As you know, the state of Minnesota is facing a significant budget shortfall. Closing that gap will involve careful but hard decisions.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget released earlier this month began what will be a long and difficult conversation, and illustrates the gravity of the state's current budget challenges. The governor's plan would borrow money from future generations to pay off our current deficit, eliminate health care coverage for 113,000 adults and 20,000 children, cut programs for the elderly and disabled and shift money out of public education.
Now lawmakers are evaluating his proposal, and working to find areas where we agree, disagree and where improvements can be made. We realize we cannot do this work alone; we need to hear from you.
For that reason, lawmakers are coming together to host a series of budget hearings across the state in the coming weeks. We want your input in order to ensure the decisions we make in St. Paul are a fair and accurate reflection of the priorities of all Minnesotans. A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers will be coming to Duluth to meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in the Duluth City Council Chambers.
We invite you to attend the hearing and share your input to help us make the right decisions for our future.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mary Murphy, Tom Huntley, Roger Reinert, Yvonne Prettner Solon
Area legislators
