This spring, the Legislature put forward a responsible, balanced budget that cut government spending and sought to raise permanent revenue to solve Minnesota’s financial crisis and revive our struggling economy. Legislators visited with Minnesotans all over the state to hear concerns and gather their input of how to best address this crisis and put Minnesotans back to work. But instead of working with the Legislature, the Governor — with the full support of Republican legislators — ignored their balanced budget and failed to negotiate honestly.
In short, Governor Pawlenty and the Republicans failed Minnesota — and today, Minnesota’s working families are paying the price of their failure. In slavish adherence to the same failed philosophy that drove America into recession — not to mention his own ambition — Pawlenty and the Republicans have embarked on the arrogant, reckless, and potentially illegal path of unallotment that will hurt hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans — and drive Minnesota’s economy even further into a hole.
In the middle of the deepest recession in three decades, it is unconscionable that Governor Pawlenty and the Republicans would cut Minnesotans’ police and fire protection, damage our hospitals, kick Minnesotans off healthcare, and further dim our children’s future rather than do their jobs and negotiate in good faith with the legislative majority.
The governor admits his cuts and deferrals were “targeted”—sadly, those targeted clearly include our most vulnerable: those living in poverty, the disabled, children, and seniors. And Pawlenty knows it.
The Republican actions today — which will lead to higher property taxes, fewer hospitals and worse healthcare — will push Minnesota’s families off the economic cliff.
While President Obama is boldly leading America to a safer, more prosperous future, Tim Pawlenty and the Republicans are making a last, desperate stand in Minnesota for the failed philosophy that America has rejected. But make no mistake — today is indeed their last stand.
Minnesota DFL Party
Associate Chair Donna Cassutt
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