hardworking deputy registrars – many of whom are the sole provider of vehicle titles, license plates, and tabs for rural Minnesotans.

“Small businesses are suffering – and in many cases, in grave danger of shutting down altogether – because of the incompetence of the governor’s own state agencies. His veto sends a message to these men and women that their work is not appreciated.

“I am not willing to exacerbate the suffering of these deputy registrars. The Senate is considering all options for moving forward, including the possibility of a veto override.”

Senator Scott Newman is in his third term representing Senate District 18, which includes communities in McLeod, Meeker, Sibley, and Wright counties. He also serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.