Judge Hears Arguments in Minnesota Constitutional Squabble

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota judge is considering whether Gov. Mark Dayton's veto of the Legislature's funding was unconstitutional.

The bitter legal dispute between the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature had its first hearing in Ramsey County court. Chief Judge John Guthmann is also consider an agreement between the two sides to temporarily fund the Legislature through October while the case plays out.

It's unclear when a decision may come.

Dayton zeroed out the Legislature's funding last month to force lawmakers to rework a $650 million tax bill and other measures.

An attorney for the Legislature argued it was a blatant violation of separation of powers. But Dayton's attorney says the governor has broad authority to veto appropriations.