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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
NEWS COLUMN
REP. KIM NORTON RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR PAWLENTY’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
Governor Pawlenty’s firm commitment to keeping and growing jobs in Minnesota was encouraging. Nothing is more important this session than putting our state on the path to economic recovery. The severity of our economic situation requires all lawmakers and the governor to put politics aside and work with the federal government to put people to work. Together we can build a more stable and prosperous economy.
I am glad Governor Pawlenty has made K-12 and higher education priorities this session. Facing a record budget deficit, it is imperative that our students are spared any adverse impact of damaging budget cuts. The Legislature must do everything possible this session to not only hold schools harmless, but work hard to maintain excellence in education and provide every student access to a world-class education.
Still, I have concerns. Governor Pawlenty acknowledged the severity of the budget constraints Minnesota faces this year, but offered few details on how to resolve the deficit. I look forward to reviewing the governor’s budget proposal on January 27th as we begin our work together to balance the budget responsibly. It is important we work together this year, setting clear priorities to protect Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens - most importantly our children, elderly, and disabled.
The weeks and months ahead will be difficult. But I am confident we can find common ground between both parties and the governor to resolve the deficit responsibly, rebuild our state’s struggling economy, and preserve the nation-leading quality of life all Minnesotans cherish.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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