Last night Governor Dayton gave his State of the State, introducing his plan for the 2016 legislative sessions. According to Capitol Chat, broadband featured highly…

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton laid out a plan for the 2016 legislative session Wednesday night, ranging from expanding broadband high-speed Internet to increasing education funding to cleaning the state’s water.

Legislators are predicting $70 million for broadband fudning…

Legislative reaction generally was positive, but House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, noted that Dayton took several swipes at the GOP.

Assistant House Majority Leader Dave Baker, R-Willmar, said he “did not get a real negative tone from him.”

Baker, saying “I thought it was a good speech,” said he was especially interested in hearing Dayton’s continued support for expanding broadband through rural Minnesota.

Sen. Lyle Koenen, D-Clara City, said that Dayton likely will not get the $100 million for broadband that he wants, but the senator said he hopes lawmakers approve $70 million.

Dayton told about communities that benefit from high-speed Internet, including Bemidji.

“Bemidji has seen new business openings in diversified fields, due, in large part, to the city’s high-speed internet access,” the governor said. “Four Bemidji businesses were recently ranked among the fastest-growing in the United States by Inc. Magazine.”