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| Date: | January 6, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Peter D. Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| Ortman Questions "Appointment" of Myron Frans |
St. Paul---The Dayton Administration’s so-called appointment of Myron Frans as Commissioner of the Department of Revenue met with criticism from Senate Republican leaders as they begin scheduling legislative committee hearings.
According to the Dayton Administration’s news release, Frans will be unable to assume his duties until mid-April.
Senator Julianne Ortman (R-Chanhassen), Chair of the Senate Tax Committee, which oversees the agency and will initiate the confirmation process of Frans, commented on this unusual statement from the Governor’s Office:
“This is not an appointment; it is inaction accompanied by a press release and an I.O.U from the Governor. We have a 6.2 billion dollar deficit, and a very strong disagreement between the Legislature and the Governor as to how to resolve it. Improving our business climate and putting Minnesotans back to work can’t wait until mid-April when Mr. Frans is available to do the job. We need department leaders in place that are ready, willing and able to join us in this effort.”
During this first week of the 2011 Legislative Session, some Senate Committees have met for the first time and are receiving briefings from state agency and department leaders. The Senate Tax Committee will convene on January 13, 2011.
“We have a heavy agenda in the tax committee,” said Ortman. “We are committed to reforming Minnesota’s tax code to encourage new business, job growth, private investment, and new employment opportunities. Knowing that we won’t have a Commissioner for the Department of Revenue until mid-April sends a troubling message that the executive branch may not be fully committed to the important work ahead.”
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Julianne Ortman was first elected to the State Senate in 2002. Senator Ortman is the Chair of the Senate Tax Committee. She encourages and appreciates constituent input, and can be reached at (651)296-4837 and by e-mail at sen.julianne.ortman@senate.mn.
