Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday he will release his own budget proposal, which he says will address the thorny issue of entitlement spending on Social Security and Medicare.

In an interview with Nevada journalist Jon Ralston on his program "Face to Face," Pawlenty said he'd have his own budget plan when asked about Rep. Paul Ryan's proposal that passed last week. He said he'd tackle reforming Social Security — unlike the Ryan plan — as well as Medicare spending.

"We have to look the American people in the eye, and say look, on the entitlements, we're going to have to reform them," Pawlenty said. "If you're a new entrant to the program we're going to have a higher retirement age than we do now."

The Minnesota DFL was quick to attack Pawlenty, putting out a statement telling people to "beware" of Pawlenty's not-yet released budget plan. They cited Minnesota's $6 billion deficit when he left office.

On Ralston's show, Pawlenty also had to answer to key local Nevada issues: Yucca Mountain and gambling.

Ralston asked Pawlenty about his statement supporting a Yucca Mountain nuclear waste facility in 2003. Pawlenty responded that new events, like the Japanese earthquake, might change things, and he'd be willing to "review" the plan.

On gambling, Pawlenty was questioned about his opposition to expanding gambling in Minnesota. "What works in Minnesota may be different in Las Vegas," he said.

Watch the full interview below: