The Taxpayers Legaue of Minnesota

A non-partisan, non-profit grassroots taxpayer advocacy organization for Minnesota

Two Weeks, Two Bills, Two Vetoes PDF Print E-mail
Press Releases - Press Releases
Friday, 19 February 2010 13:48

ST. PAUL - With little more than two weeks into the 2010 legislative session, the DFL- controlled House and Senate have pushed two major spending bills through the process.  The first to reach Governor Pawlenty’s desk was a $283 million “fix” for the General Assistance Medical Care program, which was met with an immediate veto.

The second, a billion dollar pork-laden borrowing bill, is headed to a House and Senate conference committee, but will likely meet a similar fate if the bill is not downsized.

“I’m stunned by the total lack of discussion about the budget,” said Phil Krinkie, President of the Taxpayers League and 16-year legislative veteran.  “How can lawmakers be so blind to the fact that the state is on the path to bankruptcy?”

Krinkie added, “Resolving the $1.2 billion budget deficit is job one, digging the budget hole deeper is just fiscally irresponsible.  Governor Pawlenty put a balanced budget proposal on the table this week, which should be the legislature’s focus, not spending money the state doesn’t have.”