The Legislature believes that the federal government should allow more travel and trade between the United States and Cuba. The governor does not.
A resolution asking the president and Congress to end trade, financial and trade restrictions to the small country 90 miles off the coast of Florida was vetoed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty April 25.
Noting Cuba’s improved oil output and its developing pharmaceutical industry, the resolution said with an ease in restrictions, Minnesota could receive $45 million in new annual exports, add $92 million to the state’s economy and create 900 new jobs.
Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls), who sponsors the resolution with Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), said that with passage, Minnesota is sending the message that it wants to open up “economic, intellectual and social” communications with Cuba.
In his veto letter, Pawlenty wrote that while he understands the agriculture community’s desire to increase trade with Cuba, “this nonbinding resolution is not appropriate and would not further that goal.”
“Our federal government should address foreign policy matters, not state legislatures,” he said. “Forwarding this resolution to the federal government would have Minnesota promoting a position that is contradictory to the long-standing policy of the United States.”
Pawlenty said that with Cuba’s poor human rights record, significant changes need to be made before the United States should establish full diplomatic relations.
“We are hopeful that someday the Cuban government will make the changes necessary to join other democracies and avail itself of the opportunity to import even more Minnesota grown products.”
HF828/SF599*/R1
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At Issue: Crossing the partisan divide
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At Issue: Taming the ‘Wild West’
Members aspire to streamline the legislative process
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Stepping Down: Three more say goodbye
Heidgerken, A. Peterson and Ruth make late departure announcements
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Minnesota Index
Figures and statistics on the 2008 legislative session
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Stepping Down: Reassessing priorities
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Resources: Tallying the votes
What you should know first about how your legislator votes
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At Issue: A little-used tool in the toolbox
Governor can use unallotment to balance state’s budget if legislators do not
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Stepping Down: Seizing an unexpected opportunity
Paulsen leaving state House to run for the U.S. House
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Feature: Leap of faith
Legislators find political refuge in fellowship
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Stepping Down: Back to Bemidji
Moe takes a break from politics to focus on life at home
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At Issue: ‘Garbage’ or good legislation?
Omnibus bill can be one legislator’s junk, another’s treasure
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Stepping Down: Looking for better balance
After 12 years, Tingelstad to focus on family
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Stepping Down: Do right by the people
DeLaForest thankful for the ‘awesome responsibility’ of serving
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Stepping Down: Focus on family time
Finstad leaving to concentrate on his children
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Stepping Down: New house means leaving the House
Personal move leads to a professional change for Kranz
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Stepping Down: In the middle, a man apart
After 24 years in the House, Ozment prepares to step down
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Stepping Down: Rejuvenation for Walker
First black woman to serve in the House hopes for renewal time
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Minnesota Index
Session 2008 figures and statistics.
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Published 2/15/2008