Last chance to tell Gov. Pawlenty to do right by Minnesotans

[katinmn]

As the governor and legislators enter into final budget negotiations, let Pawlenty know where you stand.
Here's a letter I just sent him:


Dear Governor Pawlenty,

As a life-long Minnesotan please know that I support the Senate's budget proposal because it offers a solution for health care funding and K-12 education that Minnesotans can live with.

I do not agree with your proposal to cut education programs, push poor people off health care and shift more tax burdens onto property owners and through hidden fees.

That is not the way to balance the budget.

The wealthiest in our society have enjoyed tremendous tax advantages for several years now. They do not worry about health care for their children or elderly parents. They do not worry that their kids are not getting the same high quality education as they received.

Yet a majority of Minnesotans DO worry about these things. I worry about them.

Listen to Minnesotans, not the folks in DC.

You can have a balanced budget and be fair, too. Please listen to wise Republicans that have gone before you such as Governor Arne Carlson, who deftly managed our budget without sacrificing Minnesota values to help our neighbors, and former U.S. Senator Durenberger who believed that health care and good public education is a right for all - not just the rich and powerful.

Thank you.

katinmn

[katinmn]

1. Gov staff to consider my issue. LOL

From: "Tim Pawlenty" <[e-mail]>
To: katinmn
Subject: RE: Budget negotiations
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2005 11:47:21 +0000

Thank you for contacting the Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty with your comments and concerns.

Because of the volume of correspondence we receive, we are not able to respond to all emails personally. We value your input and will take into consideration your thoughts or concerns on this particular issue.

If you need immediate attention, please call the Governor's office at [phone].

Again, thanks for contacting the Governor's office and feel free to do so again in the future if you have comments and suggestions.

Katinmn responds: Thanks. I will surely do that the next time I want to be ignored on my "particular issue." Under any previous governor the constituent services staff would have at least a form letter ready on the budget by now. What are you slackers up to besides sucking up to Rove and the Tax Evaders League?

[Demrock6]

5. That is a really good letter!

Did you hear anything back yet?

[Carolab]

2. I can't believe Pawlenty is trying to "remove" Hatch over this.

Saying he can't do his job objectively because he is a Dem planning to run against Timbo for Guv. What an ASS.

[CatholicEdHead]

3. It's power politics

they are trying to use the DC inner-beltway model out here. The "my way or the highway" approach. I can see Gov Pawlenty trying to be set up in the GOP as some lower Duke to the King. Some of the recent rethroic does come close to this.

[Carolab]

4. Yeah, well Mike made it clear he doesn't answer to a "king" or duke

and certainly not to a quisling like Pawlenty.

[no name no slogan]

6. This state employee says "thank you"

Fortunately for me, my job has been deemed "essential", and I will not be furloughed on 7/1. However, all of my coworkers will have to burn their vacation time or go without pay and benefits until there's a solution to the current impasse.

Most people at my agency are optimistic, and believe they'll reach an 11th hour agreement and keep the state running. I hope for the sake of that state that this is true.