DFLer calls Pawlenty 'rogue governor'
ST. PAUL -- A column penned by the assistant Minnesota Senate majority leader may signal how Democrats will react to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's unilateral cutting of state budgets.
Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, wrote that the Republican governor is improperly using his unallotment powers, the authority in law for him to cut budgets when there is not enough revenue to pay for everything lawmakers approved.
"What the crafters of the unallotment law didn't anticipate was a rogue governor who would choose to act in bad faith, as Pawlenty has done," Clark wrote. "Pawlenty refused meaningful negotiations, made impossible demands for clearly imprudent accounting stunts like borrowing to pay ongoing expenses and vetoed reasonable attempts by the Legislature to make cuts and increase revenue."
The headline she placed on her column called the governor's actions a "power grab."
ADVERTISEMENT
Republican lawmakers and Pawlenty, on the other hand, said the Democratic-controlled Legislature passed spending bills that fell $3 billion short of available revenue. And, the GOP side said, Pawlenty made it clear that he would not accept tax increases included in a last-minute bill; the governor long has said he opposes state tax increases.
Clark said that the unallotment law is for emergency use only: "During a financial crisis occurring between legislative sessions, a governor, acting prudently and in consultation with a key legislative commission, would make needed adjustments to hold the budget together until the legislature and governor could again pass legislation to balance the budget."
Using unallotment before the next two-year budget begins essentially makes Pawlenty "the sole decision-maker over funding for activities under the state's general fund,." Clark said.
No deal? Cut pay
Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington, has an oldie but goodie bill proposal.
Garofalo said his first 2010 bill will be cutting legislative and gubernatorial pay if they fail to reach a budget agreement, as happened this year.
"When public and private sector workers don't get their jobs done, there are financial penalties," Garofalo said. "The same principle should apply to the Legislature and the governor: no work, no pay."
Garofalo said he supports Gov. Tim Pawlenty's action to unilaterally cut spending so the state budget is balanced, but he said lawmakers and chief executives should agree on budgets.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I am worried that it sets a dangerous precedent for relations between the executive and legislative branches," he said of Pawlenty's action. "This legislation will help ensure that future legislatures don't repeat the failures of the 2009 session. I am confident that if the public contacts their legislators, this legislation will have a good chance of becoming law. I look forward to hearing some elected officials explain why accountability from politicians is a bad idea."
Similar bills have been introduced in the past, but have not passed.
'City cuts OK'
Gov. Tim Pawlenty should not claim that cities are unwilling to see their state aid cut, a city leader said.
The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities support some cuts to local government aid, Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden said. But the coalition's president added that the governor "greatly misrepresents our position."
Wolden lobbied Pawlenty to be careful when cutting budgets in the next few weeks.
"Governor, please don't discount the severity of these cuts," Wolden wrote in a letter to Pawlenty. "They will have serious impacts in our communities. While we may have our differences of opinion on policy, we can both agree that Minnesotans -- no matter what corner of the state they live in -- deserve strong communities at an affordable price."
Pawlenty criticized
ADVERTISEMENT
Top legislative Democrats say they will hold Gov. Tim Pawlenty responsible for the repercussions of coming state budget cuts, The Associated Press reported Friday.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller sent Pawlenty a letter Friday saying that further reductions will hurt schools, nursing homes, hospitals, cities and counties, and the related job losses will damage the economy.
The Republican governor asked lawmakers for suggestions as he prepares to use his executive authority to cut spending and delay payments in a deficit.
The session ended last week without a budget deal, leaving a $2.7 billion shortfall.
The DFLers say they did their part by passing a budget, but Pawlenty vetoed their package of tax increases and payment delays to cover the gap.
Mansion open
Minnesotans may look through their governor's official residence this summer.
The home at 1006 Summit Ave., St. Paul, will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of June, July and August.
ADVERTISEMENT
They are free, and a guide will lead tours.
Groups of 15 or more should call (651) 297-2161 for reservations.
A photo identification is needed for admittance.
Pawlenty's travels
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty heads south June 26 to headline an Arkansas Republican Party fundraiser.
Pawlenty, often mentioned as a potential presidential or vice presidential candidate, speaks to the annual Governor's Dinner in Little Rock.
Davis reports for Forum Communications Co., which owns the Herald.
