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State Representative Michael Beard
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8872
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS RELEASE
GOVERNOR DELIVERES STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
ROCHESTER, MINN. – Governor Pawlenty presented his agenda for the 2005 legislative session and beyond Tuesday in his annual State of the State Address. The governor outlined plans for K-12 education, state taxes and higher education.
“I thought the governor set a strong example of leadership,” said State Representative Mike Beard, R-Shakopee.
Rep. Beard said by asking for increased K-12 education funding and proposing a new, performance-based model for teacher pay, the governor showed he has the desire to bring true reform to the education structure.
“The governor not only wants change, but he has a vision of how to make change happen. I think he’ll find support for his vision in the legislature,” Rep. Beard said.
The governor highlighted higher education in his speech, directing the Higher Education Services Office to study funding changes that put more money in the hands of students.
“If students have more control over where they attend college, then universities will be forced to raise their standards given the increased competition,” Rep. Beard said.
The governor also reiterated his “no new taxes pledge,” pointing out that state revenues continue to go up, just not as fast as state spending. Citing governors in neighboring states who are refusing to raise taxes, the governor made the case that raising state taxes now would be a severe blow to Minnesota’s competitive advantage in the Upper Midwest.
Governor Pawlenty delivered this year’s speech in the Mayo Clinic Superior Drive Support Center in Rochester, Minn. Before an audience of state legislators, judges and business leaders, the governor highlighted the Mayo Clinic as an example of how to blend innovation, government, good people and hard work for the betterment of their community and the state.
Full-text of the governor’s speech is available on the web at www.governor.state.mn.us.
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