Capitol View: September 7, 2010 Archive

Pawlenty asks for federal Medicaid money

Posted at 11:44 AM on September 7, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Tim Pawlenty today asked U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for about $260 million in federal funding for Medicaid and foster care.

If you're confused about the governor's stand on federal funding you're forgiven, because it's complicated. Last week Pawlenty issued an executive order to state agencies telling them to avoid applying for discretionary funding under the federal health care law which he referred to as "Obamacare."

The pot of money he asked for today came from a different law designed to help states during the economic crisis. Pawlenty had originally counted on this money in the budget plan he proposed to lawmakers early this year.

What's the difference? The governor's letter says this money reflects "current and longstanding Minnesota policy objectives and commitments." He also writes that Minnesota gets back only $0.72 for every dollar the state sends to Washington and that "Minnesota taxpayers subsidize the federal government."

Here's his letter.

Next debate to focus on education

Posted at 4:08 PM on September 7, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Association of Metropolitan School Districts is sponsoring a gubernatorial debate Friday, focused exclusively on education issues.

The event is scheduled for 8:00 a.m., at the TIES building, 1667 Snelling Avenue North in St. Paul. The association's executive director, Scott Croonquist, said all three major party candidates (Mark Dayton, Tom Emmer and Tom Horner) are confirmed.

A gubernatorial debate focused on health care issues is scheduled Wednesday at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, but DFLer Dayton cannot attend due to a previous speaking commitment.

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On abortion, Emmer changes the subject

Posted at 4:35 PM on September 7, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

An interesting moment at the gubernatorial debate in Duluth today. A woman who identified herself as Elizabeth asked a question about abortion: "I would like to ask these gentlemen what their philosophy is on abortion and specifically what your policy is on taxpayer funded abortion in Minnesota?"

The candidates' responses in order:

Tom Horner-- "I think we all agree we ought to reduce abortions. And so I've laid out a very specific plan that says I think we get to reducing abortions by making sure that all women have access to good health care, including access to contraceptives. I think we get there by making sure that we have responsible sex education in the schools. It was disappointing that Gov. Pawlenty turned down the federal grant that would have expanded good, responsible, including abstinence-based sex education in the schools. And I think we make an investment in adoption services. That's what a governor can do to make good public policy to achieve the goal that I think most Minnesotans agree on; reduce the number of abortions."

Tom Emmer-- "You know what, I appreciate the question, and, you know, Jacquie and I, we believe in life. But I've got to tell you, this election; it has to be about what is hurting the state of Minnesota--the loss of jobs. It's got to be, the economics are front and center. These are important issues, no doubt, but we've got to start talking about why Minnesota is not able to do the things it might want to do. We've got to talk about reforming our education system. We've got to talk about reforming our government delivery systems. More importantly, we've got to talk about growing jobs again in the state of Minnesota. That should be job number one for the next governor of this state, and those issues will be handled by the Legislature."

Mark Dayton--"I think the decision is between a woman and her doctor and her God. And I believe abortion should be safe, legal and rare."

On his website Emmer is quite clear where he stands on the abortion issue:

As a husband of 24 years and the father to seven children, nothing is more important to me than family. I strongly believe in the sanctity of human life, from conception to natural death. As a legislator, I have voted 100% pro-life and introduced numerous bills and amendments to protect the unborn. As Governor, I will continue to support the rights of the unborn, the elderly and the infirm.

By the way, if you missed the debate here it is: Listen

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