Dayton Picks March 9 for State of the State, But Where?

ST. PAUL (AP) - Governor Mark Dayton has his calendar marked for his State of the State address.

Dayton said Friday that he'll deliver the annual speech on March 9th, the day after Minnesota lawmakers return for the legislative session. But just where they'll gather is still up in the air.

The usual venue is the Minnesota House chambers. A massive restoration project at the Capitol means the space has no room for guests or functioning bathrooms.

Dayton says they're still searching for an alternate location. He says it will be close to the Twin Cities.

The annual speech is a chance for the governor to lay out his vision for the legislative session. Lawmakers will tussle over how to spend a projected $1.2 billion surplus this year.