Sen. Lynch says Governor must recognize state’s needs
06/07/2007
Sen. Lynch says Governor must recognize state's needs(Rochester, MN) -- Minnesota State Senator Ann Lynch, DFL - Rochester, today questioned Governor Tim Pawlenty's commitment to meeting the needs of the state. Sen. Lynch was joined by other legislators from the Rochester area Thursday following Governor Tim Pawlenty's breakfast meeting with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce to discuss the legislative session. Lynch focused on the anemic job growth in the state and vetoes of tax, transportation, and capital investment bills.
The state's job growth in April 2007 was 4.5%, which only matches the national average. Following decades of above-average job creation, Minnesota added jobs at a rate one-third less than the national average in 2006. Originally, DEED announced in a press release that the state added 54,580 jobs in 2006. In February, that number was quietly revised down to 12,996, or a .47% gain. In 2006, Minnesota ranked 46th among all states in per-capita personal income growth, which is considered a key measure of economic strength.
"This Governor isn't recognizing that the needs of our state, like quality education, affordable health care, and targeted investments in infrastructure are what will lead to long term job growth and prosperity," said Sen. Lynch.
"Our state is falling behind the rest of the country. He had the opportunity to sign into law bills that would put us back at the top and instead he decided to continue to mire the state in mediocrity."
The bonding bill featured several projects of significance for the area, including $2.5 million for the Mayo Civic Center and $1.5 million for the Southeast Minnesota Training Center. The bi-partisan transportation package would have invested $8.3 billion into the state's roads, bridges, and transit over the next 10 years.
The bill most recently vetoed was the tax bill featuring tax breaks for businesses and homeowners, over $800,000 in Local Government Aid for the city of Rochester in 2008 and 2009, and incentives for growing businesses in the state.
"We need the Governor to apply the kind of vision and foresight that he has shown in supporting the Mayo genomics partnership to other issues that will move our state forward," said Sen. Lynch.
"Whether it's political ambition or a general lack of understanding of the state's needs, this Governor must get past it and begin to work with the Legislature to make the state a better place to live and work. We have to help create good, high paying jobs by investing in education at all levels, affordable health care, and a 21st century transportation system."