Issuing tobacco bonds to help fix the budget deficit was perhaps the most controversial aspect of the ultimate budget deal agreed to by Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican leadership at the Capitol.

The deal to close Minnesota’s $5 billion budget deficit included $640 million in borrowing through state bond sales. The source of that money has typically been referred to as “tobacco bonds,” but that’s not necessarily an accurate description of how the state will generate the short-term infusion of cash.

Can you say "grossly lacking in structural government reform"? It’s what a surprising number of House Republicans seem to be saying about GOP Gov. Tim ...

Can you say "grossly lacking in structural government reform"? It’s what a surprising number of House Republicans seem to be saying about GOP Gov. Tim ...