Politics & Government

Goodwin: Compromise to Avoid State Shutdown

Senator says budget impasse doesn't bode well.

Editor's Note: Fridley Patch invited each member of Fridley's legislative delegation to comment on the end of the regular session. This response from state Sen. Barb Goodwin (DFL-50) arrived Friday.

With nearly a $6 billion shortfall at the beginning of the 2011 legislative session, everyone knew it would be a painful and difficult time. We faced some of the toughest budget decisions we've ever had to make as a state.   

Once again, the voters gave us a divided government—a Democrat for Governor this time but Republican House and Senate leadership—both with very different philosophies about how to solve the budget. Yet, with hard work, reasonable solutions and leaders dedicated to the art of compromise, we could have finished on time though severe cuts would have to be made. For most of the last session, instead of working out budget solutions, the House and Senate Majority decided to work on social and religious issues that could have waited until next year—or not be heard at all with no negative impact to the state. For almost two months, no budget committees went to work on the budget.  

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Gov. Dayton sent letters and had meetings with House and Senate leadership. He offered to compromise on cuts and revenue by over half of his original budget proposal. His offers were ignored and no counter-offers were made. Now, we are facing a state shutdown, and still little movement from Republicans. Apparantly, their members cannot agree amongst themselves regarding how the budget issue will be solved.  

So, here we are—facing potential shutdown on July 1. Shutdown means more than just government employees losing their jobs and closed state parks. Many businesses also do work for the state.  They will not be paid either. One small medical supply company in New Brighton is already owed $135,000 from the state that it can't collect and that's payroll for them. Many other businesses and non-profits are facing similar problems.  Thousands of people could be out of work and businesses could go under.   

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Shutdown wasn't the only option, even without a compromise solution. The House and Senate leadership could have passed a "continuing resolution" when they decided not to compromise at the end of session. That would have allowed the state to keep operating. They knew this, but no such resolution was offered.  

The budget compromise is now up to three negotiators—the governor, the speaker of the House and the Senate majority leader. We won't be heading back to pass budget bills until a compromise is reached. Unfortunately, 'no tax' promises were made by many in an effort to gain the majority. With experience, they are learning that an all-cuts budget will cost up to 80,000 jobs (in all sectors, not just public), over 140,000 people losing health care access, college tuition skyrocketing and cities without the means to keep communities up. A hole was dug so deep that escape is difficult.  That does not bode well for the future of our state.  

Unrealistic campaign promises aside, working toward a compromise would show great leadership and would help preserve jobs and services in our state. We need to encourage the new majority to take this task very seriously.


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