tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73382344653480189412024-03-05T05:22:24.226-05:00Governor PawlentyThe official blog of TimPawlenty.commkruegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134853499407646271noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-75864344610065087752009-04-15T16:49:00.002-05:002009-04-15T16:51:32.800-05:00New York Times: G.O.P. Leader Wants to Be More Than OppositionBy ADAM NAGOURNEY<br />Published: April 15, 2009<br /><br />ST. PAUL — Ask Tim Pawlenty, the Republican governor of Minnesota, to describe the road that will bring his party back to power, and he offers a quick response.<br /><br />“Some of it will be the inevitable pendulum swinging back,” he said. “The Democrats, being in full control of the White House and Congress, will inevitably overplay their hands. It is the predictable thing that happens when you have total power. They will go too far, and there will be an inevitable reaction to that.”<br /><br />With that, Mr. Pawlenty settled back in a chair in his office here the other afternoon, realizing the problem with a strategy that is ultimately only reactive: In order for the Republicans to succeed, the Democrats will have to fail. “Feeding off what they do wrong is not a strategy,” he said. “We may get some tailwind from that, but it can’t be the central tenet of our strategy.”<br /><br />At a time when Republicans are struggling to find new leaders — and to lay out a case against a popular president with big ambitions — Mr. Pawlenty’s ruminations reflect the dimensions of his party’s challenge.<br /><br />At 48, Mr. Pawlenty, who has never served in Washington, is a potential new face for the national Republican Party. He is at the center of what the party’s leaders see as a critical debate: how to recover when the party is viewed so unfavorably by much of the public. Mr. Pawlenty is the two-term Republican governor of a swing state; he was on the short list of possible running mates for Senator John McCain of Arizona last year; he is frequently mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2012.<br /><br />Mr. Pawlenty said that he is far from making a decision about whether to run for president, or for that matter, re-election next year as governor. But it was clear in the course of the conversation that he is thinking about ways to take on the Democratic Party in general and Mr. Obama in particular.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/us/politics/15web-nagourney.html?hp">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-50752115986280918312009-04-15T16:13:00.001-05:002009-04-15T16:15:25.103-05:00Associated Press: Republican governor blasts Obama budgetWASHINGTON (AP) — A possible White House contender in 2012 said in the GOP's Saturday address that President Barack Obama and the Democrats who run Congress should lower taxes and hold down spending.<br /><br />"Let hardworking American families keep more of what they earn by cutting taxes and reining in spending," said Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn. "It's just common sense."<br /><br />He said Democratic president's budget will require higher taxes and unfairly loads debt onto future generations. Pawlenty also said Obama has talked about tax relief, but his budget suggests he'll be raising taxes.<br /><br />"I thought President Obama's proposal to eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses was a pretty good idea. And his pledge to lower taxes for middle-class Americans was something Republicans wholeheartedly supported," Pawlenty said. "But the budget that Congress is considering doesn't provide that tax relief."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i83xVQvJy7S7puNUm4FpEzpCwuUAD97GL07G0">Click here to read the entire article and to watch the video.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-15880072055957405492009-03-27T11:06:00.000-06:002009-03-27T11:07:51.193-06:00Star Tribune: Click online and see how state spends your moneyOnly a few clicks will enable taxpayers to get more details on how their dollars are being spent.<br /><br />By <a href="http://www.startribune.com/bios/10644786.html" included="null">KEVIN DUCHSCHERE</a>, Star Tribune<br />Last update: March 26, 2009 - 10:40 PM<br /><br />Minnesota's checkbook register went online Thursday.<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty unveiled a new website, titled TAP Minnesota -- <a href="http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/tap">www.mmb.state.mn.us/tap</a> -- that anyone with a computer can access to find out how much money the state is spending and where.<br /><br />Figures for 2007-09 can be found by state agency, funding source or the vendor receiving the payment. Private data are omitted.<br /><br />Special funds as well as the general fund can be searched, Pawlenty said. The site will be updated daily.<br /><br />The governor said he hopes that taxpayers will use it to learn more about their government, scrutinize state spending and even wag a finger at profligate officials.<br /><br />"We anticipate that this is going to be a powerful new tool," Pawlenty said at a Capitol news conference. "Taxpayers are paying the bills for government in Minnesota, and we think they should have a chance to look at the checkbook register and see where all this money is going in a great amount of detail, and be able to do that on a user-friendly, online, anytime basis."