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State Representative Paul Thissen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5375
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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One year after shutdown, a call for an end to the gridlock
Minnesotans call for better priorities to avoid “shutdown sequel”
Saint Paul, Minnesota – One year ago, Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature shut down the state, refused to compromise, and chose to protect corporate special interests at the expense of middle class Minnesotans. With another budget deficit looming, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL – Minneapolis) joined some of the Minnesotans who paid the price during the shutdown to call for an end to the gridlock and avoid a “shutdown sequel.”
“Minnesotans are rightly frustrated by the gridlock that prevents progress on the bread and butter, middle class priorities that will move our state forward,” said Thissen. “The state government shutdown last year was a defining example of how we must do better.”
During the shutdown last year, 19,000 Minnesotans were laid off, road construction projects were delayed which cost private contractors millions, and basic government functions such as licensure renewals were stalled, causing headaches for Minnesotans across the state. After the 21-day shutdown, Governor Dayton agreed to a Republican budget that protected corporate special interests while borrowing record amounts from our schools and raising property taxes on middle class Minnesotans, seniors and small businesses.
Jason Moran, who works for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, responds to dangerous chemical spills and natural disasters to make sure they get properly cleaned up to protect our health and the environment.
“For three weeks last year at this time, I was not able to protect Minnesotans and our environment from dangerous chemical spills and natural disasters because of the shutdown,” said Moran. “The Republican legislative majorities have shown they are unwilling to compromise. They did it once, they’ll do it again.”
Despite the negative impact of the shutdown, Republicans have applauded it. In talking about the historic state shutdown, House Republican Majority Leader Matt Dean said, “We won. Dayton lost.”
“Republicans shut down the state in order to protect corporate special interests and millionaires and left Minnesotans with another $4 billion deficit. To then claim victory is inexcusable,” said Thissen. “Minnesotans expect better of their political leaders."
Since the session ended, Republicans have shown no sign they will take a different approach next year. Thissen said the Republican’s “more-of-the-same” agenda should alarm Minnesotans.
"If Minnesotans want a repeat of last year’s shutdown, then they should support the Republicans more-of-the-same agenda,” said Thissen. “It is clear they are determined to move their political agenda forward at the expense of middle class Minnesotans who simply want their leaders to listen to them and get the job done.”
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News Items
- Speaker Thissen to Establish Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs - (Posted: May 29 2013 1:15PM)
- Minnesota House Finishes 2013 Session with Balanced Budget, Historic Investments in Education, Job Creation, Property Tax Relief - (Posted: May 21 2013 12:44AM)
- Governor Mark Dayton & DFL Legislators Hold Invest in Education “Pep Rally” with Minnesota teachers, parents and students - (Posted: Apr 21 2013 4:21PM)
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