Endorsements
13 Supporting Our Troops: Dayton Proposes Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Fund
Dayton Proposes State “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” Funding
Speaking this afternoon to the Hibbing VFW, DFL Gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton will propose a matching state grant program to communities throughout Minnesota to start or expand their “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” outreach to returning Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. The meeting… Read more
8 Dayton to Other Candidates: “What’s Your Plan?”
Dayton to Other Candidates: “What’s Your Plan?“
DFL Gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton today challenged the other DFL, Republican, and Independence Party candidates for Governor to reveal their plans for eliminating the state’s projected $5.8 billion deficit for the next biennium.
“My opponents are all criticizing me for raising too much… Read more
2 Dayton Calls on Mn/DOT to End all Contracting with Allegedly Negligent Firm URS
Dayton Calls on Mn/DOT to End all Contracting with Allegedly Negligent Firm URS
St. Paul, MN: Mark Dayton today called on the Minnesota Department of Transportation to end all contracting with allegedly negligent firm URS. The private contracting giant has been the defendant in several closed and ongoing lawsuits alleging… Read more
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Veterans
En Español: Soldados y Veteranos de Guerra
MARK DAYTON: A CHAMPION FOR VETERANS
As Your United States Senator:
- I voted AGAINST going to war in Iraq.
- I pioneered the Minnesota National Guard’s “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” program in Congress. I passed the first $3 million appropriation for the Minnesota program, which has expanded nationwide and helped thousands of returning Iraq and Afghan War soldiers and their families readjust after their heroic service.
- I co-sponsored and passed legislation that requires the Department of Defense to pay for all expenses of our troops returning home on R&R from Iraq, Afghanistan, and any future war zone.
- I co-sponsored amendments providing $1.5 billion and $3 billion in additional VA funding to expand and improve services to our veterans. Unfortunately, this needed funding was opposed by the Bush Administration and defeated by a Republican-controlled Senate.
- As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I continuously pressed military leaders to accelerate the manufacture and distribution of armored and up-armored humvees for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- I was instrumental in obtaining the next generation of F-16 fighter planes for the Duluth Air National Guard. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I personally secured $30 million to upgrade the Duluth Air Base. I was also a key member of the team, which successfully defeated the BRAC recommendation to close the base.
- I regularly visited active duty soldiers and veterans in the Bethesda and Walter Reed Hospitals, the Minneapolis VA Hospital, and the Fort Snelling Veterans Home.
- I traveled to Iraq three times and Afghanistan once to support our troops, especially Minnesotans, serving heroically in those war zones.
As Your State Auditor:
- I authored a report on County Veterans Service Officers, which led to an expansion of those important services to Minnesota veterans.
- For my leadership and support of Minnesota veterans, I was awarded the “Distinguished Citizen Award” by the State Veterans of Foreign Wars.
As Your Governor:
- I will work with the Minnesota National Guard to expand services to veterans and their families under the “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” program.
- I will continue my strong support for the County Veterans Service Officers and their essential services to Minnesota veterans.
- I will assure capable, professional management of Minnesota’s veteran’ homes.
- I will appoint an experienced, well-qualified veteran to head the MN Department of Veterans Affairs and will support recommended improvements in the Department’s important services to Minnesota’s veterans.
- I will attend, as I did as Senator, every possible funeral or memorial service for Minnesota servicemen and women, and express personally to the families and friends of those great American heroes his deepest condolences, respect, and gratitude for their sons’ and daughters’ heroic service to our country.
- I will seek every opportunity to convey to Minnesota veterans the deep appreciation and gratitude of the people of Minnesota for their patriotic service to our country and their magnificent defense of our democracy.