Paul Thissen: Innovation in Action

Thissen: Let’s keep perspective

Paul Thissen Statement on Forecast and Unemployment

Let’s not lose perspective.  A billion dollar deficit and hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans out of work is not good news.  On top of that, 8,000 veterans and 32,000 vulnerable Minnesotans run out of health care in less than 30 days.   It’s time for leaders to stop spinning and start solving problems in a way that is rooted in reality.

As opposed to selling Minnesotans a false sense of security, we need to bring real economic security to real Minnesota families.

Paul Thissen chairs the Health and Human Services Policy Committee. He’s serving his 4th term in the legislator, representing House District 63A (Richfield and South Minneapolis). Paul is a DFL candidate for governor in 2010.

Statement on Pawlenty Budget Proposal

Minnesotans don’t want a state where we are leaving our most vulnerable neighbors behind, but that is just what Governor Pawlenty is doing. Middle class families are feeling the deep squeeze of the current economy. The governor’s proposals to eliminate affordable health care for working Minnesotans, to cut quality child care for working parents, to make college less affordable, just tightens that squeeze.

Minnesotans have a more generous vision of the responsibilities we owe each other as citizens. As public leaders, we should enact a budget that reflects that value and that gives Minnesotans hope for a brighter, more secure future. Unfortunately, the governor’s budget does not do that. His political blinders continue to keep him from seeing that there are other alternatives to the cuts he is proposing. It’s time Minnesotans stand up and stand together for a better vision of our state.

FULL MEDIA RELEASE

Response to Governor Pawlenty’s Final State of the State Address

Response from Rep. Thissen on Governor Pawlenty’s Final State of the State Address

I went into the State of the State address hopeful and unfortunately the Governor’s address was predictable and I left disappointed.

I agree we must slow the growth of spending by spending smarter. I agree we must create jobs. I agree we must maintain funding levels for education. I agree we must cap the unsustainable rate of property tax increases.

But, I don’t agree with the governor’s path.

His proposals to cut are just as predictable as the legislature’s reaction to his speech. Governor Pawlenty’s priorities are clear but he consistently misses the point.

Health care isn’t about insurance, it’s about care.

We can’t create just any job. We need to create good paying jobs; jobs that deliver meaningful income that allow individuals and families to contribute to our economy, not just get by.

We can’t just keep education funding levels flat, we must invest. Minnesotans have already felt the pain of Governor Pawlenty’s cuts. And he promises more with his budget on Monday.

We need a governor that is going to find creative ways to ease the pain to his constituents, not further the burden by eliminating programs and cutting deals with corporations.

Under a Thissen Administration, Minnesotans can expect a progressive tax system, investment in early and higher education and a health care system that delivers on behalf of the patient, not a corporate bottom line.

Thissen Campaign Clears $370,000 in Pre-Election Year Fundraising

Bloomington, MN — Rep. Paul Thissen’s campaign for governor announced today that it has brought in more than $370,000 from nearly 1900 donors since beginning the campaign just over a year ago.

“I am incredibly grateful and encouraged by the financial support of so many Minnesotans from across the state, especially during these difficult economic times,” said Rep. Thissen. “Their support has strengthened my commitment to building a better future for Minnesota’s families.” “Our fundraising success shows once again that Paul’s message is reaching voters across Minnesota and our campaign continues to grow,” said Gia Vitali, Thissen’s campaign manager.

“The generosity of our donors has allowed us to hire a strong field team to complement our growing and enthusiastic volunteer base. We have come farther, faster than any campaign in the race, and we are confident that our momentum will keep growing right through the general election in November.”

Thissen looks forward to receiving the endorsement of the DFL party at the Convention in April, 2010 and has pledged to abide by their decision. “I strongly believe that I am the candidate who can unify our party following the convention this spring and take back the Governor’s office for the DFL in November,” said Thissen.

During the campaign, Thissen has traveled extensively across Minnesota, visiting 83 counties and talking to thousands of Minnesotans. In October 2009, Thissen received the endorsement of the Minnesota Nurses Association. Thissen chairs the Health and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

MEDIA RELEASE (.pdf)

Paul Thissen Stands by His Commitment to Honor DFL Endorsement Process

“As a life-long DFLer, I decided early on to abide by the delegates’ decision at the DFL State Convention in April 2010. I plan to keep my word.  It’s important for our party to honor the process and I believe I am the candidate who can unify the party after the convention this spring.”

See the full MEDIA RELEASE