Minnesota governor vetoes voter identification bill (OMG!)

Minnesota governor vetoes voter identification bill (OMG!)...Democratic Governor Mark Dayton on Thursday vetoed a bill that would have required voters to provide photo identification to cast votes. Dayton cited a lack of broad bi-partisan support for the bill and its potential as a $23 million unfunded mandate on local governments in part for his veto

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/26/us-minnesota-idUSTRE74P8E920110526?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&dlvrit=60573

Minnesota Senate passes illegal immigration program (Secure Communties) with little scrutiny

Minnesota Senate passes illegal immigration program (Secure Communties) with little scrutiny...The measure still needs to pass the state House and be signed by Gov. Dayton before becoming law...The Secure Communities program checks the fingerprints of every person arrested and booked by police against DHS databases for immigration violations. When the electronic program finds a violation, it notifies ICE. ICE officials could then detain and deport people who are in the country illegally.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/05/19/secure-communities-bill/

Minnesota House passes photo ID requirement for voting

Minnesota House passes photo ID requirement for voting...has passed a bill requiring voters to present a photo ID before they can cast a ballot. The GOP-sponsored bill passed 73-59 Thursday on a mostly party-line vote. Republican supporters say it will make elections more open and honest, but Democratic critics say it will make voting more difficult for seniors, students and low-income people. The Senate has already passed its version of the bill, and it now heads to a conference committee. Gov. Mark Dayton has raised concerns, but chief House sponsor Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer says she still hopes for his support

http://www.wctrib.com/event/apArticle/id/D9N1K0OO1/

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton won't revive Tim Pawlenty directive on immigration law enforcement

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton won't revive Tim Pawlenty directive on immigration law enforcement...The directive, which expired last week, had required state cooperation with federal authorities in areas such as customs enforcement and fraudulent documents. Dayton says the Executive Order IS NOT NECESSARY.

http://www.startribune.com/local/119851699.html

St. Paul, Minnesota: Gov. Mark Dayton ends state's use of E-Verify

St. Paul, Minnesota: Gov. Mark Dayton ends state's use of E-Verify...has dropped a controversial check of work eligibility for state employees and large vendors doing business with the state..A Dayton administration memo said while the state will continue to comply with federal immigration laws in its hiring

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/04/04/dayton-pawlenty-executive-orders/