budget070209
On the homepage
Sunday's paper
Out There
Honor Flights
Stolen
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Pawlenty starts cutting budget to close $2.7 billion gap
$2.7 billion in emergency cuts and shifts to balance the state's budget have begun.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
With his signature on a one-sentence letter, Gov. Tim Pawlenty started cutting the state's budget Wednesday.
As expected, on the first day of the new two-year budget cycle, Pawlenty's letter set in motion budget trims and accounting shifts designed to close the state's $2.7 billion budget gap.
Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson has said that about half of the changes will happen this year and half in fiscal 2011. The biggest hit will be in health and human services programs, which are among the largest components of the state's budget.
EDUCATION: K-12 schools will suffer a $1.7 billion accounting shift that the administration delays -- but does not cut -- their funding. Some school districts have said they will incur some loss because they will be forced to do short-term borrowing to cover the delay; DFLers say the shift amounts to a cut because the funds aren't likely to be restored at a time of continuing future deficits.
The University of Minnesota and the state colleges system each face cuts of $50 million.
Several programs administered by the Health and Human Services department are being cut by more than $200 million.
LOCAL AID: Aid to local governments also is being cut severely, by about $300 million.
Hanson last week acknowledged that the aid cuts would drive up property taxes in some areas.
BOB VON STERNBERG
Recent State Politics stories
What happens when the indigent lose medical care? - July 2, 2009
What happens when the indigent lose medical care? - Hennepin County officials are making plans to help the 26,000 indigent residents they estimate will lose medical care next spring with the elimination of the state's General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) program. More
- It's official: Rybak in governor's race
- Campaign finance board rules against Rybak
- Campaign finance board rules against Rybak
- Pawlenty draws wallets fat...and famous
- Pawlenty postpones Mexico trade trip
- Palin, 'Going Rogue' stopping at the Mall
- Gang Force seizures prompt look at law
- Pawlenty proposal: Handcuff spending budget controls
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
  Car Maintenance SpecialsTime for an oil change? Save money with coupons from local dealerships. Go now! Receive Customized E-mail AlertsSign up for My Car Searches & E-mail Alerts. |
Win tickets to see Electric Six with The Gay Blades and Millions of Brazilians at First Avenue.Vita.mn presents Electric Six with The Gay Blades and Millions of Brazilians at First Avenue on Nov. 23. |
Comment on this story | Read all 161 comments | Hide reader comments