DFL CHAIR ASKS GOVERNOR TO STOP OBSTRUCTING PROGRESS

05/17/2007

(ST. PAUL) 5/16/07 – Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez today called on Governor Tim Pawlenty and his Republican allies in the House and Senate to stop pandering to the wealthy elite and start looking out for Minnesota families. On Tuesday, the governor vetoed a property - tax - relief bill, and instead clung to his own proposal that increases property taxes by $432 million dollars in the next year alone. The governor also vetoed a bipartisan transportation compromise that would have resulted in safer roads and long-term economic benefit.

"On the very day that their first property - tax payment was due, Governor Pawlenty vetoed significant permanent property - tax relief for Minnesotans, basically sparing his wealthy masters from a tax hike while sticking everyone else with the bill," said Melendez. "And he is getting away with it because House Republicans are abandoning their constituents in order to stick with their governor, who obviously wants a special session so that he can score political points."

”Last November, Minnesotans voted for progress. They voted for improved education, more accessible health care, better and safer roads, and lower property taxes. Far more Minnesotans voted for the legislators passing these bills than voted for the governor who is vetoing them, yet the governor stands obstinately in the way of progress, democracy, and tax fairness. The Republicans' gamble will backfire, though, because Minnesotans want progress, democracy, and tax fairness. And the only things obstructing them are Tim Pawlenty and his Republican cronies.”