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State Representative Tim Kelly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8635
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS COLUMN
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY STAYS TRUE TO HIS WORD
Governor Tim Pawlenty released his 2010-11 budget on January 27, and true to his word, he proposed a budget without calling for an increase in state income or sales taxes. The proposal totals $33.61 billion, a 2.2% reduction from the current FY 2008-09 general fund expenditures of $34.36 billion.
The Governor told us the way out of our projected $4.8 billion budget deficit is through reform, not tax hikes. I liked the message, and like the Governor I view this economic crisis as an opportunity.
When I was on the Red Wing School Board, we faced a $2 million deficit – or roughly 10 percent of our budget. As board members, this was obviously our worst case scenario, but it gave us the opportunity to look at things differently and create a leaner product that continued to produce outstanding results. I believe state government will similarly benefit from this opportunity.
I thought the Governor showed great leadership in coming up with this budget. The opportunity exists for local schools to actually increase their budgets. Minnesotans are protected from any tax increases, while state government is forced to live within its means. All state agencies, including the Legislature, would face a five percent reduction under this plan – showing that everyone needs to sacrifice during this period of economic decline.
The clear and important message that was also sent was that the Governor does not want kids, our elderly, or our disabled affected by this budget crisis. The Governor has correctly identified these groups as statewide priorities, and I think that is an important message.
In essence, the Governor has said “if you cannot provide for yourself, the government will continue to take care of you.” I think that’s a great message and certainly something I will support.
I agree with those who say it’s true that there will never be universal agreement on every item in a governor's proposed budget. But there are several things to like in this one, and I truly feel that the Governor has chosen many of the right priorities.
Now the real budget building process begins. The legislature will be dissecting his budget in committees over the next few weeks. Soon, the Democrats who control the House and Senate will bring their budget proposals forward. I’ll be sure to let you know the details when I receive them.
News Items
- CONFERENCE COMMITTEES SHAPING IMPORTANT BILLS AT LEGISLATURE - (Posted: 2012-04-05 00:00:00)
- TAX RELIEF AND JOB CREATION BILL APPROVED IN MINNESOTA HOUSE - (Posted: 2012-03-22 00:00:00)
- MORE GOOD NEWS FOUND IN LATEST STATE BUDGET FORECAST - (Posted: 2012-03-06 00:00:00)
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