Governor Pawlenty Takes Good First Step to Balancing State Budget

For Immediate Release

Contact: Phil Krinkie

Phone: 651-294-3590

ST. PAUL – Today, Governor Tim Pawlenty announced that he was taking the necessary step to balance the state budget by using his authority to reduce current state spending items.  This is only the first step in addressing the $5.2 billion dollar budget deficit.  Starting in January the State Legislature and the Governor will have to face the big challenge of the $4.8 billion shortfall for the 2010-2011 state budget.  But before they can deal with the next biennial budget they must first deal with the 2009 budget deficit of roughly $400,000 before June 30.

“I want to applaud the Governor for making the right decision and taking action based on our state’s current economic situation,” said Phil Krinkie, President of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota.  “This is just the first step in addressing our state deficit and Governor Pawlenty and we believe he is heading in the right direction.”

“Just 2 years ago, our state budget had a $2 billion dollar surplus,” added Krinkie.  “The State Legislature cannot continue to increase state spending at double the rate of inflation.  Just like families and businesses across Minnesota are already doing, elected officials must start to reign in duplicative and unnecessary state spending.”

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