Governor Pawlenty

Star Tribune: Legislature adjourns after budget deal reached

2008-05-19T10:34:00.002-05:00

Property 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.
By MARK BRUNSWICK, Star Tribune
Last update: May 19, 2008 - 10:05 AM

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.

The House and Senate processed bills to ratify the leaders' agreement, and both chambers adjourned shortly before midnight, with generally good feelings prevailing.

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.

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.

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Star Tribune: Pawlenty slashes $200 million from bonding bill

2008-04-08T16:28:00.001-05:00

The 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.

By MARK BRUNSWICK, Star Tribune
Last update: April 7, 2008 - 10:06 PM

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.

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.

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WCCO: Pawlenty Names Former Law Partner As Chief Justice

2008-03-17T13:09:00.002-06:00

ST. 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.

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.

"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.

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Pioneer Press: Pawlenty budget fix cuts spending, but also cuts sales tax

2008-03-07T16:38:00.001-06:00

Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 03/07/2008 04:03:02 PM CST

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget fix comes with a twist: In addition to spending cuts, he's proposing a statewide sales tax reduction.

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.

"This is a modest tax cut, but it's a step in the right direction," Pawlenty said.

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.

Nobody will be removed" from government health programs, he said. But he said a planned expansion of coverage would be canceled.

Tax collectors would pull in $102 million more by doing away with an exemption some corporations used to shield income from overseas operations.

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Pioneer Press: Gov. Pawlenty predicts revolt over transportation bill tax increases

2008-02-27T08:57:00.002-06:00

By BILL SALISBURY bsalisbury@pioneerpress.com
Article Last Updated: 02/26/2008 04:26:07 PM CST

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.

"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.

Yesterday will be the day that began a tax revolt in Minnesota," he said with uncharacteristic passion.
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.

"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."

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Coon Rapids ECM Publishers: Pawlenty Vetos Transportation Finance Bill

2008-02-22T17:16:00.002-06:00

Pawlenty vetoes transportation finance bill; Speaker Kelliher says votes for override are there

Friday, 22 February 2008
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has vetoed the transportation finance bill passed Thursday (Feb. 21) night by lawmakers.

In his veto letter, Pawlenty expressed disappointment that lawmakers chose to ignore his “repeated” offers to work together on a compromise.

“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.

Standing outside the Governor’s Office,
McClung posed with the “Veto” stamp Pawlenty applied to the transportation bill.

He questioned why Congress on a bipartisan basis had crafted an economic stimulus package that included tax cuts while Minnesota lawmakers were raising tax.

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State of the State Address

2008-02-14T12:59:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident with your help, we will continue moving Minnesota forward.

Sincerely,

Tim Pawlenty
Governor

2007 Campaign Finance Filing

2008-01-30T09:41:00.000-06:00

(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.

“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.

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.”

Pioneer Press: Pawlenty bonding proposal includes $225M for bridges

2008-01-14T13:34:00.000-06:00

BY DENNIS LIEN Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 01/14/2008 09:51:49 AM CST

Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed a $965 million bonding package today, with much of the money directed at new and improved roads and bridges.

"This proposal is fiscally responsible and it sets key priorities such as replacing more than 600 local bridges,'' Pawlenty said in a statement.

The package, he said, rises to $1.09 billion when user-financed bonds, trunk highway bonds and extra cash are included.

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.

He said the local bridge amount is more than four times larger than the amount in any previous bonding bill in state history.

Click here to read the entire article.

Minnesota Public Radio: Pawlenty targets illegal immigration

2008-01-08T09:12:00.000-06:00

Pawlenty targets illegal immigration
by Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio
January 7, 2008

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.

St. Paul, Minn. — The governor issued an order that takes several steps to deal with illegal immigration without legislative agreement.

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.

Pawlenty said the steps are necessary to respond to illegal immigration.

Click here to read the entire article.

Budget Forecast

2007-12-03T16:03:00.000-06:00

December 3

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.

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.

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.

Predictably, their approach in times of deficit will be to increase state spending and raise taxes to pay for it.

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.

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.

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.

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 http://www.timpawlenty.com/ to find out ways you can help.

Thanks!

Sincerely,

Tim Pawlenty
Governor

November 26

This afternoon I announced my selection of Chris Dietzen to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

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.

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.

His strong experience, innate fairness and honest character will serve him well as the newest member of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Sincerely,

Tim Pawlenty
Governor

Coon Rapids ECM Publishers: Pawlenty Administration presents $51 million veterans package to be submitted to Legislature

2007-11-12T22:33:00.000-06:00

by T.W. Budig

ECM capitol reporter

Minnesota Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clark Dyrud styled the proposal “a grand coming together.”

The Pawlenty Administration on Veterans Day (Nov. 12) presented a $51 million veterans package it will submit to the Legislature this coming session.

It isn’t a dream sheet, said Minnesota Military Affairs Adjutant General Maj. General Larry Shellito, speaking at a Capitol press conference.

The 35 initiatives contained in the proposal emerged out of a collaborative process, he explained.

