T-Paw to Veto Bonding Bill Tomorrow (Update w/guv's letter)
February 22, 2010 - State Capitol
By Tanner Curl
When Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced his proposed bonding bill in January, he made it clear he wasn't afraid to use a full veto instead of making line-item cuts, as he has in the past. Tonight, he made it clear he wasn't joking around.
In a letter to state Sen. Keith Langseth and state Rep. Alice Hausman, the DFL leads on the bonding bill, Pawlenty wrote, "The people of Minnesota expect us to spend their tax dollars frugally and wisely. This bill does neither."
The governor criticized the DFLers for skimping on "important public safety and veterans projects," such as the $89 million expansion of the Moose Lake sex offender treatment center and a renovation of the Minneapolis Veterans Home. Pawlenty also expressed disapproval of funding for local project requests, singling out improvements to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and recreational facilities at Theodore Wirth Park in his criticism. While the governor allowed that these may be worthwhile projects, he reiterated his desire that the bonding bill only fund projects with express statewide benefits.
He accused the DFL leadership of snubbing his attempts at compromise and eschewing transparency to the public. The letter concluded, though, with a desire that his veto will a "reset" of the process.
DFLers have worked hard to get a bonding bill passed early, hoping that projects could take full advantage of Minnesota's limited construction season. While Pawlenty has repeatedly said a large bonding bill would be irresponsible, the DFL has claimed that the spending will spur job creation and give a boost to the state's economy.
Here's the full text of Pawlenty's letter:
Dear Senator Langseth and Representative Hausman:
Prior to this evening's debate on the Capital Investment bill, I wanted to inform you, and the entire legislature, that I will be vetoing this bill in its entirety.
The people of Minnesota expect us to spend their tax dollars frugally and wisely. This bill does neither.
At $1 billion, the bill is well beyond the $725 million anticipated in the most recent budget forecast. While you have publicly attempted to minimize the impact of your additional borrowing, the extra $275 million in bonding would cost the taxpayers of Minnesota an additional $419 million in principal and interest over the life of the bonds. This is significant and your plan doesn't address how the state would pay those additional costs.
In addition, this bill represents severely misguided priorities. It leaves out funding for important public safety and veterans projects, including the facility to house dangerous, civilly committed sex offenders at Moose Lake, a perimeter fence and security system upgrade at the state's maximum-security prison at Oak Park Heights, and renovations at the Minneapolis Veterans Home to provide residents with their own rooms and bathrooms. Other important items are also underfunded or not included.
Despite failing to fund these key priorities, the bill contains money for improvements to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, enhanced snowboarding and snow tubing facilities at Theodore Wirth Park, various sports facilities and civic centers, trail enhancements, and other local earmark projects.
While some of these projects may be desired by local communities and may have some merit, they do not rise to the level of key statewide initiatives that should be included in this year's bonding bill.
I am also very disappointed in the lack of outreach to Republican members of the legislature. It is my understanding that much of this bill was assembled behind closed doors by some conference committee members and the completed bill was unveiled to the public at approximately 1:00 a.m. this morning. This lack of transparency is unacceptable.
You've also blatantly ignored the requests and concerns voiced by myself, my staff, and my Administration. I proposed a $685 million bill on January 15 and sent a letter to the legislature outlining my concerns on February 9. We conducted a face-to-face meeting in my office last Wednesday. I indicated a willingness to consider a bonding bill larger than my proposal, up to $725 million, and was open to negotiating an agreed-upon bill. You chose not to negotiate with us at all.
Your final product shows virtually no interest in taking our concerns seriously and the DFL majority's attitude and approach regarding the assembly of this bonding bill has been dismissive.
As you know, the state is facing a $1.2 billion deficit. Before the legislature passes any additional spending bills, I ask that DFL legislators submit a plan to resolve the budget deficit. My budget plan has been available for more than a week, but during that time the DFL majority has only shown an interest in spending more money, not in balancing the budget.
Please consider my upcoming veto of this bill an opportunity to hit the "reset button" on the bonding bill. I remain open to working with you on an affordable bill that reflects a needed focus on essential, prioritized statewide projects.
Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty
Governorcc: All members of the Minnesota Legislature
