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State Representative Jeanne Poppe
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4193
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
STATE RESOURCES UNABLE TO MEET ALL STATE PRIORITIES
Across our nation, Americans are feeling a growing sense of urgency about our economy. Millions have lost their jobs, their homes and their health insurance, and no clear end is in sight. To address this crisis, President Obama is promising quick action on his federal economic recovery legislation, a package of spending and incentives designed to create jobs, strengthen and improve our infrastructure, and support education and health care. He is calling on congressmen and senators to work on this plan together for the good of our country. Americans have joined him in calling for bipartisan solutions – it is in all of our best interests that this plan succeeds.
This is true in Minnesota, also. We have record high unemployment and foreclosures, property values have plummeted, and the high cost of health care and difficulty getting health insurance are cited as major concerns. And, at a time when citizens are in growing need of public assistance such as unemployment benefits, housing and health care programs, our state is strapped by the second multi-billion dollar budget deficit in the past six years. Unlike the federal government, Minnesota cannot go into deficit spending but is mandated by our constitution to balance the budget. When framed by the growing number of Minnesotans struggling to keep their heads above water, this challenge becomes even more daunting. How do we make the necessary adjustments to resolve a $5 billion deficit without hurting average Minnesotans?
Last week, Governor Pawlenty began the budget process by releasing his recommendations. With a budget this large, understanding the full scope of his recommendations did not happen quickly, or easily. By the end of the week, nonpartisan House Research had prepared a summary that gave us a good overall look at what he is proposing, where cuts will be made and where funding will be sustained. There has also been a flurry of media activity around the state from different groups reacting to his budget. Little by little, we’re starting to see a clearer picture of the Governor’s starting point.
The budget process now moves to the House and Senate. Over the coming weeks, finance committees will examine the Governor’s budget more closely, as well as hear directly from Minnesotans about how our struggling economy is affecting them. There are also plans to take the budget proposal directly to the people of Minnesota through a series of statewide bipartisan and bicameral town meetings. As a result of this process, both bodies will arrive at their own budget proposals. I expect there will be some common ground found with the Governor’s budget, but there will also be areas of disagreement. This is where it will be essential that all parties are willing to compromise.
This year, I believe it is more important than ever that the public is involved in setting the budget priorities. I am pleased to hear from area residents about what direction they believe our state should be moving, but I am also struck by the contrast of viewpoints. Some have suggested that by questioning components of the Governor’s proposed budget, I’m just being critical. Others seem to believe I should disregard most of his budget sight unseen. Neither approach will get us where we need to be.
As a citizen, I expect my elected officials to make decisions that are in the best interest of our state. As an elected representative, this is a responsibility I take very seriously. I would never question the Governor’s budget just for the sake of being critical, just as I would never give blanket approval to the House budget just because this is where I serve.
Over the coming weeks, I will weigh carefully every aspect of the budget and how it affects people. This much is sure, I will be voting on budget balancing bills that are likely to eliminate programs and reduce services. Even Dan McElroy, the Commissioner of Department of Employment and Economic Development stated in committee, “We ran out of resources before we ran out of priorities". To me, that statement says it all.
Throughout this process, I believe the public must be told the truth and be involved in the tough decisions that must be made. Senator Sparks and I will be holding town hall meetings in mid-February, at which time we will update you on the budget progress, and listen to your ideas for moving our state forward. I also encourage you to contact me with your questions and your feedback. I can be reached by phone at 1-888-682-3180 or 1-651-296-4193, by mail at 487 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn.
News Items
- POPPE SELECTED AS AGRICULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIR - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Rep. Jeanne Poppe Encourages High School Juniors to Apply for Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program - Application Deadline is November 19th - (Posted: 2012-11-12 00:00:00)
- HORMEL INSTITUTE EXPANSION SIGNED INTO LAW - 2012 legislative session adjourns sine die - (Posted: 2012-05-11 00:00:00)
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