ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith today released the following statements, in response to recent Executive Orders issued by the White House.
The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton:
“My Administration is closely monitoring the ill-conceived Executive Orders that have recently been issued by the White House. Some of them are unconstitutional. Others are antithetical to our American values. All of them have ramifications for our state and our people. As these and future Executive Orders are issued, I have instructed my Cabinet to determine what impacts they will have in the lives of Minnesotans.
“I support the statement made yesterday by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson. I will work with her to defend the rights, freedoms, and Constitutional guarantees of the people of Minnesota. I will uphold my sworn oath to ‘support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota,’ and do everything possible to ensure that every Minnesotan is treated lawfully and fairly.”
The following is a statement from Lt. Governor Tina Smith:
“Americans, and Minnesotans especially, are decent, fair, and open-minded people. The executive orders issued in recent days defy our core beliefs as Americans, and go against the founding principles of our nation. This is not who we are.
“I stand in solidarity with all those who are demanding the respect, freedom and dignity of our friends and neighbors in Minnesota. And I stand in fervent opposition to all those who seek to divide us by attacking refugees and immigrants in our state, and around the country.
“We will face many challenges in the days ahead, as a state, as a nation, and as Minnesotans. But as Americans, we will keep working to enhance understanding, expand opportunity, and protect the rights of every person in this country. In doing so, we make Minnesota and the nation even stronger.”
