Dayton Starts New -- And Last -- Term Of Long Career

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton started his second term as Minnesota governor Monday by making a case that putting more taxpayer money into education should be viewed as an investment, not straight-up spending to grow government as his opponents might cast it.

The Democrat's inauguration Monday comes on the eve of a legislative session where he'll propose a two-year budget and new education initiatives that he hopes will position Minnesota for the future. Dayton will have to work with a divided Legislature. Republicans will run the House and Democrats lead the Senate.

Dayton's 96-year-old father, Bruce, and his three siblings looked on as he took his oath. His son, Eric, and grandson, Hugo, stood by his side on stage.

"There's a big difference between spending and investing. Spending is for now. People spend money to buy what they need or want right away," Dayton said in remarks prepared for delivery. "Investing is for the future. People invest money now to produce future benefits and rewards. Wise financial management requires understanding this difference. And striking a proper balance between them."

Dayton didn't say how much extra he'll seek to put into public schools. But Dayton told the Landmark Center audience he'll propose new money for preschool programs, year-round school options, after-school programs with academic enrichment and advanced classes in certain skill areas.

His budget is due to lawmakers by Jan. 27 and there is a projected $1 billion surplus at his disposal. The state currently spends about $40 billion.

Dayton also declares transportation an "essential investment" — a preview of another fight to come because he has said he'll recommend tax increases in that area. Republicans, and some Democrats, have been cool to proposals to hike taxes on gas and other transportation-related charges.

He sought to defuse geographic rivalries already cropping up given the rural bent of the new GOP House majority.

"What helps some Minnesotans usually helps all of us," Dayton said. "So let's cheer each other's successes, not resent them."

Dayton is entering the final term of a political career where he's also held the titles of auditor and U.S. senator.

He's the oldest governor Minnesota has had and turns 68 in a few weeks.

Besides Dayton, Attorney General Lori Swanson and Auditor Rebecca Otto took their oaths to begin third terms. Tina Smith, who had been Dayton's chief of staff, became lieutenant governor and Steve Simon, a former legislator, took over as secretary of state. All are Democrats.

Dayton was heading from the ceremony to a nearby reception in downtown St. Paul. He and the other statewide officials planned to hold an open-to-the-public inaugural gala on Saturday.

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