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/41951387.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUl">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-74895982663742057592009-02-25T12:00:00.001-06:002009-02-25T12:24:58.200-06:00Star Tribune: Pawlenty unveils highway projects financed by stimulus fundsBy <a href="http://www.startribune.com/bios/10646151.html" included="null">BOB VON STERNBERG</a>, Star Tribune<br />Last update: February 25, 2009 - 10:30 AM<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty this morning unveiled a list of 60 transportation projects in outstate Minnesota worth an estimated $180 million that will be financed by money from the federal stimulus bill.<br /><br />Minnesota is expected to receive more than $596 million for state and local highway and transit projects over the next two years as a result of the federal legislation.<br /><br />The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the outstate transportation projects will create approximately 5,000 jobs. Projects in the Twin Cities metro area will be announced in March.<br /><br />The projects announced today include concrete rehabilitation on Interstate 94 near Monticello, repaving Highway 75 north of Ortonville and concrete replacement work on stretches of Interstate 90 in southern Minnesota.<br /><br />The most expensive project, costing $18 million, entails rehabilitating Hwy. 53 north of Duluth.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/40283412.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUt:aDyaEP:kD:aUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-25518548489976204212009-01-13T14:29:00.002-06:002009-01-13T14:32:44.790-06:00Pioneer Press: Minnesota, Wisconsin looking to help each other saveBy Bill Salisbury<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle today signed an agreement to share services in order to cut costs and help both states cope with big budget deficits.<br /><br />The pact directs agency heads in both states to identify possible areas of cooperation that would cut costs and provide services more efficiently. Minnesota faces a $4.8 billion budget shortfall over the next two years while Wisconsin has a $5.4 billion projected deficit.<br /><br />During a press conference at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul, Pawlenty, a Republican who initiated the idea, called the agreement a "unique partnership" that has not been tried by other states.<br /><br />Pawlenty didn't know how much the two states would save but said it would be "millions of dollars and maybe more."<br /><br />Doyle, a Democrat, said it was an "enormously important opportunity" for both states. Wisconsin and Minnesota are similar in many ways, he said, and both states need to find ways to cut government spending during the current recession.<br /><br />How would it work? Here's one example: The two states combined buy more than 600 tons of road salt every winter. Pawlenty said they could save nearly $1 million by bulk purchasing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11443373">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-27805229525040913982008-11-10T15:22:00.002-06:002008-11-10T15:27:17.839-06:00Park Rapids Enterprise: Pawlenty promotes green jobsDon Davis, Capitol Bureau<br />Published Monday, November 10, 2008<br /><br />Lower taxes for businesses that add jobs in renewable energy industries is a key part of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's 2009 economic plan.<br /><br />As he was beginning a statewide tour announcing his $86 million "Green Jobs Investment Initiative," Pawlenty told reporters in a Capitol news conference Monday that he does not know how many jobs his plan would create. However, he said it would be a significant number and state officials predicted more than 114,000 million Minnesotans will hold such jobs in the next 30 years. About 15,000 Minnesotans work in green jobs today.<br /><br />Green jobs are those involving the manufacture or other work on renewable energy components ranging from manufacturing wind-powered electric generator parts to making crop-based fuels.<br /><br />Pawlenty's proposal, which needs legislative approval, would:<br /><br />-- Create a nearly tax-free environment for businesses that create green jobs patterned after the Job Opportunity Building Zones program for struggling rural areas.<br /><br />-- Provide a tax breaks to investors willing to spend money on projects creating green jobs.<br /><br />-- Give companies that produce solar or biomethane gas (such as from landfills and manure) energy credit toward meeting the state's goal of providing 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.parkrapidsenterprise.com/articles/index.cfm?id=13872&section=News">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-66798133008561703462008-09-23T11:15:00.000-05:002008-09-23T11:20:11.701-05:00MPR: Pawlenty renews push to change teaching rulesby <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/about/people/mpr_people_display.php?aut_id=30282">Tom Weber</a>, Minnesota Public Radio<br />September 23, 2008<br /><br />St. Paul, Minn. — Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Tuesday outlined a number of education related proposals he plans to push for during the 2009 legislative session. It's the first set of initiatives from the governor for next year's legislative session.