Who was voted into the Federal level has nothing to do with the MN state legislators and governor completing a biennium budget.

Governor Dayton was also elected by 57% of Minnesotans that voted – and he campaigned very clearly on raising taxes on the top wage earners. The majority of Minnesotans voted him in knowing this was his commitment. So his “Obligation” is as strong as the GOP from the “election” argument.

But the Governor has submitted a budget to solve this problem. It is a mixed solution and not only includes the tax increase on the highest income earners but also includes cuts to governments and layoffs of state employees.

However, in spite of their claims that it is easy to do, the GOP has not submitted a budget proposal that solves the deficit on cuts alone. They have an obligation to do that. It is important for Minnesota to know what these cuts are so they can express an opinion on it. Once that is done they can sit down with the Governor to come up with a COMPROMISED solution. This means that Governor Dayton will not get everything in his solution and the GOP legislators will not get everything in theirs. Once elected, they both represent all Minnesotans – not only those that voted for them. And we are waiting to see what they propose.

For all the complaints about the special sessions that occurred when the DFL were in charge -, we know see is the GOP heading in the same direction. And very soon the threat of a government shutdown will start costing MN taxpayers money. You can’t just stop a 50,000 staff government on July 1. You have to figure out what the obligations are – they need to decide what can’t be shut down such as VA homes and legally what needs to happen if there is no budget to keep the VA staff (probably supplemental legislation). The state has signed contracts and grants with non-state organizations so the impact of these need to be reviewed. so the state does not get sued or lose the grant money. Employees that will be “laid-off” need to be sent letters. All of this will take staff time in every state department as well as legislators and their staff time to figure out “what kind of supplemental bills need to be passed”). And as everyone in private business knows, staff time translates to money and other activities not getting done.

It is imperative that the GOP complete their work and submit their proposed budget immediately – and be ready to negotiate compromises with Governor Dayton. That is their obligation to all Minnesotans!