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| Date: | July 1, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| STATEMENT FROM SENATOR CARLA NELSON ON GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN |
(St. Paul) – Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) gave the following statement regarding the state government shutdown:
“I am deeply disappointed that months of hard work on behalf of Minnesota have ended in a completely unnecessary government shutdown. It is not a question of who wins or loses, because as Minnesotans, we all lose today. In addition to the three substantive compromise offers Republicans made to Governor Dayton between end of session and now, I submitted my own compromise solutions to help prevent a government shutdown in the days leading up to July 1st. I also co-authored temporary ‘lights on’ legislation that would keep our state open and operating at 95% of our current funding levels while we reached an agreement. Current law says that the Governor needs to call lawmakers back to special session in order that they might pass a budget or a ‘lights on’ bill. Because of that process, our hands, as legislators are tied,” said Senator Nelson.
“It isn’t time for finger pointing – it’s time for common sense solutions that will get Minnesota back up and running. We are very close to agreement on six bills – K-12 Education, Higher Education, Environment, Transportation, Jobs and Public Safety. There is no need for a shutdown, we could pass those bills and keep those areas functioning,” added Senator Nelson.
“State government is the largest single employer in Minnesota; this shutdown will have deep ramifications for all of us. I recognize that many of my constituents have questions during this uncertain time. My office is here to help and I will do whatever I can to be a resource for those who need assistance. I will continue to seek solutions for our budget that live within our means without raising the tax burden on hardworking Minnesotans,” concluded Senator Nelson.
Senator Nelson may be reached by email at Sen.Carla.Nelson@senate.mn or by phone at 651-296-4848 or on her website: senatorcarlanelson.org
