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State Representative Paul Anderson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4317
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS RELEASE
Unallotment called into question
Notes From the Capitol
By State Rep. Paul Anderson
The recent ruling by a Ramsey County District Court Judge that Gov. Pawlenty’s summer unallotment was done improperly throws another unknown into the mix as the Legislature makes ready to open its new session next month. Whether or not you agree with what the Governor did, the unallotment did balance the budget at the time he did it (and did prevent a possible special session). Economic forecasts since then indicate that revenue collections have fallen behind even more than earlier predicted, so further budget cutting is necessary, even without taking into account the ruling by the judge.
The restraining order issued by the judge reinstated funds for a $5 million nutrition program until another court hearing is held sometime later this winter or spring. The judge didn’t find any additional funding for the program, she simply ruled that the manner in which the governor unallotted was improper. She didn’t rule on the merit of the program in question, and she concurred that a governor does have the right to unallot. Except, evidently, when it’s done at the beginning of the biennium.
I reviewed the statute that pertains to unallotment and, yes, I’d agree, it isn’t real clear in terms of parameters. There are no specifics such as when and how much can be unallotted. Once it has been certified to the governor that we are going to be short of revenue, unallotment is allowed. I would much rather see the Legislature clear up those issues pertaining to unallotment and not have the judicial branch do it.
A good crowd was in attendance Jan. 5 in Villard for the annual meeting of the Tri-State Manufacturing Association. The gathering was held at Massman Automation Designs, and tours were given of the facilities there. The company, which employs more than 80 people, designs, fabricates, and builds automated packaging machines for companies all over this nation and even in several foreign countries. The tour offered a fascinating look at cutting-edge technology in the world of manufacturing.
Guest speaker for the event was Dan McElroy, head of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Although we still have uncertain times ahead, McElroy shared some good news when he discussed new manufacturing facilities coming to Minnesota. A plant that manufactures wind turbines is scheduled to be constructed in Faribault, and another plant that makes a specialized electrical device is coming to Hector. McElroy also mentioned that a large amount of exploratory drilling is taking place in central and north-central Minnesota in hopes of finding sufficient quantities of minerals for mining operations.
One of the leftovers from our Christmas snowstorm is icy conditions, both on sidewalks and also on some of our roads. Walking can be difficult, and so can driving, especially when a slippery patch is encountered. Be careful and allow extra time to reach your destination.
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Rep. Anderson encourages constituents to contact his office with input regarding any state legislative issue. He can be reached on the web at www.house.mn/13A and via email at rep.paul.anderson@house.mn. To contact Anderson by phone, call (651) 296-4317. Mail can be sent to Rep. Paul Anderson, 239 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.
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