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| Date: | June 20, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Michael Brodkorb | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-4184 | | Contact Email: | michael.brodkorb@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| GOP LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP CALLS FOR DAYTON TO COMPROMISE ON STATE BUDGET It has been over 90 days since Dayton has released any detailed budget offer |
(St. Paul) -- Republican legislative leaders held a Monday morning news conference to show Minnesota voters and taxpayers that over the last 90 days, they have proposed and offered three negotiated budget solutions, while Governor Dayton has chosen to not release any detailed budget solution.
After the 2011 Legislative Session adjourned on May 23, the Republican majorities in the House and Senate had passed a complete, balanced budget solution that funds state government with the largest General Fund spending appropriations in history. A day later, Governor Dayton chose to veto those bills, insisting that tax increases are necessary to fund even essential, core services specified in the Minnesota State Constitution.
“Over the last 90 days, the Republican majorities in the legislature have offered three different proposals that solve the state budget deficit, in some cases, meeting Gov. Dayton’s funding requests 100 percent of the way,” said Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R-Buffalo). “It has been more than 90 days since Gov. Dayton has released any detailed compromise plan. It is time for Gov. Dayton to quit the political posturing and negotiate a budget deal with us.”
The Republican legislative leaders cited the June 19th editorial from the Owatonna People’s Press, which said: “For all of his posturing about the Republicans being unwilling to compromise, the governor misses the point that his loyal opposition has compromised --- several times in fact.”
“Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature have again presented a complete and balanced budget. Governor Dayton has a choice: Accept our offer or present his own complete budget. We are ready to work and committed to finishing the budget by June 30 to avoid an unnecessary and costly government shutdown,” said Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove).
“Gov. Dayton, call us back for a special session. Let’s finish this up and keep state government from shutting down,” said Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel (R-Edina).
Senator Koch and Speaker Zellers were clear about the need for Gov. Dayton’s participation in budget negotiations. If no agreement is reached by June 30, 2011, state government will shut down due to a lack of funding appropriations.
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