Statement from MAPE President Chet Jorgenson Regarding Governor the State of the State Address

February 11, 2010

 “When Governor Pawlenty talks about the challenges Minnesota faces, he needs to acknowledge the consequences of his budget decisions over the past seven years. His tendency is to dance a political two-step around issues, but when it comes being accountable, as Minnesota’s CEO for the last seven years, his failed policies contributed greatly to the state’s weakened economic position.   

 “The state of Pawlenty’s Minnesota is weak.  Here is the real state of our economy – the state’s cash flow is so low that his Administration is exploring short-term borrowing to keep state government’s lights on, his cost-shifting and spending gimmicks caused Minnesota’s credit outlook to drop and his lackluster record of job creation will help keep unemployment at an all time high.   

 “And here’s how he solves budget problems. Rather than trim the fat from $1.9 billion in outsourcing contracts, Governor Pawlenty goes after the elderly, the working poor, the sick and our children.  MAPE offered the Governor over $400 million in common sense solutions to cut government waste to help bridge the budget gap. How did Pawlenty respond?  Rather than working together, the Governor used his executive power to unilaterally cut essential services to those who need it most.

“Governor Pawlenty has contributed greatly to the erosion of Minnesota’s quality of life in his quest to compete with Sarah Palin for the hearts and minds of the conservative movement.”

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