<br /><br />The governor's package focuses on improving the quality of teachers by changing how they are paid, recruited and prepared for class.<br /><br />Pawlenty proposes tying teacher pay raises to improvement in student performance. It's a step further than the QComp law Minnesota enacted a few years ago, which put more emphasis on merit in pay decisions.<br /><br /><a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/09/23/pawlenty_education/">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-101269523668841662008-07-30T11:44:00.001-05:002008-07-30T11:49:47.005-05:00Star Tribune: Pawlenty unveils plan to revamp health care system in MinnesotaPawlenty's health care plan would allow patients to view records on secure websites and use debit cards to tap flexible spending accounts. For 50,000 state employees, it could be a reality by next year.<br /><br />By <a href="http://www.startribune.com/bios/10645321.html" included="null">PATRICIA LOPEZ</a>, Star Tribune<br />Last update: July 29, 2008 - 11:22 PM<br /><br />You're sick. Achy. You've got a nagging feeling that maybe this is a recurrence of that bug you picked up a few months ago.<br /><br />Imagine logging on to your secured personal medical Web profile, checking results of previous lab tests, doing a few quick price comparisons on treatment options, then using your flexible spending account debit card to pay for eligible out-of-pocket costs.<br /><br />That's what could soon be in store for all Minnesotans and what will be reality for the state's 50,000 employees as early as next year, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday in a major health-care rollout that he said puts Minnesota in the forefront of consumer-friendly medicine.<br /><br />Speaking to a health care alliance group at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, Pawlenty said his goal is to give all Minnesotans access to online personal health portfolios by 2011.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/26082889.html?location_refer=Most%20Emailed:Homepage:12">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-47135637451292931882008-05-19T10:34:00.002-05:002008-05-19T10:37:26.256-05:00Star Tribune: Legislature adjourns after budget deal reachedProperty tax relief, budget cuts and new public facilities add up to a session all sides called one of the most successful in years as the Legislature adjourned.<br />By <a href="http://www.startribune.com/bios/10644526.html">MARK BRUNSWICK</a>, Star Tribune<br />Last update: May 19, 2008 - 10:05 AM<br /><br />Fireworks burst outside the State Capitol Sunday night -- a celebration of 150 years of statehood. But, for a change, few explosions occurred inside the historic building, after Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders reached agreement on a budget that ended the 2008 legislative session.<br /><br />The House and Senate processed bills to ratify the leaders' agreement, and both chambers adjourned shortly before midnight, with generally good feelings prevailing.<br /><br />The closing deal means more Minnesotans will be covered by health insurance, more money will flow to public schools and nursing homes, a light-rail line between Minneapolis and St. Paul is a step closer to reality, and so is Minnesota's first new major state park in 40 years.<br /><br />Property tax relief is also on the way, in several forms. Pawlenty and legislative negotiators agreed to limit increases in city and county property taxes to 3.9 percent annually for the next three years.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/19055099.html?location_refer=Homepage">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-73123989359737728452008-04-08T16:28:00.001-05:002008-04-08T16:30:21.624-05:00Star Tribune: Pawlenty slashes $200 million from bonding billThe governor trimmed $200 million-plus from the bonding bill through line-item vetoes. DFLers said the cuts hit their districts, especially St. Paul, hard. But Pawlenty asserted they were neither personal nor political.<br /><br />By <a href="http://www.startribune.com/bios/10644526.html">MARK BRUNSWICK</a>, Star Tribune<br />Last update: April 7, 2008 - 10:06 PM<br /><br />Complaining about "misplaced priorities" that would fund a sheet music museum but not a new nursing facility for veterans, Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Monday slashed more than $200 million from the capital investment bill presented to him last week by the DFL-controlled Legislature.<br /><br />The Republican governor had raised the prospect of vetoing the entire bill, which funds construction projects and has been held up this year as an important jobs package in a weakening economy. Instead, he reduced it by 13 percent to $717 million, using 52 line-item vetoes. DFL critics contended that he focused the cuts on their districts, particularly in St. Paul.