We Can Do Better
"Letter to Editor"07/26/2006
Dear Friend:
The targets of Tim Pawlenty’s cuts have been the elderly, children, individuals with disabilities, battered women and others with little voice in the political process. Before making those cuts, Governor Pawlenty never bothered to meet with the groups most affected by them. And in the process, Tim Pawlenty turned the State on its ear:
*An analysis of Pawlenty’s 2004-05 budget showed that programs serving the poor, the elderly and those with disabilities absorbed roughly half of the cuts to balance the budget even though those programs accounted for just one-fifth of State spending.
*Pawlenty’s proposals included the elimination of all state funding for Meals on Wheels, eliminating health care coverage for almost 70,000 working Minnesotans, and cut funding for schools for the blind and deaf.
*News organizations warned that Pawlenty’s proposal cuts would “inflict real pain.”
*In response to the outcry by those who would be affected by his cuts, Governor Pawlenty denounced those concerned, calling them “victims du jour.” And when those targets were given an opportunity by the media to voice their concerns, the Governor did not even have the decency to hear them out. Instead, he resorted to name calling - belittling them and their plight.
Yet, when it comes to his political allies, who have the financial and other means to take care of themselves, Governor Pawlenty has been careful not to create any “hardship” for them. Through his JOBZ program, the Governor has given tax breaks to companies with big profits; he has repeatedly refused to plug a loophole in Minnesota’s tax law, which enables companies with off-shore operations to shield their profits from Minnesota taxes; and he supported the effort of a private business to operate the first state-endorsed casino in Minnesota.
If you are troubled by Governor Pawlenty’s actions, I ask that you help me unseat him. To do that, I need your financial support. Please send $100, $50, or whatever you can afford to “Hatch for Governor.”
As Governor, I promise that I will work tirelessly to protect the interests of those unable to protect themselves. Please help in this effort. Make your critical contribution today !
Very truly yours ,
Mike Hatch