Capitol View: March 2, 2010 Archive

IUPAT back Bakk

Posted at 6:14 AM on March 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 82 is backing Democrat Tom Bakk for governor. Here's the release:

Sen. Tom Bakk has been endorsed for governor by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 82. The 4,000-member union represents painters, drywall finishers, glaziers and glassworkers, sign, and display screen process and trade shows.

Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Terry Nelson said no one understands the construction industry better than Bakk.

"This election is about jobs and we believe that as governor, Tom is going to help us put people back to work," Nelson said.

Bakk appreciates the union's support and said he understands what its members are facing in this difficult economy.

"This winter more than 50 percent of trades people in Minnesota were without a job," Bakk said. "As a retired carpenter, I've been in that position and know the stress those families are facing. The state needs a bold, experienced leader like me who will create jobs."

Bakk said the next governor must get people back to work not only for their family security, but also to help address the state's serious financial challenges.

"We won't have the resources necessary to invest in areas that will provide Minnesota long-term prosperity, such as education and health care, until people get back to work," Bakk said. "On Jan. 9 a record number of Minnesotans - 240,398 - received an unemployment check. This is unacceptable. As governor, I will spur our construction economy, incent local banks to lend, and go anywhere, any time, to create jobs."

In addition to the painters, Bakk has been endorsed by the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents 50,000 construction members across the state, the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters and the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council.

"As a union member for more than 30 years, the support of my brothers and sisters is very important to me," Bakk said, "and I am working with them to get the message out about how I will use my experience to get Minnesota on the road to economic recovery."

$994M Red

Posted at 9:27 AM on March 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, MN Legislature, Tim Pawlenty

Budget documents released by Minnesota Management Budget says the state is facing a $994 million budget deficit in the current budget cycle. That's an improvement of roughly $200 million from the November forecast.

The forecast will be officially released later this morning.

Governor Pawlenty and state lawmakers will have to raise revenue or cut spending to balance the state's budget. Pawlenty has said he opposes any tax increases. He released a budget plan that uses a mix of spending cuts, one-time money and federal money that hasn't been approved yet to balance the budget. Democrats were waiting for the forecast before they release their budget plan.

The budget picture isn't going to get easier in the future. The finance document says Minnesota is facing a $5.8 billion budget deficit in the next two year budget cycle.

Kalin not running again.

Posted at 1:44 PM on March 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010

DFL state Rep. Jeremy Kalin of North Branch says he's not running for reelection, Here's his statement:

"Serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives is an incredible honor. I've been lucky enough to earn the trust of my neighbors all across Chisago County for two terms. I'm confident that I would have won their trust for another term, but my name won't be on the ballot in November.

"My wife and I were married during my first year in office. For 2 and a half years, we've managed the very hectic life of a State Representative from Chisago County and an ob-gyn phsyician delivering babies 45 miles away in Minneapolis. We've decided to take a break from campaigns and elected office and enjoy our lives together, while we can still call ourselves 'newlyweds.'

"Public service is in my blood. I am sure that the call to serve our great state will be present throughout my life. For now, I am focused on the task at hand in the legislative session - Minnesota's short- and long-term economic recovery. I cannot say 'Thank You' often enough to the voters of Chisago County for the chance to be their voice in the Minnesota House. It is truly a privilege in every sense of the word."

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Pawlenty files final unallotment brief

Posted at 4:21 PM on March 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, MN Legislature, Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Pawlenty's office has filed the final unallotment brief before the Minnesota Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the matter.

In the filing, lawyers argue that there has been no 'as applied' violation of separation of powers and a "statute is presumed constitutional and will be declared unconstitutional with extreme caution and only when absolutely necessary."

A Ramsey County District Court judge ruled in December that Pawlenty crossed the line when he unilaterally cut spending in July.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the case at 9am on March 15th.

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