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/politics/17360219.html">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-76202933082295236532008-03-17T13:09:00.002-06:002008-03-17T13:13:32.092-06:00WCCO: Pawlenty Names Former Law Partner As Chief JusticeST. PAUL (AP) ― Eric Magnuson, a former law partner of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, secured an appointment Monday to the Minnesota Supreme Court's top job, becoming the state's first chief justice in seven decades without prior service on the high court.<br /><br />He replaces Russell Anderson, who announced last week he would retire in June. Magnuson, a noted appellate lawyer, had been in charge of screening judicial candidates for the governor.<br /><br />"For 32 years, I've been thinking this would be a really good job," Magnuson said, with Anderson, the six other justices and relatives looking on. Magnuson, 57, cut his legal teeth as a law clerk to former Chief Justice Robert Sheran and as a clerk to Hennepin County District Judge Douglas Amdahl before he became chief justice. But he has spent most of his career in private practice.<br /><br /><a href="http://wcco.com/politics/new.chief.justice.2.678689.html">Click here to read the entire story.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-28119700013738584322008-03-07T16:38:00.001-06:002008-03-07T16:41:52.802-06:00Pioneer Press: Pawlenty budget fix cuts spending, but also cuts sales taxAssociated Press<br />Article Last Updated: 03/07/2008 04:03:02 PM CST<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget fix comes with a twist: In addition to spending cuts, he's proposing a statewide sales tax reduction.<br /><br />The 1/8th of a percent cut to the sales tax would actually deepen Minnesota's anticipated deficit, which economic forecasters say will hit $935 million. Pawlenty, a Republican, said today that the sales tax cut would provide an economic stimulus and cost the state treasury $77 million over the next 16 months.<br /><br />"This is a modest tax cut, but it's a step in the right direction," Pawlenty said.<br /><br />His plan seeks to use $250 million from the state budget reserve and shifts another $250 million from a health care fund to cover subsidized care for disadvantaged Minnesotans.<br /><br />Nobody will be removed" from government health programs, he said. But he said a planned expansion of coverage would be canceled.<br /><br />Tax collectors would pull in $102 million more by doing away with an exemption some corporations used to shield income from overseas operations.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_8492077">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-15392304965892899642008-02-27T08:57:00.002-06:002008-02-27T09:13:43.487-06:00Pioneer Press: Gov. Pawlenty predicts revolt over transportation bill tax increasesBy BILL SALISBURY bsalisbury@pioneerpress.com<br />Article Last Updated: 02/26/2008 04:26:07 PM CST<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty today predicted Minnesota taxpayers would revolt against the gas and other tax increases that Democrats in the Legislature imposed on them Monday by overriding his veto of the transportation bill.<br /><br />"Yesterday the DFL had their day raising taxes," Pawlwenty said at a Capitol news conference. "Now the taxpayers of Minnesota will have their days between now and when they get to decide how they want this Legislature to run in the future and who's going run it.<br /><br />Yesterday will be the day that began a tax revolt in Minnesota," he said with uncharacteristic passion.<br />The transportation bill will increase the gas tax by 5.5 cents this year and up 8.5 cents in future years. It also levies a 0.25 percent sales in the metro area for transit, boosts motor vehicle license tab fees and increases other smaller taxes.<br /><br />"Yesterday the DFL caucus took a bucket of tax increases and dumped it on the heads of hardworking Minnesotans at at time when they're stuggling to pay food costs, when they're struggling to pay health-care costs, when theyre struggling to pay gasoline costs, and the economy is shaky and their worried about their economic future."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_8369228">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-68651288855726510152008-02-22T17:16:00.002-06:002008-02-22T17:20:22.557-06:00Coon Rapids ECM Publishers: Pawlenty Vetos Transportation Finance BillPawlenty vetoes transportation finance bill; Speaker Kelliher says votes for override are there<br /><br />Friday, 22 February 2008<br />by T.W. Budig<br />ECM capitol reporter<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty has vetoed the transportation finance bill passed Thursday (Feb. 21) night by lawmakers.<br /><br />In his veto letter, Pawlenty expressed disappointment that lawmakers chose to ignore his “repeated” offers to work together on a compromise.<br /><br />“This is a bill that goes way, way too far,” said Pawlenty Press Secretary Brian McClung, speaking for the governor who is on his way to National Governor’s Association meeting in Washington.<br /><br />Standing outside the Governor’s Office,<br />McClung posed with the “Veto” stamp Pawlenty applied to the transportation bill.<br /><br />He questioned why Congress on a bipartisan basis had crafted an economic stimulus package that included tax cuts while Minnesota lawmakers were raising tax.<br /><br /><a href="http://hometownsource.