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Capitol View®
Tom Scheck

Dayton delays State of the State

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Gov. Dayton’s hip surgery means he’s going to delay his State of the State message to the Minnesota Legislature.

The Minnesota Constitution requires the governor to “communicate by message to each session of the Legislature information touching the state and country.”

This year, lawmakers may have to wait a little longer than usual for that message.

A spokesman for Dayton says the governor will not deliver a State of the State speech near the start of session because of his recent hip surgery.

“It will be delayed," Dayton spokesman Linden Zakula said. "We’re going to see how his recovery progresses.”

Governors have historically given their State of the State speeches near the start of the legislative session in the chambers of the Minnesota House. But there have been exceptions. Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty took his speech on the road twice (St. Cloud and Rochester) during his eight years in office.

Independence Party Gov. Jesse Ventura delivered his message from the governor’s residence in 2002. He also opted to not give a message at all in 2000, according to the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.

Zakula said Dayton still plans on delivering a speech to the Legislature. He said it could happen in March or closer to the end of session. They are also looking at other options. Another official in the governor’s office said it's possible Dayton could record a video from the governor’s residence.

Dayton is currently recovering from hip surgery. The procedure was done last week at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. His office said he may have to wear a protective brace for up to three months to ensure that his hip stays still during the healing process.

Dayton is seeking a second term. He’s up for reelection in November.