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State Representative Matt Dean
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-3018
For more information contact: Amber Berhow 651-296-5520
NEWS RELEASE
DEAN RESPONDS TO STATE OF THE STATE
St. Paul – Governor Pawlenty today gave the annual State of the State address from the Minnesota House of Representatives chamber.
In his address, the Governor outlined his agenda for moving Minnesota forward. He referred to the statue “Progress of the state,” as a theme. The famous gold-leaf statue over the entrance of the Capitol features four horses pulling a chariot bearing the emblem “prosperity.” The Governor said we likewise must put the state first, pull together and lead.
After the speech I was speaking to a group of fourth graders from Rutheford Elementary in Stillwater. Coincidently, one of the students asked what the four horses represent. After being stumped, I looked it up and found that the horses represent the natural elements.
The environment played a major part in the speech as the Governor outlined his plan for reducing emissions and increasing alternative energy sources. He stressed the need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and the countries that sell it to us. "Our great nation's sad addiction to foreign oil exposes the country to a reckless amount of economic and national security risk. Even worse, as with many addicts, we are buying from some of the very people who, in many cases, want to hurt us." Pawlenty said.
While some are calling for a government takeover of healthcare in Minnesota, the Governor challenged lawmakers to improve access to Minnesota’s healthcare and to build on the great tradition of care that has made Minnesota the healthiest state in the country once again this year.
Our schools too are at or near the top in nearly every measurement. The Governor challenged Minnesota Highs schools to become world leaders in addition to being national leaders. The governor said that additional funding in his budget would be matched with accountability measures to ensure those new dollars reach the students and make a difference.
While the focus was on pulling together, the Governor did send a warning that the democrat successes nationally should not give lawmakers in the majority a blank check to raise taxes.
Pawlenty said, "The state of our state is great, but we can make Minnesota even better."
"And just like Minnesota families, state government needs to live within its means. We just climbed out of an epic budget hole, and we're not going to spend our way back into one."
"I've said it before and I'll say it again - Minnesotans are not undertaxed. We should lessen their burden by cutting taxes...I urge you to pass additional tax-cutting legislation that provides property tax relief, tax relief for veterans, and other tax cuts that will strategically help our economy."
I am looking forward to working with the Governor this year to provide tax relief and carry out a strong reform-based agenda. Minnesotans like balance in government. With large DFL majorities in both the senate and the House, the Governor and house Republicans will play a critical role in providing balance by keeping a lid on government growth and spending.
Putting Minnesota families first also means that, like the figures in the statue “Progress of the State” democrats and republicans must pull together and lead.
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