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4029&Itemid=29">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-69061553396034570842008-02-14T12:59:00.002-06:002008-02-14T14:21:29.753-06:00State of the State AddressYesterday, I delivered the State of the State address in St. Cloud. The state of our state is strong even as we are challenged by circumstances.<br /><br />I strongly reminded DFL legislators of the need for government to live within its means just like Minnesota families and businesses are required to do. Minnesotans are facing challenging times with rising fuel costs and health care costs. Government should not add to the burden by demanding more in taxes. I also reminded DFL legislators of the availability of my “taxpayer protection pen” (aka veto pen) and my willingness to use it to control spending.<br /><br />The prosperity of our citizens depends upon their ability to access good-paying jobs. For jobs to be available, businesses need to stay, grow and invent in Minnesota. Our large government and job-punishing tax structure in Minnesota reflects the demographics and economy of the 1960’s. We need to reduce taxes on income, investment, and entrepreneurial activities. I will create the 21st Century Tax Reform Commission to look at improving our tax system in a manner that makes Minnesota more competitive.<br /><br />Once again, I urged the legislature to join me in passing legislation that caps how much property taxes can increase a year. This common sense approach has been used effectively in many other states.<br /><br />Minnesotans are finding it more and more difficult to afford health care. During the speech, I also announced plans to make health care in Minnesota more affordable and focused on better health care outcomes. I believe these reforms can be passed yet this year.<br /><br /> Besides parents, the quality and effectiveness of teachers is the most important factor in determining the educational success of a child. Yesterday, I outlined several proposals to improve teaching in Minnesota, including: creating alternative pathways into teaching for highly talented mid-career professionals; requiring even tenured teachers to be evaluated and further trained on a regular basis; and creating a world-class e-curriculum so that students and teachers can have the best instruction available to them anytime and anywhere.<br /><br />I also strongly urged the legislature to pass my proposal to further support members of the military, their families and veterans. During my speech I also outlined several other initiatives.<br /><br />We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident with your help, we will continue moving Minnesota forward.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sincerely,<br /> <br /> <br />Tim Pawlenty<br />Governorthammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-84039831806296601292008-01-30T09:41:00.000-06:002008-01-30T09:42:27.741-06:002007 Campaign Finance Filing(St. Paul) – The Pawlenty for Governor Committee is filing its Annual Report of Receipts and Expenditures for 2007 today. The committee will report over $850,000 in receipts and just over $640,000 in expenditures, with $375,285 cash on hand at the end of the year.<br /><br />“I am grateful for the continued strong support my campaign committee receives from so many Minnesotans. Their support allows us to continue our grassroots efforts to promote our agenda and move Minnesota forward", Governor Tim Pawlenty said.<br /><br />Campaign Political Director Trisha Hamm said, “The 14,000 contributions our campaign received in 2007 show support for Governor Pawlenty’s message which includes holding the line on taxes and requiring government to live within its means. The strategic expenditures we made this year to keep our supporters informed, build our fundraising capabilities and advocate the Governor’s strong agenda are all important investments for the future of our campaign.”thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-59722839238253536902008-01-14T13:34:00.000-06:002008-01-14T13:38:36.740-06:00Pioneer Press: Pawlenty bonding proposal includes $225M for bridges<a class="articleByline" href="mailto:dlien@pioneerpress.com?subject=TwinCities.com:">BY DENNIS LIEN Pioneer Press</a><br />Article Last Updated: 01/14/2008 09:51:49 AM CST<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed a $965 million bonding package today, with much of the money directed at new and improved roads and bridges.<br /><br />"This proposal is fiscally responsible and it sets key priorities such as replacing more than 600 local bridges,'' Pawlenty said in a statement.<br /><br />The package, he said, rises to $1.09 billion when user-financed bonds, trunk highway bonds and extra cash are included.<br /><br />Almost 40 percent, or $416 million, would go to transportation. Of that, $225 million would be dedicated for local bridges and $30 million for local roads. The Central Corridor light-rail project would get $70 million.<br /><br />He said the local bridge amount is more than four times larger than the amount in any previous bonding bill in state history.