Paul Thissen: Innovation in Action

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.