budget070209
On the homepage
Scanners
Out There
Gas lines
Club Outdoors
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
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - July 2, 2009
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - Gov. Tim Pawlenty's lawyers got a judge's green light, and funding was restored to a state nutrition program. More
- Senate passes $1 billion bonding bill
- Bill helps consumers against debt buyers
- Pawlenty defends budget cuts
- $78.5M to stop carp invasion
- Pawlenty: Keep sex offenders in prison
- Pawlenty hints at stadium solution
- Pawlenty plays courier for Texas donor
- Pawlenty's final deer opener in Little Falls
- MN GOP candidate pushes horse-lover license plates
- Session starts with $1 billion proposal
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.
StarTribune.com: Steals + Deals & Classifieds
Learn how to do it right.
Simplify your job search by learning the best way to approach networking, resumes, cover letters, and interviewing.
Tips for getting more for less
Subscribe to the weekly
Win tickets to Vita.mn's "Are You Local?" SXSW Send-off showcase at First Avenue.Vita.mn presents its "Are You Local?" SXSW Send-off showcase featuring Lookbook, Gay Witch Abortion, Peter Wolf Crier, Jeremy Messersmith, Romantica and City On the Make at First Avenue on March 6. |
Comment on this story | Read all 161 comments | Hide reader comments