MINNEAPOLIS — A new poll shows Gov. Mark Dayton has some of his best approval rating numbers since he was first elected in 2011.

A Star Tribune Minnesota Poll finds the DFL governor has the support of 54 percent of likely voters. Thirty-six percent disapprove, while 10 percent are undecided.

The healthy approval rating comes as the governor prepares to defend his budget plans that include significant spending increases on education and transportation.