Politics & Government

Goodwin Q&A: GOP 'Feet in Cement' in Shutdown Showdown

Government shutdown 'could have been avoided,' senator says

Minnesota Sen. Barb Goodwin (DFL-50) responded Friday to questions Fridley Patch :

Fridley Patch: What is your take on the ?

Sen. Barb Goodwin: The shutdown could have been avoided.  For ten weeks during session, Republican leaders put the budget on the back burner and dealt with social issues instead. Then, in the final days of session, they offered the Governor a budget they knew he would veto. Following that, the shutdown could still have been avoided.  Governor Dayton offered many compromise proposals to the House and Senate leadership before the shutdown. All were quickly rejected. They only plan they had was to borrow again from the schools and borrow on future tobacco funds. Just more of the same budgets the state had during the past ten years. That's what got us where we are and would only make it worse for the next budget.

Yes, both sides need to participate. When one side holds out or puts their feet in cement, how can a compromise ever be reached?  That's what we have now.   

Fridley Patch: How have you been involved with the process over the last couple weeks?

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Goodwin: At this point, the talks are between House and Senate leaders and the Governor only.  I can provide opinions and support proposals I think will benefit the state and our district the most, but I cannot end the shutdown and cannot be at the negotiating table.  Once a compromise is reached (hopefully soon), I can express pros and cons of the proposal and support it or not.

Fridley Patch: What are you hearing about the shutdown and budget from constitutents?

Goodwin: Most of the people in District 50 who are contacting me are supporting the Governor's proposals. No one has written or called in support of borrowing more to balance our budget (the Republican plan).  Most have advocated a balance between cuts and revenue. A few have asked for only cuts, but those calls and mail are rare. Many people are anxious to end the shutdown.

Fridley Patch: What do you think of the ?

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Goodwin: Former Governor Carlson and Vice President Mondale have vast experience and credible ideas. I support their involvement and anything they can do to end the shutdown. I have a great deal of respect for both. But here's what we are dealing with on the other side: Senator Mike Parry, Chair of the State Government Finance Committee made a public statement this week that both Carlson and Mondale should go back to their rocking chairs. How do we deal with the type of new leadership that is blatantly disrespectful of former leaders, rather than relying on or at least considering their experience and expertise? It is indeed a huge challenge.


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