Dayton Vetoes Federal Insolvency Planning Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have required state agencies to plan for the possibility that the federal government would not be able to meet its financial obligations.

Dayton vetoed the bill Thursday. He writes in a veto letter that it would force state workers to spend "hundreds of hours each year" on an assignment he says is "of dubious value."

Dayton says he believes the federal budget deficit should be a source of concern, but writes that he believes the bill perpetuated a Republican strategy of undermining confidence in the government. He says the state would be better-served if its financial experts focus on efficiency of state services.