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_7967505?nclick_check=1">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-49390480914629707672008-01-08T09:12:00.000-06:002008-01-08T09:19:24.910-06:00Minnesota Public Radio: Pawlenty targets illegal immigrationPawlenty targets illegal immigration<br />by <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/about/people/mpr_people_display.php?aut_id=62">Tom Scheck</a>, Minnesota Public Radio<br />January 7, 2008<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty is renewing his call to crack down on illegal immigration in Minnesota. The governor's plan includes some initiatives that don't need legislative approval and some that do.<br /><br />St. Paul, Minn. — The governor issued an order that takes several steps to deal with illegal immigration without legislative agreement.<br /><br />It requires state law enforcement officers to work with federal agents to enforce immigration laws. It instructs the Department of Public Safety to review photos on the state's driver's license database for possible fraud. And it requires any new state employees and contractors who do business with the state to verify citizenship through an Internet-based system operated by the federal government.<br /><br />Pawlenty said the steps are necessary to respond to illegal immigration.<br /><br /><a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/01/07/immigration/">Click here to read the entire article.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-16936606197086458212007-12-03T16:03:00.000-06:002007-12-03T16:05:00.370-06:00Budget ForecastDecember 3<br /><br />While much of the nation's economy remains strong, the housing crisis and high oil prices are causing economists to predict an economic slow-down.<br /><br />As a result, the State of Minnesota’s budget is now projected to have a $373 million shortfall during the current budget period. This deficit is about 1% of the general fund budget.<br /><br />Since I have become Governor, we have achieved a long-standing goal to move Minnesota out of the top ten in taxes, and have kept a lid on State spending. The DFL doesn’t believe in the value of lower taxes or limiting government spending.<br /><br />Predictably, their approach in times of deficit will be to increase state spending and raise taxes to pay for it.<br /><br />We cannot tax our way to prosperity. The best way to stimulate the economy is to leave as much money as possible in the hands of hard-working Minnesota families.<br /><br />Some relief can come in the form of closing a tax loophole for foreign corporations. This is a fair thing to do and brings Minnesota in line with how the federal government taxes such corporations.<br /><br />Every time the suggestion is made to close this loophole, the Democrats want to use the money generated by the change for more government spending. No surprise there. They always want to spend more. I think we should use the money to provide relief directly to Minnesota taxpayers.<br /><br />But I can’t present our message alone. I need your help delivering our message of limiting government spending and tax relief to legislators. Please visit our Action Center at <a href="http://www.timpawlenty.com/">http://www.timpawlenty.com/</a> to find out ways you can help.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br /><br />Tim Pawlenty<br />Governor<br /><br /><br />November 26<br /><br />This afternoon I announced my selection of Chris Dietzen to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court.<br /><br />Judge Dietzen has a long and distinguished career as both an attorney and as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. He is a graduate of Gonzaga University, where he also received his law degree. For more than 30 years, he practiced law specializing in civil litigation and has served on the appellate court since 2004.<br /><br />He has proven himself to be a strict constructionist who follows the rule of law with impartiality. In a time when legislating from the bench has unfortunately become more commonplace, Judge Dietzen has continually used judicial restraint and common sense in his opinions.<br /><br />His strong experience, innate fairness and honest character will serve him well as the newest member of the Minnesota Supreme Court.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br /><br />Tim Pawlenty<br />Governorthammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-18649834676418630072007-11-12T22:33:00.000-06:002007-11-12T22:41:22.516-06:00Coon Rapids ECM Publishers: Pawlenty Administration presents $51 million veterans package to be submitted to Legislatureby T.W. Budig<br /><br />ECM capitol reporter<br /><br />Minnesota Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clark Dyrud styled the proposal “a grand coming together.”<br /><br />The Pawlenty Administration on Veterans Day (Nov. 12) presented a $51 million veterans package it will submit to the Legislature this coming session.<br /><br />It isn’t a dream sheet, said Minnesota Military Affairs Adjutant General Maj. General Larry Shellito, speaking at a Capitol press conference.<br /><br />The 35 initiatives contained in the proposal emerged out of a collaborative process, he explained.<br /><br /><a href="http://hometownsource.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3068&Itemid=29">Click here to read the entire story.