Sen. Bonoff on Budget Stalemate: 'Disappointing'

Right now, a stalemate over Minnesota's looming $5 billion deficit means the state is headed towards a possible government shutdown. Because the regular legislative session ended without a budget deal, Governor Dayton and the Legislature now have until July 1 to reach a compromise.

The following piece is written by Senator Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka) in reaction to this situation and as a recap to the 2010-2011 legislative session. It was originally posted on her website. 

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The 2011 Legislative Session drew to a disappointing close on Monday [May 16], as the session was adjourned without agreement between legislative leaders and Governor Dayton on how to balance the projected $5 billion budget deficit our state faces in the next biennium. Legislative leaders now have six weeks to continue negotiating with Gov. Dayton on finding a compromise solution for the state’s $5 billion deficit, or face the prospects of a wide-spread government shutdown on July 1.

In his latest offer to Republican leaders, the Governor proposed cutting nearly $2 billion in state spending and balancing these cuts with an income tax increase on the top 2% of earners in Minnesota. Republicans were unwilling to agree to a budget that included raising taxes.

According to non-partisan analysis, the Republican budget proposal would cut programs serving the elderly and disabled by $250 million and reduce funding for Minnesota hospitals by $931 million. Special education would be cut by $56.5 million. The proposed budget would make the biggest cuts to colleges and universities in our state’s history – 14% from MnSCU and 19% from the University of Minnesota – as well criminalize some forms of stem cell research, despite loud protests from the state’s business and research community.

After offering to reduce his proposed tax increase by half, Governor Dayton made it very clear that the next step in any budget negotiation is for Republican leaders to make a compromise from their initial position. I believe this month must be the time where all parties find a way to compromise. I do not think it is in the best interests of the people of Minnesota for our Government to shut down. While I have shared my own views on this budget debate in the past, I believe I owe it to you - my constituents - to reiterate where I stand.  I think there is a path to compromise. I believe we can find additional revenue using creative and innovative thinking. We can make important reforms to our service delivery and education systems, and we can make cuts where our spending does not match our priorities. 

Lastly please consider joining me at an upcoming Town Hall Meeting on June 9, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Plymouth City Hall – 3400 Plymouth Blvd.

I have treasured serving you this past legislative session. Have a safe and happy summer. I will of course update you as we come to some budget resolution.

Sincerely,

Senator Terri Bonoff