Click here to read the entire story.

Star Tribune: Minnesota Poll: Show of support for Pawlenty

2007-10-03T10:08:00.000-05:00

Enjoying his highest approval ratings in four years, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has weathered a politically stormy summer.
By Mark Brunswick, Star Tribune

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.

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Fox 9 News: Pawlenty Proposes Small Business Assistance for '08 Session

2007-09-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

ST. 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.

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.

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KARE 11: Pawlenty announces state loans for Mesabi Nugget plant

2007-09-20T14:38:00.001-05:00

(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."

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.

Click here to read the full article.

Governor Pawlenty Signs Flood Relief Bill

2007-09-12T09:08:00.000-05:00

Just before 3:00 AM this morning, Governor Pawlenty signed the flood relief bill passed in the one-day special session.

As reported by the Pioneer Press, the bill includes:

- $51 million to repair and replace roads and bridges.

- $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.

- $35 million in grants and loans to small businesses.

- $16 million in low-interest and forgivable loans to individual homeowners.

- $1 million for property tax abatements for flooded homes and businesses.

- $584,000 to clean up and repair schools and provide aid to offset pupils who left school districts after the flood.

Click here to read the rest of the Pioneer Press article.

Governor Pawlenty Calls Special Session

2007-09-10T18:37:00.001-05:00

The State Legislature will convene at 5:00pm Tuesday for a special session to provide aid needed from the recent droughts and flooding in Minnesota.

Click here to listen to the press conference, via MPR.

PIONEER PRESS: Pawlenty says special session must be limited to floods, transportation, cutting property taxes

2007-09-04T14:53:00.001-05:00

By Rachel E. Stassen-Berger

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he has begun to doubt lawmakers' willingness to focus a potential special session only on emergency issues.

Pawlenty, a Republican, voiced those doubts in a letter to Democratic-Farmer-Labor leaders Tuesday. He said his questions were prompted after reading an article in the West Central Tribune newspaper and talks his staffers have had with lawmakers.

"The sentiments expressed in the attached article and the discussions with legislators since our meeting last week raise questions about the DFL majority's willingness to keep a potential special session properly focused," he wrote.

Since the Interstate-35W bridge collapse on Aug. 1, lawmakers and the governor have considered the possibility of an interim legislative session to deal with the disaster. The massive flooding in southeastern Minnesota on Aug. 19 further fueled those discussions.

But the governor has said he will only call lawmakers into special session if he receives a detailed pre-agreement on what bills will be passed and the length of the session.

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HometownSoure.com: Gov. Pawlenty announces proposal to require disclosure of flood insurance eligibility

2007-08-24T15:02:00.000-05:00

Elgin, Minn. – Visiting southeastern Minnesota communities hit by flooding, Gov. Tim Pawlenty Friday announced a proposal to require insurance companies to tell Minnesotans about their eligibility for flood insurance.

“Many Minnesotans are unaware they are able to purchase flood insurance for their home,” Gov. Pawlenty said. “In some cases, people living through this disaster in southeastern Minnesota were told that couldn’t get flood insurance. We need to ensure that people have good information when they buy insurance so they can make the best decision about what’s right for them and their families.”

Click here for more.

Governor Pawlenty Speaks to the Ethanol Conference

2007-08-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

The speech is online at domesticfuel.com.

Statement from Governor Pawlenty on I-35W Bridge Collapse

2007-08-01T22:18:00.000-05:00

Saint Paul – The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis:

“This is a catastrophe of historic propositions for Minnesota. We want to say to the families who are being impacted by this that our hearts and prayers are with you. But we also want to make sure that you know we are doing everything we can to make sure that we respond as quickly as we can to the needs of this emergency.”

MPR: Pawlenty to ask for agricultural disaster declaration

2007-08-01T13:04:00.000-05:00

by Tim Post, Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty got a first-hand look at drought-damaged crops in central Minnesota on Tuesday. Pawlenty toured a Little Falls area farm, where a lack of rain has wilted the corn crop and stunted the hay crop. The governor says by the end of the week he expects to ask the federal government to declare many of Minnesota's driest counties disaster areas in an effort to free up federal and state assistance for farmers.

Click here to read the full article.

Pawlenty Tours Drought Area Today

2007-07-31T00:37:00.001-05:00

The St. Cloud Times has the details on the visit.

Click here to go to their story.

STAR TRIBUNE: Pawlenty revs up his peers on energy

2007-07-24T12:53:00.000-05:00

By Patricia Lopez, Star Tribune

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. - With the nation's governors assembled before him, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said on Monday that the United States can no longer rely on "unstable and unfriendly" foreign sources for its growing energy needs and called for an "Americanization" of energy. As the new chairman of the National Governors Association, the Minnesota governor said that "securing a clean energy future" would be the group's top priority for the coming year.

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Pawlenty Named NGA Chair

2007-07-23T10:41:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty officially took over as chair of the National Governors Association this morning. He announced his policy initiative will be "Securing a Clean Energy Future."

More details to come as press reports become available...