</a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-47749845673267954152007-10-03T10:08:00.000-05:002007-10-03T10:15:17.276-05:00Star Tribune: Minnesota Poll: Show of support for PawlentyEnjoying his highest approval ratings in four years, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has weathered a politically stormy summer.<br />By Mark Brunswick, Star Tribune<br /><br />Gov. Tim Pawlenty appears to have weathered some of the most tumultuous events of his tenure, with 59 percent of Minnesota adults approving of the job he is doing as governor, a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll shows. It is his highest approval rating in the poll since February 2003, shortly after he took office.<br /><br /><br />Click here to read entire article.thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-45583745058579786352007-09-25T15:58:00.000-05:002007-09-25T16:10:22.323-05:00Fox 9 News: Pawlenty Proposes Small Business Assistance for '08 SessionST. PAUL, Minn. -- Rural Minnesota small business development is the first major initiative proposed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty for the 2008 legislative session. On Tuesday, Pawlenty outlined SEED -- his Strategic Entrepreneurial Economic Development program.<br /><br />SEED is a combination of tax credits, loans, grants and other capital assistance to small business owners in Minnesota. Pawlenty will ask the 2008 Legislature to approve and pay the program with $20 million from the state's general fund and another $50 million in borrowed money.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=4454652&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1">Click here to read the full article. </a>thammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921457428525238541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-18073435937059879592007-09-20T14:38:00.001-05:002007-09-24T10:11:19.077-05:00KARE 11: Pawlenty announces state loans for Mesabi Nugget plant<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8mb0ShbcKELdYrVselHRkpsu2ijG8U1LFT-pG0RILmV-tlIl0A6K1DummRjtEtc8kxEEtItp5Bum1Uy8wTxvBqVBUBmBaeR2sb5BbN3BGcq3NVnekywAKSmII-3b3L7DvyxOPWgQiNs/s1600-h/logo_n_en.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8mb0ShbcKELdYrVselHRkpsu2ijG8U1LFT-pG0RILmV-tlIl0A6K1DummRjtEtc8kxEEtItp5Bum1Uy8wTxvBqVBUBmBaeR2sb5BbN3BGcq3NVnekywAKSmII-3b3L7DvyxOPWgQiNs/s320/logo_n_en.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112374164629475682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHpd7oeX13o8RSSXNDkQIUYHL55gBMoQ34MAK9YDSubsZinP2MTy3lwdmUtOnMYSd6Za4FyN_u2fT9tSkKtBqyHuVx1-kMhwbC4n0BuwR6Fx3uSWMYSo2qYGzFgwk9TUrnzWSZcu6Q-Y/s1600-h/logo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHpd7oeX13o8RSSXNDkQIUYHL55gBMoQ34MAK9YDSubsZinP2MTy3lwdmUtOnMYSd6Za4FyN_u2fT9tSkKtBqyHuVx1-kMhwbC4n0BuwR6Fx3uSWMYSo2qYGzFgwk9TUrnzWSZcu6Q-Y/s320/logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112374280593592690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />(Associated Press) Governor Tim Pawlenty said state agencies will lend $26.5 million to the Mesabi Nugget plant on the Iron Range, calling it a "transformational moment for northeastern Minnesota."<br /><br />He signed a $16.5 million loan from the Iron Range Resources Board in Eveleth on Thursday and said the project will also get $10 million from the state Department of Employment and Economic Development.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=265229">Click here to read the full article.</a>mkruegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134853499407646271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-61893864490937220622007-09-12T09:08:00.000-05:002007-09-12T09:12:32.363-05:00Governor Pawlenty Signs Flood Relief BillJust before 3:00 AM this morning, Governor Pawlenty signed the flood relief bill passed in the one-day special session.<br /><br />As reported by the Pioneer Press, the bill includes:<br /><p>- $51 million to repair and replace roads and bridges. </p><p>- $38 million for other public infrastructure projects, including repairing local sewer and water systems, city and county buildings, municipal utilities and state and local parks. </p><p>- $35 million in grants and loans to small businesses. </p><p>- $16 million in low-interest and forgivable loans to individual homeowners. </p><p>- $1 million for property tax abatements for flooded homes and businesses. </p><p>- $584,000 to clean up and repair schools and provide aid to offset pupils who left school districts after the flood. </p><p><a href="http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_6870682">Click here to read the rest of the Pioneer Press article.</a></p><p><br /></p>mkruegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134853499407646271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7338234465348018941.post-21845128368327090092007-09-10T18:37:00.001-05:002007-09-10T21:08:27.447-05:00Governor Pawlenty Calls Special SessionThe State Legislature will convene at 5:00pm Tuesday for a special session to provide aid needed from the recent droughts and flooding in Minnesota.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.publicradio.org/tools/media/player/start/00:00:08.0/noads/news/features/2007/09/10_extra_pawlentync.ram">Click here to listen to the press conference, via MPR.</a>mkruegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134853499407646271noreply@blogger.com